Riverside Public Utilities Storage Rebates: Up to $10,000—or $17,000 for Qualifying SHARE Customers

The published rebate amounts

RPU lists $500 per kWh up to $10,000 for residential customers, or $850 per kWh up to $17,000 for qualified low-income SHARE customers. Payments cannot exceed project cost. The program is subject to available funding and may change.

Equipment and dates

Qualifying systems must be purchased on or after July 1, 2026. New, customer-owned batteries or eligible thermal storage must store energy off peak and discharge during peak periods. Leased and third-party-owned systems are excluded. Solar is optional. The limit is one rebate per year per service address.

The rate requirement deserves attention

Customers must use the applicable domestic time-of-use rate for the life of the storage system. Before an existing solar customer changes rates, ask RPU how the proposed schedule affects their whole bill and solar arrangement. The application requires a rate acknowledgment.

Application checklist

Submit within 180 days of purchase. Required evidence includes receipts, completed permits and final inspection approval, equipment and serial-number photos, manufacturer capacity specifications and the rate authorization. Use RPU's current application and confirm the final package with the utility.

A fictional cost comparison

Suppose an eligible 10 kWh system has a $14,000 installed cost. The standard published formula would suggest $5,000, leaving $9,000 before financing or other adjustments. This illustration does not establish approval or eligibility. A qualified SHARE customer's formula would differ; ask RPU to confirm the actual payment before signing.

Questions for the installer and utility

Ask which household circuits will receive backup power, what electrical work is included, and who handles permits and the rebate paperwork. Compare the rate obligation and battery's usefulness along with the amount. An attractive incentive does not make every installation a good fit.

Questions worth asking

• Is my account an eligible RPU residential electric account?
• Does RPU confirm that I qualify for SHARE's storage rate?
• Is the equipment new and owned by me?
• How does the required TOU rate affect my bill?
• Can I submit the complete package within 180 days?