Environmental Rebates & Incentives

Featured Rebate Program

washing machine rebates

Looking for a washing machine?
Buy a new Energy Star washing machine at retail price and save money through rebates.

What you get in return:

  • Rebates include a $50 - $250 rebate from your local water district* through March 2006 and a $35 - $75 rebate from PG&E through December 2006.
    *(Make sure your district is part of the program)

  • Save up to $120 per year in utility bills using a new Energy Star qualified washer compared to a 10-year old model.

  • Energy Star qualified clothes washers clean clothes using 50% less energy than standard washers.

  • Full-sized Energy Star qualified washers use 18-25 gallons of water per load, compared to the 40 gallons used by a standard machine.

energy star

Earning the Energy Star means a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US EPA and the Department of Energy. For more information visit the Energy Star website.

Rebate Information
The State of California and different agencies and utilities offer rebates regularly for energy efficiency and other environmentally sensitive choices. Sometimes, as with the washing machine example above, you can get rebates from two different agencies for the same product. Rebates constantly change and are generally applicable to a certain customer base or residents in a particular jurisdiction. Some rebates are targeted at businesses, others at schools and others at residents. Given the current state of the budget, all rebates and incentives are somewhat tentative and you should verify information before making decisions or purchases.

Pacific Gas and Electric

PG&E offers ongoing rebates for energy-saving appliances and equipment for residential and business customers.


conservation rebates

Water Utility Residential Energy Efficient Programs offers rebates on an ongoing basis for water-saving appliances.


Emerging Renewable Rebate Program

The Emerging Renewable Rebate Program is sponsored by the California Energy Commission. These rebates are offered for many different kinds of renewable energy systems including solar. The CEC also hosts the Solar Schools Program, which offers substantial financial support to schools interested in installing photovoltaics.


savings by design

Savings by Design is an incentive program by PG&E to encourage integrated design or systems design in non-residential buildings.


The California Integrated Waste Management Board

The California Integrated Waste Management Board regularly offers grants for playground equipment with recycled content and sustainable building grants that include materials with recycled tires.


The California Integrated Waste Management Board

If your car is currently registered and was made in 1985 or earlier, you may be able to participate in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Vehicle Buy Back Program and earn $650 for recycling your old car.