How can you get rebates on your California utility bill for energy?
It varies by region, so look up the offers and rules for your place and utility, or refer to the added materials that accompany your utility bill. There are a few general arrangements for utility rebates: You automatically get a rebate or discount for keeping your use below some baseline rate for your household size or below some previous year's usage. They hand you a smaller, efficient item, such as a shutoff hose nozzle, a low flow showerhead, or an LED light bulb. You may have to show up somewhere or send in for these items. You buy a more efficient fixture or appliance (e.g. toilet, washer, fridge, ceiling fan), and send in the receipt and proof of installation for a rebate. Where I live, these offers change a couple times a year, so glance at that flyer or page again now and then. You replace your lawn with drought tolerant landscaping, and they reimburse you per square foot. Other than that, some cities and districts can help you perform a water or energy check on your dwelling. Some will do a house call; others have a kit and instructions you can check out from the main office or from your branch library, and do the basic measurements yourself. If you're wondering how you have been using that much electricity or water, start by figuring out where most of it goes, and you'll be well on your way to lowering your bill, rebate or not.