What RPU pays in 2026
Each card links to a page with the rules and the local detail. All RPU rebates are for residential RPU electric customers, are subject to funding, and have application windows after purchase.
Home battery
Up to $10,000, or $850 per kWh up to $17,000 for SHARE customers. Purchases since July 1, 2026.
EV charger and used EV
Level 2 charger up to $1,500 and a used EV up to $1,000, more for SHARE customers.
Insulation, windows and ducts
Attic 10 to 20 cents, walls 15 cents, ENERGY STAR windows $1.
Water heater, dryer and appliances
Heat pump water heater $200, heat pump dryer $200, refrigerator with recycling $200, room air conditioner and dishwasher $50.
Correcting the old figures
Earlier pages on this site said a Riverside homeowner is in SCE territory and can claim $3,100 for a heat pump. Neither holds. Riverside has its own utility, and RPU's heat pump rebate is $750 per ton, so a 3-ton heat pump earns $2,250. The $3,100 figure appears to come from an out-of-date statewide factsheet, not from RPU. If a contractor quotes a number that does not match this list, ask which program it is from and read RPU's page.
How RPU's rules work
Most RPU rebates are claimed after purchase: you mail or email the application with the dated receipt to RPURebates@riversideca.gov within 90 days (180 days for storage). Nothing needs approval first. RPU reserves the right to change or end programs without notice, and funding is limited. The Energy Star page covers the smaller appliance rebates, and a heat pump water heater earns $200 and a heat pump dryer $200.
Help for income-qualified households
RPU's assistance menu lists the SHARE program, the Utilicare and Energy Savings Assistance programs, LIHEAP, and a mobile-home and multifamily energy efficiency program. SHARE customers get larger rebates on batteries ($850 per kWh up to $17,000) and EV chargers ($2,500) and used EVs ($4,000). If you may qualify, enroll before you buy so the higher amount applies.
Permits and climate
The City's Building and Safety division issues some permits same day over the counter, such as simple water heater change-outs, and its Public Permit Portal takes applications online. See the City's permits page. Riverside's average January low over 2015 to 2024 was 6.8°C (about 44°F), with a coldest recorded day of -2.5°C, and it gets about 5.4 peak sun hours a day.
Compared with SCE-served neighbors
San Bernardino, Ontario and Moreno Valley get power from Southern California Edison, where we found no heat pump or battery rebate, so Riverside's list is much longer (San Bernardino). The federal 25C and 25D tax credits ended after December 31, 2025. TECH Clean California and the federal HEEHRA program are fully reserved for single-family homes and take new requests on hold only.
Installers in Riverside
These Riverside 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 Riverside installers →
How to start
- Look at your electric bill and confirm that Riverside Public Utilities supplies your power.
- If you may qualify for SHARE, enroll before you buy.
- Open the page for your upgrade and read the rules and the application window.
- Ask your contractor who pulls the City permit.
- Keep the dated receipt and the equipment details, and apply to RPU within the window.
Common questions
Is Riverside served by SCE?
No. Riverside has its own utility, Riverside Public Utilities. Check your electric bill.
How much does RPU pay for a heat pump?
$750 per ton for an electric heat pump rated 15.2 SEER or greater, so a 3-ton unit earns $2,250.
Is there a battery rebate?
Yes, $500 per kWh up to $10,000 for purchases since July 1, 2026, and $850 per kWh up to $17,000 for SHARE customers. A time-of-use rate is required.
Do I apply before or after I buy?
After. RPU pays after installation, and you apply within 90 days (180 for storage).
Is the $3,100 heat pump figure real?
It is not on RPU's page. RPU's heat pump rebate is $750 per ton.
What to do next
Run the California rebate calculator, or open RPU's rebates page.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read October 2, 2026: Riverside Public Utilities rebates and programs, Riverside Public Utilities heat pump and air conditioning rebates, City of Riverside Building and Safety permits, Riverside Public Utilities EV rebates. All Riverside rebates → Every Riverside Public Utilities rebate →
