Express Energy Solutions

How does it work?

  • Review our EES Procedures Manual and Rebates for qualifying products, eligibility and performance requirements.
  • Note: Rebates larger than $5,000 require pre-approval. For rebates under $5,000, apply online within 90 days of installation.
  • Submit your rebate application along with required documents to smud.org/MyAccount.

Whether you choose to be your own licensed contractor, or find a professional contractor through SMUD’s Contractor Network, all parties need to first set up a My Account to apply for a rebate.

Customer My Account Registration Contractor My Account Registration

Our commitment to the environment is evident every day. We are always looking to reduce our impact on the environment, improve regional air quality and conserve resources for future generations. 

Our Go Electric programs include incentives to convert commercial natural gas-fired equipment to efficient heat pump and induction technologies. The incentives are based on simple equipment choices and are best for smaller or less complex buildings.

Incentives up to $20,000 are available for:

Apply for Go Electric incentives


Hosted by Fantastic Kitchen, Chefs Drew and Judith demonstrate the benefits and precision of cooking with induction cooktops. Learn how your restaurant can benefit in making the switch from a gas to electric kitchen.

Commercial food service equipment

Heat pump water heaters

Refrigeration

  • Anti-sweat heater controls
  • High efficiency fan motors
  • Auto door closers
  • Strip curtains

Lighting

  • Hi Bay
  • Exterior lighting
  • Refrigeration case lighting

Heating and cooling equipment

  • Package unit and split system replacements 
  • VFD or HVAC fan
  • Ductless mini split heat pumps
  • PTAC

View EES manual for all rebates

Can I break up a project into multiple phases to get around the $20,000 cap for energy efficiency and Go Electric?

The $20,000 project rebate caps are per-year, per metered account. If rebates for qualifying equipment within each cap would otherwise exceed $20,000 for a single metered account in a single year, the $20,000 limit would apply.

 

On a single large project, is it possible to divide it so that one part applies for the EES program and one part applies for the Custom Incentives?

 

The answer is technically, yes. But it's complicated. If you are in that situation, contact us at 1-916-732-5095, or email express.energysolutions@smud.org. We'll help you find the best solution.

 

How do I get paid?

Rebate checks are a one-time payment mailed separately from your SMUD bill.

 

How much are the rebates?

Rebates are determined by adding the individual rebate amounts for each separate piece of qualifying equipment installed in your project. In many cases, you may install multiple quantities of the same item, such as energy efficient lighting. Here’s an example:

  1. You install ten lights, each of which qualifies for a $10 rebate. Your total rebate would be $100.
  2. You install two Combi ovens, each qualifying for a rebate of $1,500. You would receive an additional $3,000 toward your rebate total.
  3. 10 x $10, plus 2 x $1,500 =$3,100

You'll find a list of individual equipment rebate amounts starting on page 20 of our EES Procedures Manual and Rebates. (Note: If the equipment is not on the list, it doesn't qualify under the EES program − but may be eligible under one of our other programs.)

 

My building has multiple meters. Can I apply for multiple rebates?

Each meter represents a separate customer account. Rebates are aggregated to just the equipment served by each individual meter. Annual $20,000 rebate caps apply separately to each metered account.

It is possible to have multiple rebate projects apply to a single meter within a year, but they would be considered together in applying the $20,000 annual rebate cap. Meters that do not serve the new equipment cannot be used to apply for rebate or increase the rebate cap.

 

What are the limits on rebate amounts?

The maximum rebate that can be paid on a project within a calendar year is the lesser of either:

  • $20,000 per meter per year for energy efficiency upgrades and $20,000 per meter per year for Go Electric (gas-to-electric) upgrades
  • 100% of the total project cost
  • Aggregate of rebate amounts for each separate piece of qualifying equipment installed in a project.

Rule of thumb: If your projected rebate is $20,000 or more, there may be a rebate program more advantageous to you than EES. Call us at 916-732-5095, or email express.energysolutions@smud.org to find out more.

 

When will I get my rebate check?

If your application is complete when submitted online, including required attachments, your check will be drafted in about 30 days. Moral of the story: Sweat the details.

 

Who is eligible for rebates?

SMUD business customers are eligible. Rebates can be paid directly to the SMUD customer or to their designated contractor.

Find a contractor

Are you a commercial customer looking for a SMUD participating contractor to install energy efficiency or building electrification upgrades at your business?

View contractor directory

Join the SMUD Contractor Network

Are you a commercial contractor interested in joining our contractor network? We provide our customers with a list of contractors who are properly licensed, meet participation requirements and agree to install products that meet minimum efficiency requirements and specifications. Participating contractors agree to design and install equipment and products in a professional workmanship manner and ensure customer satisfaction.

Join the network

Questions?

Contact CommercialContractorNetwork@smud.org. 

  1. House
  2. Select an area
RoofBathBedroomOfficeLiving roomKitchenLaundryOutdoorRoofBathroomBedroomOfficeLiving RoomKitchenLaundryOutdoorOutdoor
  1. House
  2. Roof
Install solar panels on your roof to take advantage of the sun's natural energy.
If your house is more than 28 years old, check the insulation in the attic. Even if the insulation met requirements when it was installed, it has most likely settled significantly over time.
  1. House
  2. Bathroom
Unplug your bathroom items like hair dryers, shavers and electric toothbrushes when you're not using them.
Consider replacing your bathroom's ventilation fan with an ENERGY STAR® fan to reduce your energy usage. Be sure to turn the fan off when you leave the bathroom.
  1. House
  2. Bedroom
For every 2° that you lower your thermostat in the winter or raise it in the summer, you save 5-10% on your heating and cooling costs. So, add a blanket or turn down the comforter to start saving.
Because up to 20 percent of heat or cooling inside a typical house is lost through the windows, check the weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows.
Consider lowering the thermostat on chilly days and use a cozy sweater or extra blanket to keep warm.
Consider installing energy-efficient LED light bulbs and motion-sensing switches. Also, remember to turn off any lights when not in use.
Make sure your fan blades are spinning in the correct direction: counter-clockwise in the spring and summer and clockwise in the fall and winter. This helps make your room feel comfortable year-round.
Get your heating and cooling system professionally checked once a year and change filters regularly to keep the unit running efficiently.
  1. House
  2. Office
Be sure all electronic devices that are not in use are shut off completely. Sleeping computers, gaming systems and TVs use energy even when they're off.
See how you use energy during each Time-of-Day time-period with My Energy Tools. Log in to My Account to view your daily and hourly energy use for each time-period.
Consider using a solar-powered charger for your household's cell phones.
Desk lamps focus the light where you actually need it rather than wasting energy lighting the entire room.
Use smart strips so that you can easily turn off multiple appliances at once.
  1. House
  2. Livingroom
Close the damper and cover your fireplace when not in use. Be sure that any fire has been completely extinguished.
Since it gets darker in the fall, consider installing energy-efficient LED light bulbs and removing your old standard bulbs. Also, remember to turn off lights when not in use.
Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Unplug unused appliances, too.
During the summer, close curtains or blinds to act as additional insulation for windows. During the rest of the year, they should be opened during the day to let sunlight in and help heat the home.
Be sure to check your air filters once a month and clean or replace as necessary for maximum performance and energy savings.
Smart thermostats can learn your temperature preferences, adjust temperatures when you're away and allow you to control your thermostat from your smartphone.
Turn off the TV and other electronics when you're not using them.
Find other activities to do that don't involve electricity, like reading a book, going for a walk or playing a board game.
  1. House
  2. Kitchen
Clean your refrigerator coils to keep the compressor running efficiently.
Microwaves can use less than half the power of a conventional oven. Consider using your microwave to cook or reheat your dinner, especially between 5-8 p.m.
Even in their "off" setting, some appliances still use phantom energy when plugged in. Use a smart strip or unplug devices when not in use.
Run your dishwasher with a full load and use the air-dry option if available. Start it when you head to bed for off-peak pricing.
It's always a great time to try out new slow-cooker recipes. Slow cookers use less energy and are great for quick and easy dinners.
One size does not fit all. Be sure to use the right sized pot on the right burner. A small pot on a large burner wastes energy and creates extra heat.
In the fall and winter, bring in houseplants that have spent the summer outdoors. They'll help clean the air.
  1. House
  2. Laundry
Set your water heater to the lowest temperature that provides sufficient hot water, but typically not below 120°. For added efficiency, wrap your water heater with a water heater blanket, especially if it's in an unheated area.
Wait to do laundry until you have enough for a full load.
Set your dryer to automatically turn off when it senses the clothes are sufficiently dry. This saves unneeded drying time and energy.
Set a time to iron when you won't be interrupted. Keeping the iron heated while you take care of other things wastes electricity and isn't safe.
Hang your clothes outside or use a drying rack instead of using the dryer.
  1. House
  2. Outdoor area
A pool cover can help reduce heat loss up to 50% - 70%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Reduce your peak-period use and make the most of our warmer weather by cooking your meals outside on the grill. Bring your grill onto a well-lit patio or area by your house so you can grill even after the sun has set.
Get a jump start on the cold winter nights! Install foam covers over outside water spigots to prevent freezing.
To make sure outdoor lights aren't on during the day, install light-sensitive controls or timers to automatically turn off lights when not needed.

Apply now

Applying for rebates

  • Time is of the essence. Rebate funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, dollar amounts matter.
  • The application process is streamlined for project rebate amounts of $5,000 or less.
  • Application procedures and timelines are different for project rebate amounts over $5,000.

Apply now

Important details

  • To qualify, equipment must meet EES performance specifications and be UL, CSA or ETL approved.
  • Rebates are flat amounts paid according to each unit of qualifying equipment installed.
  • A project is limited to that set of equipment installed within the period of eligibility and served by a single, non-residential meter.

Helpful tips to speed up your application process

SMUD’s energy rebates are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If your projected rebate is $5,000 or less, submit your fully-completed application as timely as you can to improve your chances of being funded. Here are some tips to speed up your application process.

Make sure your project meets our technical requirements for a rebate. Here’s what you’ll need on hand to upload with your online application.

If your total project rebate is $5,000 or less

  • Manufacturer’s data sheets for equipment
  • Paid invoices, contracts, and/or itemized receipts (invoices must list materials and labor)
  • Optional for lighting rebates: To help speed the approval process, please provide a screen shot of the current DLC or ENERGY STAR® listing of your LED product

    Submit your application within 90 days of the completion of work. Prior approval is not needed to start work if the total rebate is $5,000 or less.

If your total project rebate exceeds $5,000

  • Manufacturer’s data sheets for equipment you plan to install
  • A copy of your project cost estimate
  • Signed contract or purchase order detailing the scope of work to be performed
  • Optional for lighting rebates: To help speed the approval process, please provide a screen shot of the current DLC or ENERGY STAR® listing of your LED product

Note: Projects exceeding $5,000 must wait for approval prior to starting. Once approved, you’ll have 120 days to complete the project or the end of the program year, whichever is earlier.

Complete information will speed up your application process.  As you apply, consider these steps:

  1. Is the customer and location listed correctly? Provide project details – is the work completed and total project cost. 
  2. Select individual rebate measures one-at-a-time and provide necessary details.
  3. Select "add measure" to add each individual measure to your application and provide the building type where the measure is installed.
  4. Repeat the process for all measures, then select "Next."
  5. Select and attach the required supporting documents, then select "Next."
  6. Review the Terms and Conditions and then check the box to accept.
  7. Review your application for accuracy and completeness before you submit it.
  8. Make a note of your application number.

 

For large or complex projects not eligible for the Express Energy Solutions program, consider our Custom Retrofit Incentives. If you are a small to mid-sized business and need help identifying products that can reduce your bill and locating contractors who can install them, consider SMUD's Complete Energy Solutions program. If you are a multifamily property, please consider our Multifamily Program.