California Energy Smart Homes - Update April 2026
On April 24, 2026, the CA Energy Smart Homes (CAESH) rebate program announced abrupt changes - this page is frequently updated with the latest news and insights...
Updated: Fri, April 24, 2026
This page will get updated as QuitCarbon learns more about the CAESH program changes.
What happened?
- On April 24, 2026, TRC, the program implementer for the California Energy Smart Homes (CAESH) rebate program, announced via email and a notice on their website that "Effective April 20, 2026, incentive and bonus funding available for 2026 is fully subscribed."
- The announcement linked to this FAQ page for details.
Where can I find more details?
- The CAESH website might get updated.
- The CAESH FAQ page provides limited details.
- As of this update, QuitCarbon Clean Energy Coaches have no further details - we are working hard to learn more, and we'll keep this page updated.
Did QuitCarbon know this was going to happen?
- No.
- In recent months, QuitCarbon had heard that the CAESH program had ample funding.
- Despite requests, and unlike other California rebate programs, the CAESH program has never published a "budget tracker", which the public could use to understand remaining funding levels.
This situation is frustrating - who can I complain to?
- The CAESH website states "The California Energy-Smart Homes Residential Program is funded by California utility customers and administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and supported by the state’s other Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) under the auspices of the California Public Utility Commission."
- Here is contact info for the various entities involved in the CAESH program:
- CAESH program (administered by TRC): (833) 987-3935 caenergysmarthomes@trccompanies.com
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E): (800)-743-5000
- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E): (800)411-7343
- Southern California Edison (SCE): (800)655-4555
- California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC):
- Consumer Affairs Branch: (800)649-7570
- Customer Support
- General contact page
- You can find your local representatives in the CA state legislature using this tool and contact their district and capitol offices with your concerns
How can I learn more?
- Keep visiting the CAESH website
- If you have a CAESH application in process, the CAESH program has stated "we encourage you to contact us directly at caenergysmarthomes@trccompanies.com so our team can review your situation and provide the most accurate guidance."
- Sign up for the CAESH quarterly newsletter
- Follow changes to this page
- Contact QuitCarbon (we suggest via text message or email)
Advice for QuitCarbon Clients Pursuing Clean Energy Upgrades
Do you have a QuitCarbon Home Profile, and have you been working with QuitCarbon's Clean Energy Coaches? Please see below for guidance specific to your upgrade progress:
I'm still considering what upgrades to do and when - I've not been in touch with contractors or vendors yet.
- Review your QuitCarbon Insights for always up-to-date guidance on the incentives you qualify for, the upgrades that are best for your home, and the next steps that are specific to your situation.
I've received a proposal from a contractor, or I'm considering a purchase from a clean energy upgrade vendor.
- Email or text message with QuitCarbon's Clean Energy Coaches so they can help you identify next steps.
I've said "yes" to a contractor proposal, or I've purchased from a clean energy upgrade vendor, but the upgrade hasn't been installed yet.
- You are making a great choice with your upgrade, but we understand that the economics of upgrading may have changed for you, and you may appreciate some expert guidance. Schedule a call with a QuitCarbon Clean Energy Coach, or contact us via text or email.
I've recently completed a clean energy upgrade, but my home is not yet completely off gas.
- Keep all your upgrade paperwork (especially invoices and permits), plus before and after photos, in your QuitCarbon Home Profile.
- Review your QuitCarbon Insights for always up-to-date guidance on the incentives you qualify for, the upgrades that are best for your home, and the next steps that are specific to your situation.
- Get in touch with QuitCarbon if you have questions.
I've recently completed my final upgrade, my home is off gas (or is about to be), and I intend to apply for the CAESH rebate.
- Request removal of your gas meter.
- Keep all your upgrade paperwork (especially invoices and permits), plus before and after photos, in your QuitCarbon Home Profile.
- Proceed to apply, or join the waitlist, or whatever steps you can complete on the CAESH website.
- Keep Hello@QuitCarbon.com CC'ed on all your emails with the CAESH program.
- Notify QuitCarbon that you are on the waitlist for CAESH.
I've completed my upgrades, I got off gas, and I submitted my CAESH rebate application - but I've not yet received my rebate check.
- Reply to an email from CAESH and ask them about the status of your application.
- Keep Hello@QuitCarbon.com CC'ed on all your emails with the CAESH program.
- Notify QuitCarbon that you are waiting for your CAESH rebate check.