These Sacramento programs could save you up to $3,000 on water and electric upgrades

Jacqueline Pinedo
·3 min read

As weather heats up in Sacramento and you wrap up spring to-dos, these rebates from the city and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District could help you make energy- and water-efficient upgrades to your home.

The rebates, which the the city and SMUD detail on their websites, range from roughly $100 to $3,000 for single family homes.

Here are some options, the eligibility and application requirements:

A Sacramento Bee reporter confirmed rebates for SMUD and the city of Sacramento with its spokespeople.

SMUD electric upgrade rebates

SMUD, according to its website, has a rebate if you switch to an induction cooktop. These stoves are more energy efficient, which could save you money and reduce the amount of harmful pollutants emitted when you cook. It also heats up water faster than the alternatives — you’ll just need induction compatible cookware for it to work (cast iron, carbon steel and some stainless steel work).

Induction stoves only create heat when a pan is placed on its surface, making them 10% more efficient than a gas stove, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Here’s how you qualify

According to the SMUD website you need to meet these two qualification:

  • You should be willing to install an electrical cooktop that measures at least 24 inches.

  • A cooktop stove or range both qualify for a rebate.

Rebate incentive

You can receive a rebate of up to $750 depending on the type of stove you already have. Here’s a breakdown of the rebates you can cash in on, according to the SMUD website.

  • If you already have an electric stove, but want to upgrade, you qualify for a $100 rebate.

  • If you’re looking to switch from gas to electric, you qualify for a $750 rebate. You’ll have to provide proof of upgrade.

Application Requirements

You can start the rebate process online, through the SMUD website, by logging on to your account. Here is some information you’ll need:

  • Appliance number and model of the induction cooktop stove you purchased.

  • You’ll need to provide the date you purchased the stove, installation costs and the name of retailer you purchased the appliance from.

  • Proof of purchase will be required.

  • You’ll also be asked to submit pre and post photo updates to SMUD.

Sacramento outdoor rebates

The city of Sacramento also offers rebates to help customers save water. Here’s a list of rebates and how much cash you can get, according to the city website.

Switch over to a drought tolerant landscape:

Here’s the breakdown on how much you can get back

  • Single families can get a rebate of up $3,000.

  • Multi-family residences with three or more units can get rebates of $50,000.

Upgrade your sprinklers to high-efficiency nozzles:

Here’s the breakdown on rebate pricing

  • $800 for irrigation materials

  • $400 to upgrade current irrigation

  • $400 to upgrade EPA Water Sense-certified smart irrigation controller

  • $150 for a license-contractor labor

Get a rain barrel

  • Customers can receive up to $150. Rebates are calculated at $0.75 for each gallon of storage capacity.

Install a laundry-to-landscape system

  • Receive up to $100 for materials to install a laundry-to-landscape system in your home.

How do you apply?

Applications for each rebate can be found on the city’s website.

Requirements to consider before applying

Below is a list of general requirements listed on the city’s website that apply to all posted rebates:

  • You must be a city of Sacramento water customer

  • You must be a property owner or get approval from your property owner to apply

  • Rebates are not retroactive

  • Please keep in mind that some rebates will require per-qualification as well as approval from Water Conservation Staff.

  • Work must be completed within the time allotted by the rebate terms

  • Verification of installation from water conservation staff will be necessary after installation to approve the rebate

  • The rebate can take up to 90 days after a city inspection

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