Individuals and businesses on California's Central Coast will soon be able to take advantage of even more rebates and other incentives encouraging the adoption of EVs and other electric options.
Central Coast Community Energy expanded its 2026-27 rebates to cover more electric cars, chargers, home appliances, and farm equipment across its service area. The update also added no-cost technical support for customers planning larger EV charging or fleet projects.
Here's what to know
After its Policy Board approved additional investment in electrification efforts, Central Coast Community Energy — the community choice electricity provider serving Santa Barbara County — broadened its 2026-27 rebate and support lineup, according to Edhat.
Through the Electrify Your Ride program, 3CE provides incentives for qualifying new and preowned battery-electric vehicles. Income-qualified customers can also apply for help with plug-in hybrid purchases, and rebates are available for Level 2 home chargers, bidirectional charging equipment, and related electrical work and installation.
3CE's Electrify Your Home program also offers household rebates for heat-pump HVAC systems, heat-pump water heaters, and induction stoves and ranges. It even provides an option for renters, with incentives available for portable heat-pump space conditioners, as well.
In some instances, individuals might be eligible for 3CE rebates on top of statewide incentives like California's MyFirstEV program.
Combining energy-efficient electric appliances with home solar is also one of the best ways to save money on utility bills, and Palmetto is currently running an exclusive offer for Southern California residents that allows customers to save an average of 40% on their electric bills with $0 down.
Business rebates and assistance
The updated rebates are not limited to household appliances and personal vehicles. 3CE expanded its Agricultural Electrification Program to include used and leased all-electric equipment as well as new equipment. Further, small and emerging agricultural businesses can access added support, 3CE said.
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Another new offering is the EV Launchpad Technical Assistance Program, which gives eligible customers no-cost help as they plan EV charging projects or fleet electrification. The assistance covers charging capacity, equipment selection, and installation timelines.
How to access the rebates
People interested in the new funding — including residents, renters, farmers, and businesses — can start by checking 3CE's program categories and eligibility rules online before buying equipment. According to 3CE, customers can explore current rebate amounts, review requirements, and submit applications through its rebates and incentives portal.
Program eligibility varies, with application approvals depending on program rules and remaining funding, according to 3CE.
For homeowners considering upgrades beyond a single appliance or charger, Palmetto's solar offer may be worth comparing alongside 3CE's rebates. With Palmetto's help, the average Southern California resident can save 40% on their electric bills, which can add up to thousands of dollars per year.
Emphasizing the practical nature of the rebate programs, Chris Cook, Director of Energy Programs at 3CE, said, "Our programs help people take practical next steps, whether that means buying an electric car, installing a charger, updating farm equipment, or planning a large fleet of vehicles."
Eligible customers can review available programs and apply at 3cenergy.org/rebates-incentives/ while funding lasts.
Where can I learn more?
California's expanded 3CE rebates are part of a larger effort to make cleaner cars and electric home upgrades more affordable.
• California began offering instant $3,500 EV rebates for first-time buyers after federal credits disappeared.
• Homeowners have tapped limitless rebates for some efficiency upgrades when federal and local programs stack.
• Across the U.S., home EV charging costs about 5 to 6 cents a mile.
• Maine regulators weighed electric vehicle purchase incentives modeled on California's approach.
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