Heat pump water heater incentives requirements
You can get valuable incentives on a heat pump water heater by working with a TECH Clean California contractor. Your contractor will take care of most of the program steps for you, but there are a few areas where you have to take action to meet the eligibility requirements for your state-funded water heater incentive. To receive the TECH Clean California incentive follow these simple steps:
Demand Response
Enroll in a residential demand response program --your contractor can help. Demand response programs can help you optimize your household electricity use. Your contractor may recommend a specific program -- for example, OhmConnect is a common choice since almost anyone can enroll. SMUD customers can enroll in My Energy Optimizer and PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E electric customers, have multiple program options (see here for a list).
Be sure to send your contractor a photo or screenshot confirming your enrollment -- they'll give you more complete instructions on what you need to capture and share. Your contractor will use this image to submit the incentive payment request.
Please note: If you have a new Rheem heat pump water heater, when you set up your EcoNet app to access your water heater’s remote-control features, you will see the option to connect to OhmConnect. Do not do this! If you do, you’ll have to disconnect in order to complete step 2!
Water Heater Rewards Programs
Apply to a water heater rewards program if your utility offers one. Water heater rewards programs reward you for connecting your water heater to heat your water at less expensive times of day and keep it hot for when you need it. Plus, you will earn a $50 enrollment bonus after you enroll, and $5 per month for every month you successfully participate.
If you are a:
- PG&E electric customer, you will apply to WatterSaver.
- SCE electric customer, you will apply to SmartShift Rewards.
- San Diego Community Power electric customer, you will apply to Smart Home Flex.
Time-of-use rates
Switch to a time-of-use rate plan for your electric provider. Note: you may already be on a time-of-use rate plan.
A time-of-use rate is a type of utility rate plan that offers customers lower electricity prices during off-peak times of the day. This gives you more control over your electricity costs and could save you money if you are able to shift some electricity use to lower- priced times of the day. Your heat pump water heater is programmed to heat your water at lower priced times of day, so enrolling in a time-of-use rate allows you take advantage of the savings. Be sure to visit the site linked above to learn more about how you may be able to save on your electric bills with a time-of-use rate, and how to enroll.
While you’re maximizing your electricity savings, you're also helping to make California’s energy grid cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable for everyone. You and your family or business contribute to cleaner, healthier air, and a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
