Businesses are seeking new ways to improve their sustainability efforts and lower carbon emissions in their daily operations. Switching to modern, energy-efficient equipment is a key strategy that can be used in every industry. PSREC commercial energy rebate program offers financial rebates in equipment ranging from lighting to HVAC and food service.

Below, we break down the available Plumas-Sierra REC business energy rebates and what each program entails.

Commercial Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate

Hot water is essential in many commercial facilities, from restaurants to fitness centers. PSREC provides rebates for ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump water heaters designed to replace electric storage water heaters (40–80 gallons).

Key details include:

• $1,500 rebate per unit
• Units must have a minimum Unified Energy Factor (UEF) of 2.8
• Rebates are capped at 50% of the product’s total cost
• Applications must be submitted within six months of installation

This rebate makes it easier for businesses to reduce energy use while cutting long-term utility bills.

Commercial Kitchen & Food Service Equipment Rebate

Restaurants, cafés, and other food service operations can benefit from significant equipment rebates through PSREC. Qualifying items include:

• Dishwashers (door-type and undercounter)
• Electric ovens (convection, deck, combination)
• Fryers, griddles, and steam cookers
• Refrigerators and freezers (glass or solid door)
• Ice makers (air-cooled)
• Hot food holding cabinets and hand wrap machines

Rebates cover up to 50% of the equipment’s cost, with application deadlines set at six months from purchase or installation. Businesses should note that this program excludes purchases made through California Energy Wise/California Foodservice Instant Rebates.

By upgrading to efficient food service equipment, kitchens can cut energy costs and improve performance.

Commercial Heating & Cooling Rebates

Heating and cooling can represent a large portion of a commercial facility’s energy load. To encourage efficient HVAC systems, PSREC offers the following:

• Unitary Air-Cooled Heat Pump – Under 65 kBtu/hr: $500 per ton, 17.0 SEER minimum
• Unitary Air-Cooled Heat Pump – Over 65 kBtu/hr: $1,000 per ton, 17.0 SEER minimum
• Package Terminal Heat Pump – Under 24 kBtu/hr: $600 for replacement or $100 for new construction, exceeding code minimum efficiency by 20%

All rebates are capped at 50% of project costs. Applications must include the AHRI number to verify equipment performance. This program is particularly beneficial for offices, retail stores, and hospitality businesses managing significant HVAC demands.

Commercial Lighting Rebate

Lighting retrofits remain one of the most cost-effective upgrades for businesses. PSREC’s rebate covers retrofit projects designed to replace older fixtures with high-efficiency alternatives.

• Rebate: $0.20 per annual kWh saved
• Limited to 50% of project costs
• Six-month application submission window

Upgrading to LED lighting can drastically reduce operating costs while improving workplace comfort, safety, and aesthetics.

Commercial Custom Project Rebate

For facilities with unique energy needs, PSREC’s Custom Project Rebate offers flexibility. This program requires pre-approval and is designed for projects not covered under prescriptive options.

• Rebate: $0.20 per annual kWh saved
• Maximum coverage: 50% of project costs
• Application required within six months of project completion

Custom rebates provide opportunities for businesses to pursue innovative or specialized upgrades while still receiving financial support.

PSREC Agricultural and Irrigation Rebates

In addition to the core business efficiency programs, Plumas-Sierra Electric Cooperative also offers targeted rebates for agricultural and irrigation systems. These incentives are designed to help farms and agribusinesses reduce both energy and water use while keeping operations cost-effective.

Irrigation System Conversions

• High Pressure to Low Energy/Pressure Irrigation Systems: $14 per drop
  Applies to center pivot, linear, wheel, or hand move systems. The package must include new gooseneck, drop tube, low-pressure regulator, rotating sprinkler assembly, and nozzle, or drip tubing per drop.

Sprinkler and Nozzle Upgrades

• Impact Sprinklers: $1 per sprinkler for converting from high-pressure to low-pressure impact sprinklers.
• Nozzles: $3 per nozzle for replacing with low-pressure nozzles.

Gasket and Leveler Rebates

• Pipe Section Gasket: $4 per gasket
• Drain Gasket: $3 per gasket
• Leveler: $1 per unit for wheel line systems.

Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Motors

Installing VFDs can improve pump efficiency and reduce energy waste. Rebates are available for motors from 7.5 to 1000 horsepower:

• Centrifugal Pump VFD: $50 per HP
• Turbine Pump VFD: $80 per HP
  (Installations must meet IEEE 519 harmonics standards and include the appropriate savings tool application).

Generator Block Heaters

• ≥ 3 kW units: $1,500 per unit
• < 3 kW units: $200 per unit.

Program Notes

• Rebates cannot exceed 50% of installed costs.
• Applications must be submitted within six months of purchase or installation.
• Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

By upgrading irrigation systems, pumps, and supporting equipment, PSREC agricultural rebates help local growers cut energy costs while improving water efficiency.

Making the Most of PSREC Rebates

To take advantage of these programs, businesses should remember:

• Applications must be submitted within six months of purchase or installation.
• Rebates of $250 or less are credited directly to the utility account. Larger rebates are issued as checks.
• All rebates are capped at 50% of the total project cost.
• For certain programs, like Custom Projects, pre-approval is required.

Working with an experienced contractor can also help ensure compliance with program requirements while maximizing rebate opportunities.

Final Thoughts

The PSREC commercial energy rebate program gives businesses in the Plumas-Sierra region the opportunity to upgrade to energy efficient systems. New equipment and installations can come at a high upfront cost. However, rebates and financial incentives make it more feasible for businesses to improve their energy savings and increase their ROI.

If you believe you qualify for these rebates or want to maximize savings in your projects, reach out to Incentive Rebate360 so we can ensure you don’t leave money on the table. To contact us, call 480-653-8180, email [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below!