SMUD EV charger rebates: what Sacramento homeowners can get

Written and checked by the DuloCore research team · Last verified: November 11, 2026

SMUD EV charger rebates are the main way to cut the bill for a home charger in Sacramento, and the biggest piece depends on which electrician you hire. Start with the cost picture and estimator on the home page, then use this page to see what SMUD pays and what it requires.

SMUD Charge@Home: three separate pieces

SMUD says Charge@Home rebates of "up to $850 are available to help with EV charging equipment and/or electric circuit installation" (SMUD Charge@Home (checked Nov 11, 2026)). Its terms list three incentives:

Other rules from the terms: the EV must be registered with the DMV at your SMUD service address in the account holder's name; there is one combined rebate per account and premise per lifetime; no piece pays more than you actually spent; money is first come, first served while funds last; and the check is mailed to the account holder 1–2 weeks after approval (SMUD Charge@Home terms (checked Nov 11, 2026)). For the circuit piece the invoice must show the contractor's license number, the circuit amperage, the wire gauge and the price, along with a copy of the permit, which does not need a final sign-off.

Why the SMUD Contractor Network matters

This is the part that is specific to Sacramento. SMUD offers two paths: Option A, where you apply yourself after buying an eligible charger or device, and Option B, where an electrician in the SMUD Contractor Network installs the circuit and "process[es] your rebate" (SMUD Charge@Home). If you hire a licensed electrician who is not in the network, you can still claim the charger and device pieces yourself, but not the $750 circuit piece (terms (checked Nov 11, 2026)). Ask every bidder whether they are listed in the SMUD Contractor Network directory before you compare prices; the installer guide covers the rest of the vetting.

Free charger and installation for income-eligible homeowners

SMUD offers a free Level 2 charger plus the electrical work to install a 32-amp charger on a 40-amp circuit to income-eligible single-family homeowners. You qualify if you are enrolled in, or qualify for, SMUD's Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR); your bill shows "w/EAPR" if you are. Panel upgrades are not covered, the charger is installed as close to the panel as possible with no exceptions, and the appointment may take six weeks or more. Renters who hold the SMUD account need a signed waiver from the owner (SMUD EAPR EV charger page (checked Nov 11, 2026)).

Go Electric panel rebates: read the fine print

SMUD's Go Electric program pays toward smart panels, like-for-like panel replacements, subpanels and new appliance circuits. As of November 11, 2026 the official page lists dryer and kitchen (cooktop or range) circuits as eligible, does not list an EV circuit, says projects that increase panel size (for example 100 A to 200 A) do not qualify for the like-for-like rebates, ties several pieces to replacing a gas furnace or water heater with a heat pump, and requires a SMUD Contractor Network contractor. Because the details have changed, check current amounts on the SMUD Go Electric page itself.

Other programs worth a look

We list these without amounts because we have not verified them for this site: SMUD's Managed EV Charging program, which rewards charging at grid-friendly times, and the Sacramento air district's Clean Cars 4 All, which SMUD's page says includes help with charging equipment for income-eligible drivers. The overnight EV rate discount is covered on the cost page.

Federal tax credits have ended

Under Public Law 119-21, the federal 30C credit "will not be allowed for any property placed in service after June 30, 2026," and the 25C credit, which covered qualifying panel upgrades, ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05 (checked Nov 11, 2026)). A home charger installed now gets no federal credit.

Outside SMUD territory

Some homes around Sacramento County get electricity from PG&E or another utility. None of the SMUD rebates apply there; check your utility's website. If you are in SMUD territory and want help keeping the application documents together, DuloCore has a SMUD EV charger rebate checklist.

Sources

1. SMUD, Charge@Home incentive: https://www.smud.org/Going-Green/Electric-Vehicles/Charge-at-Home-application-page (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
2. SMUD, Charge@Home Terms & Conditions: https://www.smud.org/Going-Green/Electric-Vehicles/Charge-at-Home-application-page/Charge-at-Home-Terms-and-Conditions (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
3. SMUD, Circuit sharing / energy management device list (updated 10/26/26): https://www.smud.org/-/media/Documents/Going-Green/EVs/Circuit-Sharing-Device-QPL.ashx (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
4. SMUD Contractor Network: https://www.smudcontractornetwork.org/ (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
5. SMUD, EV charger & installation for income-eligible customers: https://www.smud.org/Going-Green/Electric-Vehicles/Charge-at-Home-application-page/EV-charger-and-installation-EAPR (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
6. SMUD, Go Electric rebates: https://www.smud.org/Rebates-and-Savings-Tips/Improve-Home-Efficiency/Go-Electric-rebates (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
7. SMUD, Managed EV Charging: https://www.smud.org/Going-Green/Electric-Vehicles/Residential/Managed-EV-Charging (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
8. Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD, Clean Cars 4 All: https://www.airquality.org/SacCleanCars4All/Pages/default.aspx (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
9. IRS, FS-2025-05: FAQs on sections 25C, 25D, 25E, 30C, 30D, 45L, 45W and 179D under Public Law 119-21: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-for-modification-of-sections-25c-25d-25e-30c-30d-45l-45w-and-179d-under-public-law-119-21-139-stat-72-july-4-2025-commonly-known-as-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-obbb (accessed Nov 11, 2026)