Electrify Your Home: Incentives and Programs to Help You Go Electric
The Leaflet | May 2025
Electrifying your home might seem overwhelming—but thanks to a growing network of local, state, and federal incentives, making the transition to an all-electric home is easier and more affordable than ever.
What Incentives Can You Use?
Whether you're looking to go all-in or start small, there are financial incentives available to help you upgrade your home’s systems—saving you money while supporting a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
Whole Home Electrification – Ready to make a full transition? The California Energy-Smart Homes program offers a $4,250 base incentive for homeowners completing whole-building electrification in existing single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, and ADUs. To qualify, apply by November 3, 2025—but even projects completed by December 31, 2025, may still be eligible. Funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait!
Electric Water Heaters - Not ready to convert your whole house? Start with a water heater. If yours is nearing the end of its life, consider switching to a heat pump water heater. Through Golden State Rebates, you can get a retail coupon worth up to $900 at participating stores. Pair that with PG&E’s Water Saver program, which connects your Wi-Fi-enabled unit to use off-peak electricity rates and save even more.
EV Charging - Drive an electric vehicle? PG&E’s Residential Charging Solutions rebate can cover 50% to 100% of the cost of your EV charger. Once installed, you can enroll in Ava Community Energy’s SmartHome Charging program to save around $140 per year on your electricity bill.
Visit Ava’s Incentive Finder for customized incentives you qualify for based on your household characteristics.
How to Get Started?
Not sure where to begin? Here are a few easy steps to launch your electrification journey:
- Assess Your Home: Schedule a free or low-cost home energy audit through BayREN’s Home Energy Score program to identify your most impactful upgrade opportunities.
- Try Before You Buy: Curious about cooking on induction? Borrow a kit—complete with an induction cooktop, pan, and recipes—through Acterra’s East Bay Induction Lending Program, available for pickup at Hayward City Hall.
- Improve Energy Efficiency: Small improvements like sealing leaks, upgrading windows, or adding insulation can lower your bills significantly. Use the Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit to get a 30% tax credit (up to $1,200) on qualifying weatherization upgrades.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for newsletters from organizations like The Switch is On, Ava Community Energy, and Acterra to be the first to know about new rebates, pilot programs, and workshops.
Electrifying your home in Hayward has never been more rewarding. Take advantage of these incentives while helping California reach its climate goals and improving your home’s comfort and efficiency.
