San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Energy Rebates
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) serves approximately 3.7 million people across San Diego County and southern Orange County in California. As a combined gas and electric utility owned by Sempra Energy, SDG&E provides a comprehensive range of residential energy rebate programs to help customers reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. The utility's rebate portfolio covers high-efficiency HVAC systems, water heaters, insulation, and smart home technologies. SDG&E operates in one of California's mildest climate zones, which makes heat pumps particularly effective and cost-efficient for year-round comfort. The utility also offers time-of-use rate plans that pair well with energy-efficient upgrades, allowing customers to maximize their savings beyond the initial rebate.
Service area: San Diego County and southern Orange County — from Oceanside and Escondido in the north to the US-Mexico border in the south, and east to the mountain and desert communities
Residential Energy Efficiency Rebates
SDG&E's residential rebate program offers cash incentives for a broad range of energy-efficient upgrades. The program is designed to reduce both gas and electric consumption across the service territory. Rebates are available for equipment replacements, weatherization improvements, and smart energy management devices.
| Equipment | Rebate Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Pump HVAC System | Up to $2,800 | Ducted or ductless heat pump systems meeting 15 SEER2 and 8.8 HSPF2 minimums. Higher rebate for gas furnace replacement. |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Up to $1,800 | ENERGY STAR certified with UEF 2.2 or higher. Must replace existing gas or electric resistance water heater. |
| Attic Insulation | Up to $0.75/sq ft | Minimum R-30 insulation in attic spaces. Maximum $600 per household. Must be installed by a participating contractor. |
| Duct Sealing | Up to $250 | Professional duct testing and sealing by a participating HVAC contractor. Duct leakage must be reduced to below 15%. |
| Smart Thermostat | Up to $50 | ENERGY STAR certified Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat. One per household. Must be connected to SDG&E's demand response program for maximum incentive. |
Energy Savings Assistance Program
SDG&E's income-qualified weatherization program provides free energy-efficient upgrades to eligible households at no cost. The program targets low-income residents and helps reduce energy burden through appliance replacement, weatherization, and energy education services.
| Equipment | Rebate Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Weatherization Package | Free | Complete home weatherization including weather stripping, caulking, pipe insulation, and minor repairs. |
| Refrigerator Replacement | Free | Replacement of old, inefficient refrigerator with a new ENERGY STAR model at no cost to the homeowner. |
| LED Lighting Upgrade | Free | Full-home LED lighting upgrade replacing incandescent and CFL bulbs. |
How to Apply for San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Rebates
Follow these steps to apply for SDG&E residential energy rebates:
- Verify your account: Confirm that you have an active SDG&E residential account. Your account number is found on your monthly bill or in your My Account portal online.
- Review available rebates: Visit sdge.com/residential/savings to review the current rebate catalog, equipment requirements, and any program caps or deadlines.
- Select qualifying equipment: Choose equipment that meets SDG&E's minimum efficiency requirements. Use the utility's qualifying product database to confirm your equipment model is eligible.
- Hire a licensed contractor: Major equipment installations (HVAC, water heater, insulation) require a licensed California contractor. SDG&E maintains a list of participating contractors who are familiar with the rebate process.
- Complete installation: Have the equipment professionally installed. Obtain all permits required by your local jurisdiction and retain all receipts, invoices, and warranty documentation.
- Submit your application: Complete the online rebate form through SDG&E's website. Upload your invoice, proof of purchase, contractor license number, and equipment specifications. Paper applications are also available.
- Track your rebate: SDG&E processes rebates within 4 to 8 weeks. Track your application status through your My Account portal or by calling SDG&E customer service.
For the Energy Savings Assistance Program, call SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343 to schedule a free home energy assessment and determine your eligibility.
Stacking with Federal Rebates
Utility rebates from San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) 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
What is the difference between SDG&E and SoCalGas?
SDG&E provides both electricity and natural gas to San Diego County and southern Orange County. SoCalGas, on the other hand, provides natural gas only (no electricity) to much of the rest of Southern California. Both are owned by Sempra Energy. If you are an SDG&E customer, you receive both gas and electric service from a single provider and can access rebates covering both fuel types.
Can I stack SDG&E rebates with California state incentives?
Yes. SDG&E rebates can generally be combined with state-level incentives from programs like the California Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) and the Technology and Equipment for Clean Heating (TECH) Clean California initiative. You can also stack them with federal tax credits. Check each program's rules to confirm, as some have restrictions on combining incentives.
Does SDG&E offer rebates for electric vehicle chargers?
SDG&E offers the Power Your Drive program which provides incentives for residential EV charger installation, though this is handled separately from the standard energy efficiency rebate program. Contact SDG&E directly or visit their EV page for current EV charger incentive details.
How do I know if I qualify for SDG&E's free weatherization program?
SDG&E's Energy Savings Assistance Program is available to households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. You can also qualify if you participate in certain public assistance programs such as LIHEAP, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal. Call SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343 to check your eligibility.