Business Customer Rebates

Standard rebates are the simplest and fastest way to receive rebates. Qualified equipment and rebate amounts are listed in the Business Customer Rebate Catalog(PDF, 3MB). Here's how to get a standard rebate:

1. Prepare Your Application

• Make sure your project complies with the Program Eligibility Requirements and Terms and Conditions(PDF, 3MB) (see page 16).
• Find your product in the Rebate Catalog(PDF, 3MB) to make sure it meets specifications and eligibility for a rebate. If it’s not listed in the catalog, try applying for a custom rebate. 

2. Submit a Rebate Application

Apply for Rebates Now

3. Get Approved for Installation 

You will be notified via email within the next 10 days if your project is approved. Please wait to purchase equipment until you hear back. 

4. Apply for Building Permits and/or Planning Entitlements

Before installing your equipment, get an issued permit and/or planning entitlement with Planning and Development Services.

Apply for Building Permits Now

5. Install Equipment and Upload Supporting Documentation

Purchase and install within 180 days of your approval. After installation, use the link in your approval email to upload invoices, permits, and supporting documentation.

6. Receive Rebate  

We'll verify your documents and send your rebate check within 2 – 4 weeks. 

Custom rebates are available for retrofit projects that do not qualify for standard rebates and retrocommissioning projects.

While retrofitting involves replacing outdated equipment, retrocommissioning focuses on improving the efficiency of what is already in place. Qualifying retrocommissioning projects include replacements such as controls or modifications to air conditioning systems which result in verifiable electric and/or natural gas savings. Here’s how to get a custom rebate:

1. Prepare Your Application

• Make sure your project complies with the Program Eligibility Requirements and Terms and Conditions (see page 16).(PDF, 3MB)

2. Get an Energy Savings Report Stamped by a Licensed Engineer

Consult a licensed engineer for an energy savings reports and have it stamped by the engineer. Make sure your project shows verifiable electric and/or natural gas savings and your report complies with the Savings Estimation Requirements (page 15)(PDF, 3MB).

If you need assistance with getting an energy savings report, contact us at utilityprograms@cityofpaloalto.org

3. Submit a Rebate Application

Apply for Rebates Now

4. Get Approval for Installation

You will be notified via email within the next 10 days to schedule a pre-installation inspection.  

After this inspection, you will be notified via email if your project is approved for installation. Please wait to purchase equipment until you hear back. 

5. Apply for Building Permits and/or Planning Entitlements

Before installing your equipment, get an issued permit and/or planning entitlement with Planning and Development Services.

Apply for Building Permits Now

6. Install Equipment and Upload Supporting Documentation

Purchase and install equipment within 180 days of your approval. After installation, use the link in your approval email to upload invoices, permits, and supporting documentation. 

7. Schedule Post-Installation Inspection and Receive Rebate

We will schedule a post-installation inspection to verify your project energy savings. Rebates are subject to change based on our verification.

After verification, we will send your rebate check within 2 - 4 weeks.

• Lower operating costs – Using less energy can lower your facility's utility bills and increase your profit margins.  
• Reduce facility’s carbon footprint – Facilities can reduce their carbon footprint with energy-efficient, electric equipment powered by Palo Alto’s carbon neutral electricity. Making your facility more sustainable can improve your brand image with customers, the public, and employees. 
• Improve health and comfort for building occupants – Studies from the International Energy Agency (IEA) have shown that people working in energy efficient buildings are less likely to suffer from fatigue and headaches. Improving the health of workers could in turn have significant implications for workplace productivity. 

We encourage customers to consider electrification, a shift from fossil fuels to electricity for space and water heating, transportation and cooking. CPAU's electricity is sourced from renewable and hydroelectric resources, but natural gas is a fossil fuel that will always produce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Business Customer Rebate Program now offers electrification rebates on equipment such as heat pump water heaters, packaged or split system heat pumps, commercial electric fryers, and commercial electric convection oven.