DEPARTMENT
Water Enterprise
AGENDA NO.
8 MEETING DATE
June 24, 2025
AGENDA ITEM
Public Utilities Commission
City and County of San Francisco
Calendar: Regular Calendar
Project Manager: Julie Ortiz
Hearing to Consider and Approve Updates to the SFPUC-Administered Commercial Washer Rebate Program Rules and Regulations
Summary of Proposed
Commission Action:
Approve updates to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s existing commercial clothes washer rebate program to reduce the rebate from $5,000 per qualifying commercial-grade clothes washing machine to $1,000; remove the 10- dwelling unit or more eligibility requirement for multi- family properties to allow any size multi-family properties to participate for washers installed in common-area laundry rooms; and clarify several minor program terms.
Background: Since 2004, a s part of its water conservation program, t he San Francisco Public Utilities Commission ( SFPUC) has provided a commercial clothes washer rebate program to incentivize retail water service customers seeking commercial-grade machines for laundromats , commercial facilities, or common area laundry rooms in multi-unit residential buildings to choose the most water -efficient machines that exceed federal standards for water savings. The SFPUC also provides a separate Residential Clothes Washer Rebate program for residential -style machines used in small residential properties and within individual dwelling units in multi-family buildings. The SFPUC provides rebates to retail customers upon proof of purchase and installation of commercial machines certified by Energy Star. These washers use 25% less energy and 33% less water than conventional commercial washers.
The SFPUC started its commercial clothes washer rebate amount at $150 and increased it incrementally over the years to $500 and allowed participation by l aundromats and commercial properties multi- family properties when washers were installed in a common area.
In 2023, the Board of Supervisors established a budgetary addback to temporarily expand the program. SFPUC used addback funds to increase the rebate to $5,000 per qualifying machine to encourage more laundromats and large apartment buildings to install water-efficient washing machines and to address Board of Supervisor concerns that residents in some neighborhoods may have limited access to laundry facilities. To effect the addback , the
Commission, by Resolution No. 23- 0123, increased the rebate amount and raised the eligibility requirement for multi- family properties to 10-plus dwelling units.
Agenda Title: Approve Updates to the SFPUC-Administered Commercial Washer Rebate Program Commission Meeting Date: June 24, 2025
Over the life of the program , the SFPUC has issued over 1,600 commercial washer rebates. Of these, 133 rebates were issued since the rebate increased to $5,000 - 124 to laundromats and 9 to multi-family properties.
Rebate applicants must provide the SFPUC with proof of purchase documentation. Based on this data, customers paid a median purchase cost of $2,300 per washer . The $5,000 maximum SFPUC rebates co vered 100 percent of the purchase cost for all the applicants.
The budgetary addback has now been expended. S taff seeks to adjust the rebate to align with other SFPUC conservation rebate programs more closely and to allow smaller multi-family properties to participate again. At $1,000, the rebate is more consistent with other rebate programs but still high enough to continue to motivate customer participation and help the SFPUC achieve water savings at a lesser cost to the agency.
Description of Action: To continue to support the accessibility of high-performance, water-efficient commercial clothes washing machines for San Franciscans who rely on communal clothes washing facilities and to increase water savings from replacement of existing high- water use machines with water -efficient models, the SFPUC proposes the following updates to its existing commercial clothes washer rebate program: (1) reduce the rebate amount from $5,000 per machine to up to $1,000 per machine upon proof of purchase and installation of an Energy Star certified model in a laundromat, commercial property or common area of a multi-unit residential building served by a SFPUC retail water service account; (2) remove the 10-dwelling unit or more eligibility requirement for multi- family properties to allow any size multi-family properties to participate for washers installed in common - area laundry rooms ; ( 3) adjust the name of the category that applies to commercial washers from Energy Star Most Efficient to Energy Star; and (4) add a SFPUC accounting requirement for applicants who are not the water account holder to provide written permission from the water account holder.
SFPUC Water Conservation staff will continue to administer the rebate program in-house, in compliance with SFPUC accounting and City of San Francisco Controller’s Office guidelines.
To qualify, a pplicants must meet all eligibility requirements, submit a complete and accurate application, and provide proof of purchase and installation for approval. The SFPUC will not issue rebates for more than the actual washing machine purchase cost. See the attached Program Rules for more details.
Budget & Costs: The SFPUC funds most of its water conservation incentive programs, including the commercial conservation rebate program, through its Water Conservation operating budget.
Agenda Title: Approve Updates to the SFPUC-Administered Commercial Washer Rebate Program Commission Meeting Date: June 24, 2025
Schedule: If this action is approved by the Commission, the SFPUC Water Conservation Section will update the Commercial Washer Rebate Program application materials as of July 1, 2025.
Environmental
Review:
This action does not constitute a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines section 15378(a) because there would be no physical change in the environment.
Attachments: 1. Updates to Commercial Washer Rebate Program Application Terms
2. Updates to the Commercial Washer Rebate Program Rules and Regulations
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
City and County of San Francisco
RESOLUTION NO.
WHEREAS, The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is committed to helping its customers achieve and maintain efficient water use and since 2004, through the SFPUC Water Resources Division, Water Conservation Section, has provided a Commercial Clothes Washer Rebate Program (Program) to incentivize retail water service customers seeking commercial-grade machines for laundromats, commercial facilities, or common area laundry rooms in multi-unit residential buildings to choose the most water-efficient machines that exceed federal standards for water savings; and
WHEREAS, On June 13, 2023, by Resolution No. 23-0123, as a result of a $350,000 budgetary addback by the Board of Supervisors, this Commission approved temporary changes to the Program to provide rebates of up to $5,000 per washing machine for residential buildings of 10 units or more; and
WHEREAS, The SFPUC has expended the budgetary add back funds for the Program; and
WHEREAS, Staff seeks to update the terms of the Program to re-set the amount and eligibility requirements and to improve the administrative features of the Program as follows: (1) reduce the rebate amount from $5,000 per machine to up to $1,000 per machine upon proof of purchase and installation of an Energy Star certified model in a laundromat, commercial property or common area of a multi-unit residential building served by a SFPUC retail water service account; (2) remove the 10-dwelling unit or more eligibility requirement for multi-family properties to allow any size multi-family properties to participate for washers installed in common-area laundry rooms; (3) adjust the name of the category that applies to commercial washers from Energy Star Most Efficient to Energy Star; and (4) add a SFPUC accounting requirement for applicants who are not the water account holder to provide written permission from the water account holder; and
WHEREAS, The SFPUC Water Conservation Section has the resources and experience to continue to administer its commercial washer rebate program in-house at the $1,000 rebate amount as part of its core programming; and
WHEREAS, This action does not constitute a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines section 15378(a) because there would be no physical change in the environment; and
WHEREAS, In conformance with Charter Section 4.104, notice of this hearing was posted on June 11, 2025 now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Commission hereby approves the following updates to the Program as set forth in the attached Program Rules and Regulations (1) reduce the rebate amount from $5,000 per machine to up to $1,000 per machine upon proof of purchase and installation of an Energy Star certified model in a laundromat, commercial property or common area of a multi-unit residential building served by a SFPUC retail water service account; (2) remove the 10-dwelling unit or more eligibility requirement for multi- family properties to allow any size multi- family properties to participate for washers installed in common-area laundry rooms; (3) adjust the name of the category that applies to commercial washers from Energy Star Most Ef ficient to Energy Star; and (4) add a SFPUC accounting requirement for applicants who are not the water account holder to provide written permission from the water account holder; and be it further.
RESOLVED, That the General Manager is authorized to amend the Program Rules and Regulations for correction or clarity without changing the purpose, effect, or material terms as approved by this Commission.
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission at its meeting, June 24, 2025.
Director of Commission Affairs
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Program Rules
5/12/25
Commercial High-Efficiency Washer Rebate Terms
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission is offering a rebate of up to $10 00 per qualifying commercial-grade high-efficiency clothes washer installed in a Laundromat, commercial property, or in the common area of a multi- family building. Commercial clothes washing machines are intended for settings that require use by many people and large capacities of laundry. The SFPUC’s commercial washer rebate program is not for single-family homes or small multi-family properties.
The SFPUC’s residential washer rebate program serves small residential properties.
Verify that your washer model is on the qualifying project list and that your washer was purchased within 90 days of this application. Please have the information below ready before starting the online application; partial applications cannot be saved in our system:
• SFPUC Water Account and Account Holder/Name on Water Account • Installation Address
• Applicant contact information (name, phone, email)
• Washer purchase information: purchase date, installation date, price, manufacturer, model number • Itemized Proof of Payment clearly showing the delivery address is the same as the installation address. (Our system cannot accept HEIF attachments)
• Washer Retailer: email, phone, address, or website for online retailers • If you are not the water account holder, you will need written permission from the account holder to receive the rebate
After completing your online application, send a completed IRS Form W -9 to the San Francisco Controller’s Office either by emailing them at [email protected] OR mailing a hard copy W -9 to:
Supplier Management, 1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Place, Room 300, San Francisco, CA 94102. Rebates cannot be issued without a W-9 form on file with the Controller’s Office.
The Social Security or Tax ID number requested is in compliance with exemptions to the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, 42 UCS 405 (c) (2)(c). The Internal Revenue Service requires rebate program participants receiving $600 or more in rebates to be issued an IRS Form 1099 unless exemptions apply. Social Security numbers provided as part of the application process are held in confidence under terms of the Privacy Act and are not divulged or otherwise conveyed to individuals or organizations outside the Controller’s Office.
If you have any questions about this application, please email [email protected] or call 415- 551-4730.
You must be a commercial or multi-family account holder. For multi-family accounts, the washer must be installed in a common area of a building. There are no limits on the per-customer quantity of rebates for washer replacements at a single site.
The approved washer must be installed at an SFPUC service address with an active commercial or multi- family water account.
The washer must be installed prior to rebate -approval. A separate application must be submitted for each account number. Applicants must complete a post-inspection conducted by SFPUC staff to verify installation before the rebate is approved.
The purchased or leased washer must be new and on the current qualified product list of approved Energy Star models. Only the exact model numbers listed will qualify for a rebate. List of qualifying
Rebate Agreement - Release of Liability
models are subject to change.
For leased equipment, a new signed contract is required with a minimum of 5-year agreement. The contract must list the make, model number and serial number of washers installed. Rebate amount is not to exceed the purchase price (not including sales tax). The proof of payment submitted must indicate the itemized cost of the washer(s). Receipts and/or invoices that do not include the itemized cost of the washer(s) will be rejected. Rebate application and W-9 must be completed within 90 days of purchase. Please make copies for your records. Original receipts will not be returned. The SFPUC reserves the right to alter this program at any time. Funding is limited and rebates are available on a first come, first served basis until funds run out or program terminates. Please allow approximately 12 weeks for processing after all applicant requirements have been met.
I certify I have read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions of this rebate program. The undersigned expressly agrees that the SFPUC may inspect all qualifying washer installations; that installation of qualifying washer models may not result in lower water bills; and that the SFPUC does not warrant any washer or installation to be free of defects, the quality of workmanship, or the suitability of the premises for washer installation. The undersigned further agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the SFPUC, their directors, officers, and employees, against all loss, damage, expense, claims, suits and liability, including attorney’s fees resulting from the loss, destruction or damage to property arising out of or in any way connected with the washer or installation.
By clicking "I have read and accept the terms of the program," I agree that I have read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions of this rebate program.
* PLEASE REFER TO YOUR MOST RECENT WATER BILL OR CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT (415) 551-3090 FOR YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER INFORMATION.
City and County of San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Commercial Clothes Washer Rebate
Program Rules and Regulations i Adopted: 6/13/23
Effective: 7/1/23
[PROPOSED REVISIONS]
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Rules and Regulations Implementing the
Commercial Clothes Washer Rebate Program
Daniel Lurie, Mayor
COMMISSIONERS
Kate H. Stacy President
Joshua ArceVice President Avni JamdarStephen E. LeveroniMeghan Thurlow
Adopted:
by Commission Resolution No.
Effective:
THE COMMERCIAL CLOTHES WASHER REBATE PROGRAM
The purpose of the Commercial Clothes Washer Rebate Program (Program) is to save water by encouraging commercial and multi-family properties in the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) retail water service area to purchase the most water- and energy-efficient models of commercial-grade clothes washing machines. The rebate program is intended only for commercial clothes washing machines used in laundromats, commercial facilities, and common area laundry rooms of large multi-unit residential buildings.
AUTHORITY FOR AND PURPOSE OF THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS The SFPUC has adopted these Rules and Regulations, as may be amended, to provide rules for participation in the Commercial Clothes Washer Rebate Program.
City and County of San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Commercial Clothes Washer Rebate
Program Rules and Regulations ii Adopted: 6/13/23
Effective: 7/1/23
City and County of San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Commercial Clothes Washer Rebate
Program Rules and Regulations iii Adopted: 6/13/23
Effective: 7/1/23
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RULE 1.0 - DEFINITIONS ......................................................................................................................1 RULE 2.0 – GENERAL COMMERCIAL WASHER REBATE PROGRAM INFORMATION ................................. 2 RULE 3.0 – COMMERCIAL WASHER REBATE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ..............................................1 RULE 4.0 -- APPLICATION PROCESS……………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
RULE 1.0 – DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise expressly stated and defined in a separate Rule, the following terms in bold font shall, for the purpose of these Regulations, have the meaning indicated following the colon (:).
Applicant: A SFPUC retail water customer or representative who is authorized to submit the application on behalf of a customer.
Application: A complete set of required documents and information reported through the water conservation online application portal.
Customer: Any commercial laundromat, operator of a laundry facility or a large multi-family property that receives a SFPUC water bill and meets the eligibility requirements of these Rules and Regulations.
Energy Star A certification through the EPA’s WaterSense program.
Qualifying Product List (QPL): A list that contains every eligible make and model for rebate eligible commercial washers. The list contains only those washers certified by the WaterSense - Energy Star label.
Participant: An Applicant approved by the SFPUC for a Rebate under these Rules and Regulations.
Proof of Payment (POP): An itemized receipt for the purchase of a clothes washer that conforms to the eligibility requirements of these Rules and Regulations.
Rebate: A payment offered to a Participant upon completion of a purchase transaction.
WaterSense: A voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is a label for certified water-efficient products.
W-9: A form, officially called Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, which is typically used when a person or entity is required to report certain types of income.
The form helps businesses obtain important information from payees to prepare information returns for the IRS.
Commercial Washer Rebate Program
Rules and Regulations Page 2
RULE 2.0 – GENERAL COMMERCIAL WASHER PROGRAM INFORMATION The following information is applicable to all program sections:
2.1 PARTICIPATION GENERALLY
The SFPUC offers a rebate for each qualifying commercial-grade high-efficiency clothes washer installed in a commercial setting. The Program is intended for settings that require constant, daily use by many people, and large capacities of laundry. The SFPUC’s commercial washer rebate program is not for single-family homes or small multi-family properties; a separate SFPUC residential washer rebate program serves small residential properties.
2.2 CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY
The Customer is solely responsible for purchasing, operating, and maintaining any clothes washing machine for which the Customer is seeking a Rebate under this Program.
2.3 RULES AND REGULATIONS
Submission of an Application constitutes an Applicant’s acknowledgment and agreement that the Applicant shall comply with these Rules and Regulations as may be amended.
2.4 TERMINATION AND LIMITATION OF SFPUC LIABLITY
SFPUC may, in its sole discretion and authority, reject an Applicant’s application to the Program if it does not meet all eligibility requirements or include all required documentation.
The SFPUC may, in its sole discretion and authority, terminate or alter the Commercial Clothes Washer Rebate Program.
Funding is limited and rebates are available on a first come, first served basis until funds run out or the Program terminates.
Installation of qualifying washer models may not result in lower water bills.
SFPUC shall bear no responsibility or liability for the cost, expense, operation, maintenance, or repair of a Participant’s commercial clothes washing machine. SFPUC shall likewise bear no responsibility or liability for delay in accepting an Application, rejection of an Application, or termination of the Program.
Commercial Washer Rebate Program
Rules and Regulations Page 3
RULE 3.0 – COMMERCIAL WASHER REBATE PROGRAM PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS To receive a Commercial Clothes Washer Rebate, an Applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:
3.1 CUSTOMER ELIGIBILITY
To participate in the Program, the Customer must:
be a commercial laundromat, commercial property, or the owner, manager, or operator of laundry facilities in the common area of a multi-family building ; • be a SFPUC Water Account holder or duly authorized representative; Applicants that are not the water account holder must provide written permission from the account holder to participate;
provide a business and operating address within the City and County of San Francisco; and have verifiable contact information.
3.2 COMMERCIAL CLOTHES WASHER EQUIPMENT ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for a rebate, the commercial clothes washer equipment must:
be newly purchased or leased;
be identified by make and model;
the model number must appear on the current Qualifying Product List for Energy Star commercial-grade clothes washers [www.sfpuc.org/accounts-services/sign-up-for- savings/commercial-washer-rebate];
for multi-unit accounts, be installed in a common area of a building; and be installed prior to the rebate approval.
NOTE: A commercial clothes washing machine replacing a machine for which SFPUC previously issued a Rebate is eligible only if it has been in place for a minimum of 10 years.
3.3 REBATE ELIGIBILITY, AMOUNT, AND PAYMENT
(A) Rebate Eligibility
To receive a rebate, a Participant must submit a Proof of Payment with an itemized cost of the washer equipment. Receipts and/or invoices that do not include the itemized cost of the washer(s) will be rejected.
The Applicant must submit a W-9 to the City Controller within 90 days of purchase or lease (see Rule 4 below).
The Applicant must allow an onsite inspection by SFPUC staff to verify installation of a qualifying machine before the Rebate is approved.
Commercial Washer Rebate Program
Rules and Regulations Page 4
For leased equipment, the Customer must submit a new signed lease agreement with a minimum term of five years. The lease must identify the make, model number, and serial number of washers installed.
(B) Rebate Amount and Payment
The Rebate amount shall not exceed the purchase price of the commercial clothes washing machine (not including sales tax).
The maximum amount of a Rebate under this Program is $1,000 for each qualifying commercial clothes washing machine.
The SFPUC endeavors to issue a Rebate check within 12 weeks of approval of an Application.
RULE 4.0 – APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants must follow these steps to apply:
Read the application directions and program rules before starting an online application Verify purchase of a qualifying Energy Star - commercial clothes washer. A separate application must be submitted for each Water account number. Register the Water account with the SFPUC’s Water Conservation Application System. To register, the Water Service Account Number and the account service address zip code are needed.
https://conservation.sfwater.org/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f
Or contact the SFPUC’s Water Conservation Section at 415-551-4730. Submit a completed W-9 form to the City Controller's Office. Participate in a SFPUC inspection after the -washers are installed.