Shopping for a smart thermostat feels exciting until you see the price tag and wonder if you’re about to
spend $250 on a gadget that tells you you’re cold (thanks, thermostat, we noticed). But many of the most popular models qualify for rebates through Oregon and Washington utilities, which means money back in your pocket.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which thermostats qualify for rebates in our region, how to claim those rebates step by step, and what to watch out for so you don’t miss out.
And because we’ve spent more than 17 years serving homeowners across Oregon and Washington—from the Columbia River Gorge to the Portland/Gresham Metro—you’ll get practical, real-world advice that cuts through the fine print and gets you straight to the savings.
Why Rebates Exist (and Why They Matter for You)
Energy companies in Oregon and Washington don’t just encourage efficiency out of goodwill — they incentivize it because when you use less energy, they don’t have to build more infrastructure or overwork the grid during peak demand. Programs like Energy Trust of Oregon rebates or Puget Sound Energy’s Smart Thermostat Incentives exist to help you make upgrades that lower your bills while reducing strain on the system.
In other words: these rebates are not gimmicks. They are real, utility-backed programs designed to give you cash back or bill credits when you choose an ENERGY STAR® certified thermostat that helps reduce energy use. The only catch is you have to purchase qualifying models and follow each utility’s steps.
Which Thermostats Qualify in Oregon & Washington
Across both states, rebate programs are generally tied to ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats that automatically adjust heating and cooling schedules. Popular models include:
- Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd & 4th Gen) – Widely accepted by Energy Trust of Oregon, Portland General Electric, and Clark Public Utilities.
- Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium & Ecobee Enhanced – Qualifies for rebates with Puget Sound Energy and Pacific Power.
- Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat – Approved by many Oregon and Washington utilities.
- Emerson Sensi Touch & Sensi Touch 2 – Often included in programs through Energy Trust of Oregon.
- Amazon Smart Thermostat (ENERGY STAR® certified version) – Eligible for smaller rebate amounts, but a budget-friendly option.
These qualify because they meet ENERGY STAR® criteria for energy savings through scheduling, geofencing (adjusting when you leave or arrive), and remote sensors.
How Much Money Can You Get Back?
The exact rebate depends on where you live in Oregon or Washington and which utility company serves your home. Below, we’ve broken down the major programs so you can see what’s available and how to make the most of each.
Energy Trust of Oregon
If your home has electric heating and you’re served by Portland General Electric or Pacific Power, Energy
Trust of Oregon offers a rebate of up to $80 for qualifying smart thermostats.
- Qualifying models: Google Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell T9, Emerson Sensi, Amazon Smart (ENERGY STAR® certified versions only).
- How you save: Submit proof of purchase and installation online through the Energy Trust portal. Rebates are typically issued as checks or prepaid cards.
- What to know: Gas-heated homes are generally not eligible under this program, which sometimes surprises homeowners. Always confirm your system type before applying.
Portland General Electric (PGE)
PGE customers can receive about $50 back when they install an ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostat.
- Qualifying models: Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell, Emerson Sensi, and other approved ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats.
- How you save: Apply directly through PGE’s rebate portal or partner retailers. In some cases, instant discounts are available at checkout.
- What to know: PGE often partners with Energy Trust of Oregon, so you’ll want to make sure you’re not missing out on stacking opportunities. Rebates can be combined with time-of-use programs that save you even more on your monthly bill.
Pacific Power (Oregon & Washington)
Pacific Power offers smart thermostat rebates ranging from $75–$100, depending on the thermostat
model.
- Qualifying models: Nest, Ecobee Premium/Enhanced, Honeywell T9, and others that meet ENERGY STAR® standards.
- How you save: Rebate forms are submitted online, but some retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot provide instant discounts at checkout when purchasing eligible models.
- What to know: Customers often miss out by not registering their thermostat with Pacific Power’s demand response programs. Doing so can mean additional savings on your monthly bill.
Puget Sound Energy (PSE)
PSE customers in Washington can earn up to $75 back on an approved smart thermostat.
- Qualifying models: ENERGY STAR® certified units such as Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell T9, and Emerson Sensi.
- How you save: Apply online with your receipt and thermostat model number. Some partner retailers automatically apply the rebate at checkout.
- What to know: PSE occasionally offers seasonal promotions that stack on top of the rebate, making this one of the stronger programs for Washington homeowners.
Clark Public Utilities (Washington)
Clark Public Utilities takes a different approach by offering instant rebates at checkout when you buy from
approved partner retailers.
- Qualifying models: ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats like Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell.
- How you save: Instead of waiting weeks for a rebate check, the discount is applied immediately at the register or online checkout.
- What to know: The instant rebate option is especially appealing if you don’t want to bother with forms or follow-up paperwork. Be sure to shop through Clark’s official partners to qualify.
Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (25C)
Beyond local rebates, the federal government offers an additional incentive under the 25C tax credit program.
- Savings available: Up to 30% of the cost of qualifying energy-efficient upgrades, capped at $600 per year for smart thermostats and other home efficiency improvements.
- How you save: This benefit is applied at tax time. Keep your receipts and proof of purchase, and provide them to your tax preparer or include them when filing.
- What to know: This credit can be combined with local rebates, dramatically lowering the net cost of your thermostat upgrade. In some cases, you may cut your total investment by half.
Why It’s Worth Applying Everywhere You Can
Rebates and credits stack. That means you could buy a $250 thermostat, get $75 back from your utility, another $50 back at checkout, and then apply a 30% federal tax credit on top. Suddenly, your “expensive gadget” is costing you closer to $100—and that’s before you even calculate the monthly energy savings.
Step-by-Step: How to Claim Your Rebate
- Confirm your utility’s program. Visit Energy Trust of Oregon, PGE, Pacific Power, or your local utility’s website for the official list.
- Purchase a qualifying thermostat. Look for ENERGY STAR® certification and check against the approved list.
- Install the thermostat. You can DIY if comfortable, or hire a professional — both are valid for rebates.
- Save your proof. Keep receipts, model numbers, and photos of the installed unit if required.
- Submit your rebate claim. Typically an online form, but some utilities offer instant rebates at checkout.
- Watch your mailbox or bill. Rebates may arrive as a check, prepaid card, or direct bill credit within 6–8 weeks.
Why Claiming Thermostat Rebates Is Worth Your Time
When you first started reading, you may have wondered if thermostat rebates were really worth the hassle,
or if they’d just be another chore added to your already long list.
With more than 17 years of experience helping families across the Columbia River Gorge and Portland Metro understand their HVAC options, we’ve seen how rebates, when paired with the right thermostat, can cut costs and improve comfort without unnecessary stress.
If you’re ready to take the next step and see which models deliver the best comfort and value in our region, head over to our guide on the The Best 5 Smart Thermostats for Homes in the Columbia River Gorge. It’s a simple way to compare features, prices, and reviews so you can choose with confidence.
