What is available in Bakersfield
PG&E's programs are the same across its territory. The Kern County program is run locally.
CAPK weatherization
Free weatherization and energy efficiency services for Kern County households at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Call 2-1-1 or 661-336-5203.
PG&E Energy Savings Assistance
For income-qualified renters and owners: heat pump water heaters, furnaces, lighting and refrigerators. Income limit $39,900 for one person and $82,500 for four, valid through May 31, 2027.
Residential EV charging rebate
Standard option up to 50% of approved charging equipment. Households below 80% of area median income can get up to $2,000 for a charger or up to $5,000 with a panel upgrade.
California Energy-Smart Homes
For converting every gas appliance in a single-family home. Funds are first come, first served and applicants join a waiting list.
TECH Clean California and federal HEEHRA
Single-family heat pump incentives are fully reserved and take new requests on hold only.
Two utilities, one switch
If you move a gas furnace or water heater to a heat pump, your electric bill rises and your gas bill falls, and the gas meter's monthly service charge stays until the meter is removed. PG&E says its Base Services Charge, in place since March 2026, lowers the price per kWh. SoCalGas serves Bakersfield and the Delano-West Bakersfield area, so ask SoCalGas what removing the meter involves before you plan an all-electric home.
Free help first
The Community Action Partnership of Kern runs the Weatherization program, free for eligible Kern County households, with an income limit of 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Renters need the owner to sign an energy service agreement. PG&E's Energy Savings Assistance program also gives no-cost upgrades, including heat pump water heaters and furnaces, to households under its income table, for homes at least five years old. Apply to both before you pay for anything. CAPK's office is at 300 19th Street.
PG&E's neighborhood programs
PG&E's page lists Empower My Home, available in parts of Bakersfield, and Powerful Neighborhoods, which serves parts of Kern County, as ways to upgrade to electric appliances, heating and cooling and water heaters at low or no cost. Eligibility depends on your address and PG&E's page does not list the neighborhoods, so check it on PG&E's building electrification page.
Why heat pump money is thin
California Energy-Smart Homes pays $4,250 plus bonuses for converting every gas appliance in a single-family home, but applicants join a waiting list (program page). TECH Clean California and federal HEEHRA are fully reserved for single-family homes and take new requests on hold only. PG&E publishes cost ranges of $1,200 to $5,500 for a heat pump water heater and $3,500 to $25,000 for a heat pump system. Without a rebate, the protection is three bids and a written load calculation.
EV chargers
PG&E's EV charging rebate pays up to 50% of approved equipment, and income-qualified households can get up to $2,000 for a charger or $5,000 with a panel upgrade. The rules are the same in Bakersfield as in Fresno, so see Fresno EV charger rebates for the full detail.
Permits in Bakersfield
The City's Development Services Department at 1715 Chester Avenue handles building permit payments in person, and the City's Clariti customer portal lets you apply for and check the status of permits. Its permit types include water heater change-outs, air conditioner change-outs and solar panels. See the City's building permits page, and ask your contractor who pulls the permit.
Climate and sizing
Bakersfield's average January low over 2015 to 2024 was 5.5°C (about 42°F), with a coldest recorded day of -3.0°C, and it gets about 5.5 peak sun hours a day, the most of the Central Valley cities we cover. Summers are extremely hot, so cooling decides the size of a system. The federal 25C and 25D tax credits ended after December 31, 2025.
Installers in Bakersfield
These Bakersfield heat pump and HVAC companies have the best Google ratings, listed by rating and then review count. We are not paid to list anyone.
See all Bakersfield installers →
How to start
- Look at your bills: PG&E for electricity, SoCalGas for gas.
- Apply to CAPK weatherization and PG&E Energy Savings Assistance if your income may qualify.
- Check PG&E's page for Empower My Home and Powerful Neighborhoods at your address.
- Get three bids for any heat pump or water heater and ask for a written load calculation.
- Ask your contractor which City permit each part needs.
Common questions
Who supplies electricity and gas in Bakersfield?
PG&E supplies electricity. Southern California Gas Company supplies natural gas.
Is there a heat pump rebate in Bakersfield?
We found no open PG&E cash rebate. California Energy-Smart Homes has a waiting list, and TECH and federal HEEHRA are fully reserved for single-family homes.
Is weatherization free?
CAPK's Weatherization is free for Kern County households at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Is there an EV charger rebate?
Yes. PG&E's standard option pays up to 50% of approved equipment, with up to $2,000 or $5,000 for income-qualified households.
How do I apply for a building permit?
Through the City's Clariti customer portal, or in person at Development Services, 1715 Chester Avenue.
What to do next
Run the California rebate calculator, read PG&E's building electrification page, or see CAPK's weatherization page.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read October 2, 2026: PG&E building electrification, PG&E Energy Savings Assistance, CAPK Weatherization, City of Bakersfield building permits. All Bakersfield rebates → Every PG&E rebate →
