SoCalGas - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs

SoCalGas offers rebates on energy-efficient natural gas appliances—including furnaces ($1.40–$25 per kBTUh), high-efficiency water heaters ($80–$1,500 for tankless, $300–$575 for storage, and $2,500–$5,000 for solar thermal systems), and other equipment—for existing residential properties through a first-come, first-served program available until December 31, 2026 or until funds are exhausted. You can shop qualifying models in the SoCalGas Marketplace for instant rebates at checkout, or submit a mail-in application with photos of your receipt and appliance model tag for rebate payment within six to eight weeks. Verify you're a SoCalGas customer, confirm the appliance meets specific efficiency standards (e.g., ENERGY STAR certification, required UEF or AFUE ratings), and note that some upgrades like furnaces require a licensed contractor and permit closure.

This program drives customer demand for high-efficiency natural gas equipment by providing point-of-sale discounts or post-purchase rebates that reduce customer out-of-pocket costs. Furnace installations must include proof of permit closure and be limited to one per household; solar thermal systems also have a one-per-household cap and require a new ENERGY STAR water heater bundled with the solar unit. Contractors should verify qualifying model numbers against SoCalGas lists, confirm customer eligibility before work begins, and ensure proper documentation (permits, model tags, receipts) to avoid application delays or denials.

The program is administered by SoCalGas under California Public Utilities Commission oversight and funded by California utility customer revenues. Rebate payments are processed on a first-come, first-served basis through a third-party disbursement processor (Choice Digital Corporation) as prepaid Mastercards, with funds committed through December 31, 2026 or until depletion. The program targets residential customers upgrading natural gas appliances in existing homes; eligibility and per-household caps vary by technology (e.g., one furnace and one solar thermal system per household). Applications require verification documentation and may trigger additional vetting; the program may be modified or terminated without notice.