Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

How can I participate in TECH Clean California's heat pump water heater (HPWH) rebate program?

To make the switch to heat pump water heaters as grid-friendly as possible, the TECH rebate program has some requirements.

Summary

  1. Request a referral to a QuitCarbon-vetted contractor
  2. Receive, review, and accept the contractor's proposal with QuitCarbon's help
  3. Contractor reserves your rebate
  4. Contractor installs your new appliance within 4 months
  5. Join OhmConnect
  6. Enroll in your utility's Water Heater Rewards Program
  7. Contractor requests rebate payment
  8. Enjoy your brand new appliance and watch the savings roll in

1. Request a referral to a QuitCarbon-vetted contractor

QuitCarbon can help you find a vetted contractor that has lots of experience upgrading homes just like yours. 
  • Create or log into your QuitCarbon Home Profile
  • Complete your QuitCarbon Home Profile by adding information about your home and appliances
  • Review your QuitCarbon Insights
  • Request and receive a referral to a QuitCarbon-vetted contractor for a qualifying project

2. Receive, review, and accept the contractor's proposal with QuitCarbon's help

After you receive your referral to a vetted contractor, they will create a proposal based on what's shared in your QuitCarbon Home Profile.

  • Share it with QuitCarbon to get an expert analysis of the proposal
  • Once everything looks good to you, accept the proposal

3. Contractor reserves your TECH Clean California rebate

Once you accept your contractor's proposal, they will reserve the TECH Clean California rebates available for your upgrade.
  • Your contractor will document your participation in this program as part of the rebate application process. Here’s how they’ll help:
    • Provide a Terms and Conditions form for you to complete, which is needed to reserve your rebate. See this article for easy instructions to fill out the form.
    • Assist with program enrollments and ensure all requirements are met

4. Contractor installs your new appliance within 4 months of reserving your rebate

After reserving your TECH Clean California rebate, the contractor can now install your new appliance.

  • To remain eligible for the TECH Clean California rebate, your contractor must complete the upgrade within 4 months of reserving the rebate

5. Join the free, money-saving OhmConnect program

You are required to join the OhmConnect program to be eligible for TECH. 

  1. Click here to sign up for OhmConnect 
  2. Then connect your online utility account to OhmConnect.
    1. If you don't have an online account, you can create one quickly using your utility account number (found on your bill) and the phone number associated with your account.
  3. Take a screenshot of your OhmConnect enrollment confirmation and add it to your QuitCarbon Home Profile. Examples of acceptable proof of enrollment include:

 

How it works: OhmConnect sends you text or email alerts about grid events. You can earn rewards for reducing electricity use during peak hours. Participation doesn’t impact your home unless you choose to connect appliances for additional points, prizes, and cash rewards. Be aware that your heat pump water heater should not be included as an appliance controlled by the program. 

6. Connect your water heater to your utility's Water Heater Rewards program

  • Once your new heat pump water heater (HPWH) is installed, and with your contractor’s help, enroll in:
    • WatterSaver (Northern California for PG&E customers) or
    • SmartShift Rewards (Southern California for SoCal Edison customers) or
    • Smart Home Flex (San Diego Community Power customers)

How it works: These programs optimize your water heater to run during times when clean energy is most available. As a bonus, you’ll earn $50 for enrolling and $5/month for full participation. You can override schedules if needed.

Learn more about WatterSaver, SmartShift, and Smart Home Flex Rewards.

7. Contractor requests the rebate payment from TECH Clean California

  • After your contractor completes your upgrade, they will request the rebate payment from TECH Clean California

8. Enjoy your brand new appliance and watch the savings roll in

  • That's it! When you complete your participation in TECH Clean California, you'll reap the rewards of a highly efficient, clean, and cost-effective water heater.