What San Jose Clean Energy pays
These figures come from the EcoHome Rebate page of San Jose Clean Energy (SJCE), which we read on October 1, 2026. You must be a current SJCE customer, and the new water heater must replace a gas-powered one.
Standard rebate
Includes a $500 bonus for applications from September 1 to October 31, 2026. It was $2,500 before the bonus.
Environmental Justice community
Includes the same $500 bonus. It was $3,500 before. Based on an address map or on enrollment in CARE, FERA, SJ CARES or another income-based program.
Panel upgrade with it
$2,000 in Environmental Justice communities. Add-ons require a heat pump HVAC or heat pump water heater.
Limit
One rebate per appliance type per residence.
The October 31 deadline
The bonus applies to applications made from September 1 to October 31, 2026. After that the standard amount drops to $2,500, or $3,500 in an Environmental Justice community. If you are close to deciding, apply this month. You can reserve the rebate before you install, and approved funds are held for 120 days.
Apply before you install
SJCE's rule is the opposite of many Los Angeles-area utilities: applications must be approved before installation begins. You upload a photo of your existing equipment and agree to the Applicant Agreement. SJCE confirms by email in 2 to 4 business days, and if approved, the funds are reserved for 120 days. For an emergency replacement, email [email protected] before you apply to confirm you can still qualify, and keep the reply, which you must include with the application.
What the equipment must meet
The unit must be an ENERGY STAR qualified model and, according to SJCE's specifications, have a UEF of 3.3 or greater (some 120-volt and split systems differ), a capacity of at least 40 gallons, a thermostatic mixing valve, and Wi-Fi or a CTA-2045 module for grid connection. We saw those figures in a search excerpt of the specification list, so check SJCE's equipment specifications PDF before you order. Ask the installer to confirm the exact model against it in writing.
Permits in San Jose
The City says installing or replacing a water heater requires a plumbing permit, and an electrical permit too depending on the type. For single-family and duplex properties you can apply online at SJPermits.org, and the City recommends that a licensed contractor be the applicant. Its water heater permit page warns that insurers may deny claims related to unpermitted work. Ask your installer who signs the application, because that person is responsible for the work.
Your utility: San Jose Clean Energy
SJCE is San Jose's community electricity provider and runs the EcoHome program. Its EcoHome Payment Plan can help with costs, and the EcoHome Network and a Go Electric Advisor can help you plan. SJCE's $3,000 is larger than Pasadena's $500 (Pasadena) and similar to Burbank's $1,500 plus extras. San Jose's average January low over 2015 to 2024 was 6.7°C (about 44°F), with a coldest recorded day of -1.3°C, so a garage can get cool in winter. Ask your installer how the unit behaves in cold air.
Other money
BayREN's EASE Home program helps income-qualified PG&E customers in Santa Clara County (BayREN). The federal 25C and 25D tax credits ended after December 31, 2025. Single-family state programs are fully reserved and take new requests on hold only.
Installers in San Jose
These San Jose heat pump and HVAC companies have the best Google ratings, listed by rating and then review count. We are not paid to list anyone. SJCE keeps a contractor list for its programs, so ask whether your installer takes part.
How to claim the SJCE rebate
- Confirm that you are a current San Jose Clean Energy customer and that the old water heater runs on gas.
- Check whether your address is in an Environmental Justice community, or whether you are enrolled in CARE, FERA or SJ CARES.
- Apply on the EcoHome Rebate page, with a photo of the existing equipment and agreement to the Applicant Agreement.
- Wait for SJCE's confirmation email, within 2 to 4 business days. Funds are then held for 120 days.
- Install the unit under a City plumbing permit, and an electrical permit if needed.
- Complete the claim within the 120 days.
Common questions
How much does SJCE pay for a heat pump water heater?
$3,000, or $4,000 in Environmental Justice communities, including a $500 bonus for applications from September 1 to October 31, 2026.
Do I apply before or after the install?
Before. SJCE says applications must be approved before installation begins, with funds held for 120 days.
What if my water heater fails suddenly?
Email [email protected] before applying to confirm eligibility for an emergency replacement, and include the confirmation with your application.
Does the old heater have to be gas?
Yes. The new heat pump water heater must replace an existing gas-powered appliance.
Is there a permit requirement?
Yes. The City of San Jose requires a plumbing permit for a water heater, and an electrical permit depending on the type.
What to do next
See SJCE's EcoHome Rebate page, or compare all San Jose offers on our San Jose hub.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read October 1, 2026: San Jose Clean Energy EcoHome Rebate, City of San Jose water heater permits, San Jose Clean Energy EcoHome Payment Plan, BayREN EASE Home. All San Jose rebates → Every San Jose Clean Energy rebate →