Smart thermostat rebates in Riverside, California depend on who sends your electric bill. DuloCore checked the official pages of Riverside Public Utilities (RPU), Southern California Edison (SCE) and SoCalGas on October 13, 2026. RPU lists a rebate, SCE lists a bill credit, and the SoCalGas rebates page lists nothing for thermostats.
How Much Is the RPU Smart Thermostat Rebate in Riverside?
Riverside Public Utilities lists a $50 rebate for a Wi-Fi enabled smart programmable thermostat, as checked on October 13, 2026. It is for RPU residential electric customers, and the application is due within 90 days of purchase.
The $50 amount is in the Qualifying Products table of RPU's Residential Heating and Cooling Rebate Program page. The same $50 item also appears in the table on RPU's Weatherization Rebate page.
| Who bills you | What its official page states (October 13, 2026) | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside Public Utilities | Rebate for a Wi-Fi enabled smart programmable thermostat | $50 |
| Riverside Public Utilities, income-qualified | Smart programmable thermostat among no-cost home improvements | No cost |
| SCE | Bill credit for letting SCE adjust an eligible smart thermostat during demand response events | $75 |
| SoCalGas | Natural Gas Appliance Rebates table lists no thermostat | None listed |
RPU's heating and cooling page describes its program as rebates for customers who buy and install a new heat pump or air conditioning system. Neither RPU page says whether a thermostat bought on its own qualifies, so ask RPU before you buy. RPU's guidelines page gives 951-826-5485 as the number for help with these programs.
How Do I Apply for the Riverside Public Utilities Smart Thermostat Rebate?
Buy and install the thermostat, complete and sign RPU's Energy Rebates Application Form, attach the dated sales receipt, then mail or email it to RPU.
RPU's Energy Rebates Application Form sets out these steps:
- Fill in your account details. In the air conditioning and heat pump section, tick Programmable Thermostat and enter the date bought. The form notes "Wi-Fi enabled required".
- Print the form and sign it. A renter or tenant also needs the owner's signature.
- Send it with copies of all receipts within 90 days of purchase. Mail goes to Riverside Public Utilities, Programs & Services, 3025 Madison St., Riverside, CA 92504. Email goes to [email protected].
The form says an emailed application needs no paper copy, and that the rebates are available to RPU electric customers only.
What Conditions Apply to the RPU Rebate?
The thermostat must be new, installed at your RPU service address, and claimed within 90 days of purchase. Rebates depend on available funds.
RPU's General Energy Program Guidelines set the main rules:
- All programs are subject to fund availability and may be cancelled, modified or reduced at any time. The page states no closing date.
- The dated sales receipt must show the make and model number or type, the store, the date and the price.
- The rebate cannot exceed the purchase price of the new product.
- New construction does not qualify.
- RPU reserves the right to determine product eligibility, and every rebate is subject to inspection.
DuloCore's California smart thermostat rebate guide compares what other utilities state.
Can Riverside Households Get a Free Smart Thermostat?
Possibly. RPU's Energy Savings Assistance Program lists a smart programmable thermostat among no-cost improvements for income-qualified renters and homeowners, as checked October 13, 2026.
RPU's Energy Savings Assistance Program page says the program runs in partnership with SoCalGas, and that RPU customers must first qualify through the SoCalGas program. Eligibility is based on income and household size. A household may also be eligible through certain public assistance programs, such as RPU's SHARE bill assistance program. The page notes that some improvements for renters need the homeowner's approval. It gives 1-800-818-4298 for appointments.
RPU's Mobile-Home and Multi-Family Energy Efficiency Program page lists a smart programmable thermostat as a no-cost measure too. Eligibility for that program is based on housing type, and the page says the household must have an active SoCalGas account and RPU electric service. The eligibility check shows which programs may fit your household.
What If My Electric Bill Comes From SCE Instead of RPU?
Then RPU's rebate does not apply. SCE's page states a $75 bill credit for letting SCE adjust an eligible smart thermostat during demand response events.
SCE's rebates page says SCE may adjust the thermostat by up to four degrees during events. It lists the credit for residential customers in three programs: Capacity Bidding Program-Elect, Critical Peak Pricing and the Smart Energy Program. See DuloCore's SCE smart thermostat page.
SCE's page also still describes Golden State Rebates coupons for smart thermostats, but that program's retail rebate offerings have ended, according to the notice on SDG&E's rebates page.
For gas service, the SoCalGas Rebates & Incentives page lists rebates for natural gas appliances such as dryers, water heaters and furnaces. The word thermostat does not appear anywhere on that page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RPU pay the smart thermostat rebate as a check?
No. RPU's general program guidelines say rebates under $500 are applied as a credit on the bill. They say a check is mailed for rebates over $500.
Can a renter apply for the RPU smart thermostat rebate?
RPU's guidelines page says the incentive is paid to the electric customer of record only. It adds that an exception may be made if the tenant or renter provides proof of purchase.
Does a Nest thermostat qualify for the RPU rebate?
RPU's table names no brand. The stated requirement is a Wi-Fi enabled smart programmable thermostat, and RPU does not endorse specific brands. DuloCore's Nest thermostat rebate page covers other utilities.
Buying a smart thermostat? Estimate rebates for your ZIP code with the free rebate calculator.