Sacramento homeowners spent an average of $3,000–$5,000 on electrical upgrades last year — and too many of them paid full price. Between SMUD rebates, PG&E incentives, and remaining federal tax credits, thousands of dollars in savings are sitting unclaimed right now. The catch? Programs have funding caps, eligibility windows are shifting (the federal 25C tax credit expired at the end of 2025), and the rules change faster than most homeowners can track. That’s where our team at TNT Electric comes in. We help Sacramento-area homeowners navigate every available rebate so you keep more money in your pocket. Here are the seven SMUD and PG&E rebates for electrical upgrades you should know about in 2026 — and exactly how to claim them.
Table of Contents
- SMUD Go Electric Panel Upgrade Rebate (Up to $2,000)
- SMUD Charge@Home EV Charger Rebate (Up to $600)
- SMUD Smart Thermostat Rebate ($50+ With Bonus Incentives)
- Federal Tax Credit Update: What Replaced Section 25C in 2026
- PG&E Energy Efficiency Rebates (Roseville, Folsom & Surrounding Areas)
- SMUD Battery Storage Incentive — My Energy Optimizer Partner+ (Up to $10,000)
- SMUD Commercial & Multifamily Rebate Programs
1. SMUD Go Electric Panel Upgrade Rebate — Save Up to $2,000 on Your Electrical Panel
If you’re a SMUD customer upgrading your electrical panel as part of a whole-home electrification project, this is the single most valuable utility rebate available for panel work in 2026.
How it works: SMUD’s Go Electric Bonus program pays up to $500 per eligible circuit — including your panel upgrade, an EV charger circuit, a range/cooktop circuit, and a clothes dryer circuit — for a combined maximum of $2,000. If your existing panel doesn’t have enough space, SMUD will even cover up to $500 toward a sub-panel installation.
The key requirement: You must replace at least one existing gas appliance (furnace or water heater) with a qualifying heat pump to unlock Go Electric rebates. This is a gas-to-electric conversion program, so simply swapping an old panel for a new one won’t qualify on its own.
Sacramento-specific details: – You must use a contractor enrolled in the SMUD Contractor Network — your contractor submits the rebate application on your behalf – Panel upgrades must be 200 amps or less – All circuits must be wired to the source (wire and breaker installed) – Your home must be all-electric ready with the panel plus all eligible circuits to qualify for the full $2,000
Cost context: A typical 200-amp panel upgrade in Sacramento runs $2,500–$4,500 depending on your home’s age and wiring condition. With the full $2,000 SMUD rebate, you could cut that cost nearly in half. Older homes in neighborhoods like Land Park, Curtis Park, and East Sacramento — many built with 100-amp or even 60-amp panels — benefit the most.
Pro tip: This rebate stacks with other SMUD incentives. If you’re also installing a heat pump HVAC system (up to $3,000 rebate) or heat pump water heater (up to $4,000 rebate), you can bundle the panel upgrade into the same project and maximize your total savings. Learn more about federal tax credits for panel upgrades — including what’s changed for 2026.
Rebate amount: Up to $2,000
Who qualifies: SMUD residential customers doing gas-to-electric conversions
How to apply: Through a participating SMUD Contractor Network installer
2. SMUD Charge@Home EV Charger Installation Rebate — Up to $600 Back
With Sacramento’s scorching summers pushing more residents toward EVs (and away from gas stations), SMUD’s Charge@Home program makes adding a Level 2 home charger significantly more affordable.
What SMUD covers: The Charge@Home program offers up to $600 total to offset EV charging equipment and installation costs:
- Up to $100 toward a qualifying ENERGY STAR Level 2 charger
- Up to $200 toward a qualifying circuit sharing or energy management device
- Up to $500 toward EV circuit installation when done through the SMUD Contractor Network
Three ways to participate: – Option A: You already bought an eligible charger — submit your receipt for the equipment rebate – Option B: Hire a SMUD Contractor Network electrician to handle installation — they process your rebate paperwork – Option C: If you’re on SMUD’s Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR), you may qualify for a free EV charger and free installation
Sacramento context: Level 2 EV charger installation in the Sacramento area typically costs $500–$1,500 depending on how far your panel is from the garage and whether your panel has available capacity. If your panel needs an upgrade to support the charger, you may also qualify for the Go Electric panel rebate above — potentially stacking $2,600 in combined savings.
Important for 2026: The federal 30C alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit still allows a 30% tax credit (up to $1,000) on residential EV charger installations completed before June 30, 2026. That’s a hard deadline — so if you’re planning a charger install, acting before summer is critical. Check out our full guide to Sacramento rebates for EV chargers for a complete breakdown.
Rebate amount: Up to $600 (plus up to $1,000 via federal 30C credit through June 2026)
Who qualifies: SMUD residential customers with an active account
How to apply: Online at smud.org or through SMUD Contractor Network
3. SMUD Smart Thermostat Rebate — $50 Instant Savings Plus Bonus Incentives
This is the lowest-effort rebate on the list — and it pairs perfectly with an electrical upgrade project you may already have planned.
The base rebate: SMUD offers a $50 instant rebate when you purchase a qualifying smart thermostat through the SMUD Energy Store. The discount is applied automatically at checkout — no paperwork, no waiting for a check. Qualifying brands include Nest, ecobee, and Honeywell Home models available through the store.
The bonus multiplier: Enroll your new smart thermostat in SMUD’s My Energy Optimizer® program and you’ll earn additional incentives: – $50 Prepaid Mastercard just for enrolling – $25 Prepaid Mastercard for each summer you participate – Your thermostat automatically adjusts during peak demand hours, saving you money on your SMUD bill year-round
That means your total first-year value could reach $125 or more — on a device that typically costs $150–$250.
Why it matters for Sacramento: Our region hits 100°F+ for weeks every summer. SMUD’s Time-of-Day rates charge significantly more during peak hours (4–7 PM). A smart thermostat pre-cools your home before peak pricing kicks in and reduces usage during the most expensive hours. For a typical Sacramento home, that translates to $100–$200 in annual bill savings beyond the rebate itself.
Practical tip: If you’re having us out for a panel upgrade or EV charger installation, ask about adding a dedicated smart thermostat circuit or upgrading your thermostat wiring from 2-wire to C-wire at the same time. It’s a minimal add-on during an existing electrical visit. And don’t forget — you can also get a $30 rebate from ThermostatCare if you’re replacing an old mercury thermostat and drop it off for safe disposal.
Rebate amount: $50 instant + $50–$75+ in My Energy Optimizer bonuses
Who qualifies: All SMUD residential customers
How to apply: Purchase through SMUD Energy Store (rebate applied at checkout)
4. Federal Tax Credit Update — What Replaced Section 25C for Electrical Panels in 2026
Here’s what every Sacramento homeowner needs to know: The federal Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit — which previously covered 30% of electrical panel upgrade costs — expired on December 31, 2025. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), signed into law on July 4, 2025, accelerated the termination of several energy tax credits, including 25C.
What this means for you in 2026: – If you completed a qualifying panel upgrade before December 31, 2025, you can still claim the credit on your 2025 tax return using IRS Form 5695 – The 25C credit covered 30% of the cost of qualifying electrical panel upgrades, up to $600 per year, as part of the broader $1,200 annual cap for energy-efficient home improvements – For installations completed after December 31, 2025, the 25C credit is no longer available — regardless of when you paid
What’s still available in 2026: – Section 30C (Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit): 30% of EV charger installation costs, up to $1,000 for residential — available for property placed in service before June 30, 2026 – SMUD utility rebates: Every SMUD program listed in this article remains active and is not affected by federal tax credit changes – California state programs: TECH Clean California incentives and other state-level programs may still offer additional support — ask your contractor about current availability
Our advice: The expiration of 25C makes SMUD rebates even more critical in 2026. Where homeowners previously stacked a $600 federal credit on top of a $2,000 SMUD rebate for panel work, the SMUD program is now the primary source of direct savings. If you were waiting to upgrade your panel, don’t wait for Congress to reinstate 25C — take advantage of the SMUD programs that are funded and active right now.
For a detailed breakdown of what was available and what changed, visit our guide on federal tax credits for panel upgrades.
2026 status: Section 25C expired December 31, 2025
Still available: Section 30C for EV chargers (through June 30, 2026)
Action item: Claim 2025 credits on your tax return if eligible; rely on SMUD rebates going forward
5. PG&E Energy Efficiency Rebates for Roseville, Folsom & Surrounding Areas
Not everyone in the Sacramento metro area is a SMUD customer. If you live in Roseville, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Rocklin, Lincoln, or parts of Placer and El Dorado counties, you’re served by PG&E — and you have your own set of rebate programs for electrical upgrades.
Key PG&E rebates for electrical work in 2026:
- Golden State Rebates: Instant coupons on energy-efficient products including smart thermostats, LED lighting, and select appliances — redeemed at point of purchase through participating retailers
- Residential EV Charging Rebate: Income-eligible households can receive up to $5,000 toward EV charging equipment and installation. Standard-income customers should check PG&E’s current offerings for additional EV incentives
- Generator and Battery Rebate Program: A $300 rebate on qualifying portable backup power systems — particularly valuable given PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events that affect foothill communities
- Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program: Income-qualifying homeowners can receive free energy-efficiency upgrades including lighting, weatherization, and appliance replacements at no cost
Sacramento-area context: PG&E territory overlaps with some of the fastest-growing communities in the region. New construction in Roseville, West Roseville, and Folsom Ranch often comes with 200-amp panels, but older homes in established Roseville and Orangevale neighborhoods frequently need panel upgrades to support EV chargers, heat pumps, and modern electrical loads.
Stacking strategy for PG&E customers: Combine PG&E rebates with the federal 30C tax credit for EV charger installation (still active through June 30, 2026) and any available TECH Clean California incentives. PG&E customers cannot access SMUD programs, but the combination of PG&E utility rebates and federal credits can still offset a significant portion of your electrical upgrade costs.
Pro tip: PG&E’s rebate programs change quarterly. Before starting any electrical project, check pge.com/rebates for the most current offerings. TNT Electric works in both SMUD and PG&E territory — we’ll tell you exactly which rebates apply to your address.
Rebate amounts: Varies by program ($300–$5,000+)
Who qualifies: PG&E residential and commercial customers
How to apply: Through pge.com or participating retailers
6. SMUD Battery Storage Incentive — My Energy Optimizer Partner+ (Up to $10,000)
This is the largest single rebate available to SMUD residential customers in 2026 — and it requires electrical work to install, which is why it belongs on every electrician’s radar.
The enrollment incentive: SMUD’s My Energy Optimizer Partner+ program offers a one-time incentive of up to $10,000 when you install a qualifying battery energy storage system (BESS) and enroll within 90 days of receiving Permission to Operate (PTO) from SMUD. The incentive is calculated at $500 per kWh of nameplate capacity minus a 20% holdback, capped at $10,000 per household.
Real-world examples: – Tesla Powerwall (13.5 kWh): $5,400 enrollment incentive – Franklin aPower (15 kWh): $6,000 enrollment incentive – Sonnen ECO10 (20 kWh): $8,000 enrollment incentive – Eguana Evolve LFP (28 kWh): $10,000 enrollment incentive (hits the cap)
Ongoing quarterly payments (Tesla only): Tesla Powerwall owners enrolled in the program also earn quarterly incentives — $110 per battery per quarter ($440/year for one Powerwall, $880 for two). Other qualifying brands (Enphase, Franklin, SolarEdge, Sonnen, Eguana) currently receive the enrollment incentive only.
Eligibility requirements: – Must be a SMUD residential customer – Must participate in SMUD’s Solar and Storage Rate (SSR) – Battery must be a qualifying model from an approved manufacturer – Enrollment within 90 days of PTO from SMUD – SMUD retains the right to optimize your battery during peak demand, maintaining a 20% reserve for outage protection
The electrical work involved: Battery installations typically require a new dedicated 240V circuit, a transfer switch or gateway, and potentially a sub-panel or main panel upgrade. Permitting and inspection are required by Sacramento County and the City of Sacramento. This is specialized electrical work — not a DIY project.
Sacramento context: With SMUD’s Time-of-Day rates and Sacramento’s extreme summer heat driving peak demand, battery storage lets you shift usage away from expensive peak hours. Combined with rooftop solar, a battery system can dramatically reduce your annual electricity costs while providing backup during the rare but real outage events our region experiences.
Incentive amount: Up to $10,000 one-time + up to $440/year (Tesla)
Who qualifies: SMUD customers on Solar and Storage Rate
How to apply: Enroll through SMUD within 90 days of PTO
7. SMUD Commercial & Multifamily Electrical Rebate Programs
Property owners and managers: SMUD’s Multifamily Program is one of the most generous commercial electrification programs in California — and it covers substantial electrical infrastructure work.
Who qualifies: Multifamily properties with 5 or more units in SMUD’s service territory. Both existing buildings and renovation projects are eligible, but construction must not have started before applying.
Electrical infrastructure incentives:
| Upgrade | Incentive |
| Electrical panel or circuit upgrades for gas-to-electric projects | Up to $600/unit or $50,000/project |
| Transformer upgrades for electrification | Included in project scope |
| Electrical engineering and permitting support | $3,000/project |
| EV charger installation (Level 2, <6.6 kW) | $2,500/handle |
| EV charger stub-outs | $250/stub-out |
| Panel upgrade support for EV charger load | $1,000/project |
| Transformer upgrade support for EV charger load | $5,000/project |
Appliance electrification incentives (that require electrical work): – Heat pump HVAC: $1,000–$2,500 per compressor depending on system type – Heat pump water heaters: $1,200–$2,500 per unit depending on configuration – Induction cooktops: $750/unit (gas-to-electric) or $100/unit (electric-to-electric) – Heat pump dryers: $400/unit
Equity bonus: Properties where more than 50% of tenants participate in SMUD’s Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR) may qualify for an additional 25% or more in equity incentives on top of the base amounts above.
How the program works: Submit an interest form → receive a desktop review → schedule a site visit → define scope of work → reserve incentives → complete installation → submit for payment. SMUD partners with the Association for Energy Affordability, Frontier Energy, and Brighton Energy to deliver the program. A program advisor typically responds within 5 business days.
Sacramento context: With California’s push toward building decarbonization and the City of Sacramento’s all-electric new construction requirements taking effect, multifamily property owners who electrify now are future-proofing their buildings while capturing peak incentive levels. SMUD’s program can cover up to 80% of project costs for qualifying commercial retrofits.
Incentive amounts: $600–$50,000+ per project
Who qualifies: Multifamily properties with 5+ units in SMUD territory
How to apply: Submit interest form at smud.org; contact Multifamily@smud.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you stack SMUD rebates with federal tax credits in 2026?
Yes — and you absolutely should. While the federal Section 25C credit for panel upgrades expired at the end of 2025, the Section 30C credit for EV charger installations remains active through June 30, 2026. That means a Sacramento homeowner can combine SMUD’s Charge@Home rebate (up to $600) with the federal 30C credit (up to $1,000) for a potential $1,600 in combined savings on an EV charger installation. SMUD’s Go Electric panel rebate, battery storage incentive, and smart thermostat rebate all stack with each other independently as well.
How do I know if I’m a SMUD or PG&E customer for rebate purposes?
Your utility provider is determined by your physical address, not your city. Generally, the City of Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove, and unincorporated Sacramento County are SMUD territory. Roseville, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Rocklin, Lincoln, and most of Placer County are PG&E territory. Check your electricity bill — the provider is listed at the top. If you’re unsure, TNT Electric can verify your service territory when we provide your estimate.
What is the fastest SMUD rebate to claim for an electrical upgrade?
The SMUD smart thermostat rebate is the fastest — it’s an instant $50 discount applied at checkout on the SMUD Energy Store with no paperwork or waiting period. For larger projects, the Charge@Home EV charger equipment rebate (Option A) is also straightforward: purchase a qualifying charger, submit your receipt online, and receive your rebate. Contractor-submitted rebates for panel upgrades and battery storage take longer because they require permit verification and inspection sign-off, typically 4–8 weeks after project completion.
Ready to Get Started?
Sacramento homeowners and property managers have more rebate dollars available for electrical upgrades in 2026 than most realize — even after the federal 25C expiration. Between SMUD’s Go Electric panel rebate, Charge@Home EV incentives, battery storage incentives worth up to $10,000, and PG&E programs for customers outside SMUD territory, the savings add up fast. The key is knowing which programs apply to your situation, meeting eligibility requirements, and getting the paperwork right.
That’s what our team does every day. TNT Electric handles the permits, the inspections, and the rebate applications — so you get the maximum savings without the headaches. Whether you need a panel upgrade to support your new EV charger, a battery storage installation, or a full electrification project for your multifamily property, we’ll map out every rebate dollar you’re entitled to before we start work.
Call TNT Electric today at (916) XXX-XXXX or schedule your free estimate to discuss your electrical upgrade rebates and start saving.
TNT Electric Co. is Sacramento’s trusted licensed electrical contractor serving Sacramento, Roseville, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, and surrounding areas.
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