Why was the Golden State Rebates program paused?
Due to the remarkable success of our program, we have initiated a temporary pause on any new program participation. This pause allows the program to ensure sufficient funds are available to process recent coupon redemptions and installations.
We know this pause will be disruptive to you, your sales staff, and your customers and we appreciate your patience. For specific deadlines on sales submissions, please contact your participating distributor and/or your GSR Account Manager contact.
What types of projects are eligible?
- Residential retrofit/replacement projects.
- Replacing natural gas or electric storage tank water heaters.
- Heat pump water heaters (HPWH), 40 gallons or larger, UEF 3.30+.
- Natural gas storage tanks, 40–50 gallons, UEF 0.64+.
- Customers with active service with PG&E®, SCE®, SDG&E® or SoCalGas® (depending on fuel type).
- May stack with TECH Clean CA and federal tax credits (non-utility funded programs only).
What projects are not eligible?
- New construction projects
- Propane-fueled water heater replacements
- Commercial projects
- Projects funded by municipal utilities
How does a contractor enroll in Golden State Rebates?
No contractor enrollment required.
- Contractors simply fill out project data at goldenstaterebates.com/form or via a distributor’s platform. You’ll receive a promo code to present to a participating distributor.
- Clear communication is key: Provide the resident’s name, address, contact information and local utility. Also link the correct water heater model and serial number to the promo code.
Is this program available at all plumbing distributors in California?
- All distributors enrolled in our program can offer the rebate.
- Check out the list of participating distributors that have enrolled with Golden State Rebates.
How is Golden State Rebates funded, and will the funds "run out"?
- Golden State Rebates is funded by utility customers through electric and natural gas surcharges.
- Funding is available through 2025 but is first-come, first-served until funds are exhausted.
How do contractors get the incentive? Are they required to pass it to end-use customers?
- Distributors decide how the rebate is applied to the sale — either as a store credit, direct contractor payment or instant discount.
- Contractors choose how they incorporate the rebate into their customer bids.
- Transparency is highly encouraged. Disclose the rebate value and any fees clearly on invoices to the end-use customer.
Will the end-use customer be contacted?
- In most cases, the program communicates through the contractor.
- Customers may be contacted for data and installation verification or satisfaction surveys by utility partners.
- Rebate amounts will not be discussed directly with customers.
Can this rebate be combined with other incentives?
Yes! Rebates can stack with TECH Clean CA incentives, federal tax credits* and most other programs — as long as they aren’t funded by the same utility surcharge pool and the total doesn’t exceed project costs.
*Local and federal tax credit availability subject to change at any time.