Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) Energy Rebates
The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) is the largest municipally-owned utility in the United States, providing electricity and water to nearly 4 million residents within the City of Los Angeles in California. LADWP operates independently from investor-owned utilities like SCE and PG&E, offering its own comprehensive suite of energy rebate programs. The utility's Home Energy Improvement Program provides substantial incentives for heat pumps, water heaters, pool pumps, and other high-efficiency equipment. LADWP customers benefit from some of the most competitive municipal utility rates in Southern California, and the rebate programs further reduce the cost of energy-efficient upgrades. As Los Angeles pushes toward its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2035, LADWP's rebate programs have become increasingly generous to support building electrification.
Service area: City of Los Angeles — all neighborhoods within the Los Angeles city limits, from San Pedro to Chatsworth, including the San Fernando Valley, Westside, Downtown, and South LA
Home Energy Improvement Program
LADWP's flagship residential rebate program provides direct financial incentives for homeowners and renters who install qualifying energy-efficient equipment. The program covers a wide range of upgrades from HVAC systems to pool equipment, with a focus on reducing peak electricity demand and overall energy consumption across the city.
| Equipment | Rebate Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Central Heat Pump (HVAC) | Up to $3,000 | Ducted central heat pump system rated 15 SEER2 or higher and 8.8 HSPF2 or higher. Must replace existing equipment. Higher rebate tiers for higher efficiency. |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Up to $500 | ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater with UEF 2.0 or higher. Must be installed at an LADWP-served residential address. |
| Variable-Speed Pool Pump | Up to $400 | Must be ENERGY STAR certified variable-speed pool pump replacing a single-speed pump. Proof of old pump disposal required. |
| Cool Roof | $0.30/sq ft | Cool roof coating or materials with Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of 75 or higher. Maximum rebate of $1,500. Helps reduce AC load. |
| Smart Thermostat | Up to $75 | ENERGY STAR certified Wi-Fi programmable thermostat. One rebate per LADWP account. Must be installed at a residential address. |
Refrigerator and Appliance Recycling
LADWP offers a free pickup and recycling service for old, energy-wasting refrigerators and freezers. The program includes a cash incentive for participating, and LADWP handles all pickup, hauling, and environmentally responsible recycling at no cost to the customer.
| Equipment | Rebate Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Recycling | $75 | Free pickup of working refrigerator or freezer (10-30 cubic feet). Must be plugged in and operational. One per address per year. |
| Room AC Recycling | $25 | Window or portable AC unit recycled through the program. Must be operational. |
How to Apply for Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) Rebates
LADWP makes it easy for City of Los Angeles residents to apply for energy rebates. Here is the process:
- Confirm LADWP service: Make sure your home is served by LADWP (not SCE or another utility). You can verify this on your electricity bill or by calling LADWP customer service at 1-800-342-5397.
- Research available rebates: Visit the LADWP rebates page to review current rebate offerings, eligible equipment, and any spending caps or program deadlines. Some rebates have limited funding and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Purchase and install qualifying equipment: Buy ENERGY STAR certified or program-qualifying equipment. For HVAC and water heater installations, use a licensed contractor and ensure proper permits are obtained.
- Gather required documentation: You will need your LADWP account number, copies of purchase receipts or invoices, contractor information (if applicable), and equipment model and serial numbers.
- Apply online or by mail: Complete the rebate application at ladwp.com/rebates. You can also download a paper application and mail it with your documentation to the address listed on the form.
- Receive your incentive: LADWP typically processes rebates within 6 to 10 weeks. Payment is usually issued as a credit on your LADWP bill or a check mailed to your address.
For the refrigerator recycling program, schedule a free pickup by calling 1-800-342-5397 or booking online. LADWP will pick up the unit and mail your rebate check within a few weeks.
Stacking with Federal Rebates
Utility rebates from Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) can typically be combined with HOMES and HEAR federal rebates (if available in your state). This means you could potentially receive both a utility rebate and a federal rebate for the same improvement. Use our calculator to estimate your total savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LADWP the same as Southern California Edison?
No. LADWP is a municipally-owned utility that serves the City of Los Angeles specifically, while Southern California Edison (SCE) serves surrounding areas. If you live within LA city limits, you are most likely an LADWP customer. If you live in unincorporated LA County or other nearby cities, you are likely served by SCE. Check your electricity bill to confirm your provider.
Can LADWP customers also get federal energy tax credits?
Absolutely. Federal tax credits like the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and the 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit are available to all US taxpayers regardless of their utility provider. LADWP rebates can be combined with these federal credits, and they are not considered taxable income in most cases.
Does LADWP offer rebates for solar panels?
LADWP has historically offered its own solar incentive program separate from the statewide NEM program. The current Feed-in Tariff and solar rebate programs vary by year and available funding. Check LADWP's solar page for the most current incentive information, as these programs change frequently.
What happens if the rebate program runs out of funding?
Some LADWP rebate programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis and can run out of funding before the program year ends. If funding is exhausted, you may need to wait until the next funding cycle. It is best to apply as early as possible and verify fund availability before making a purchase.