Most of SDG&E's cash incentives for smart thermostats have ended. In 2026, the clear offers left are a free smart thermostat for income-qualified customers and SDG&E's demand response thermostat program.
So the answer depends on your household income and whether you'll join a demand response program. Here's what each SDG&E page showed on October 12, 2026.
Does SDG&E Still Offer a Smart Thermostat Rebate?
Not a retail one, as of October 12, 2026. SDG&E's rebates page says the Golden State Rebates retail offerings have ended. That program's product list showed $75 for an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat and $40 for an Amazon smart thermostat.
| SDG&E offer (official pages, October 12, 2026) | Status | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Golden State Rebates coupons (ended) | Ended | Was $75 (ENERGY STAR certified) or $40 (Amazon) |
| Smart Communicating Thermostat incentive | Closed December 31, 2023 | Was $25 |
| Energy Savings Assistance (ESA Basic) | Open to income-qualified customers | Smart thermostat at no cost |
| Demand Response Smart Thermostat program | Terms published; no amount stated | Not stated |
What Happened to the $25 Thermostat Incentive?
It closed. SDG&E says the Smart Communicating Thermostat Incentive Program officially closed on December 31, 2023, in compliance with a California Public Utilities Commission decision issued on December 20, 2023.
Before that, customers in a high-heat climate zone could get $25 when they bought a smart thermostat and signed up for SDG&E's AC Saver Thermostat Program.
Can I Get a Free Smart Thermostat in San Diego?
Yes, if your household qualifies for Energy Savings Assistance. SDG&E's ESA Basic tier lists a smart thermostat among the products customers may receive by self-certifying their eligibility. The income limit for a household of four is $82,500 through May 31, 2027.
You can also qualify through programs such as CalFresh, WIC or Medi-Cal for Families A and B. Our San Diego water heater rebates guide covers the ESA income table and how to apply.
What Is SDG&E's Demand Response Thermostat Program?
It's a program in which you buy and install an SDG&E-approved thermostat and allow SDG&E to adjust its setting remotely. SDG&E's terms mention an initial rebate and further incentives but don't state the amounts.
The terms say you can opt out of an automatic adjustment at the thermostat, or leave the program by contacting SDG&E, but you won't receive further rebates or incentives if you do. Ask SDG&E for the current amounts before you buy a thermostat for this purpose.
Official Sources
Every detail comes from SDG&E's own pages, all checked on October 12, 2026.
- SDG&E Rebates, which states that the Golden State Rebates retail offerings have ended
- SDG&E Smart Communicating Thermostat Incentive, with the December 31, 2023 closure
- SDG&E Energy Savings Assistance
- SDG&E Demand Response Smart Thermostat terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an SDG&E smart thermostat rebate in 2026?
Not a retail one. The Golden State Rebates retail offerings, which included $75 for an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat, have ended, according to SDG&E's rebates page.
Who can get a free smart thermostat from SDG&E?
Income-qualified customers in Energy Savings Assistance. The ESA Basic tier lists a smart thermostat, and customers can self-certify their eligibility.
Does SDG&E pay me to let it adjust my thermostat?
SDG&E's Demand Response Smart Thermostat terms mention an initial rebate and incentives for customers who install an approved thermostat and allow remote adjustment. The terms don't state the amounts.
Upgrading your thermostat in San Diego? See the verified programs for your address with the free rebate calculator.