Renter's Guide to Saving on Energy Bills in 2026
March 31, 2026 · 6 min read
About 36% of American households rent. Most energy rebate programs target homeowners who can install heat pumps, solar panels, and insulation. But renters have options too, and some of them require zero landlord involvement.
What You Can Do Without Your Landlord
1. Community Solar ($100-$200/year savings)
Community solar lets you subscribe to a shared solar farm and receive credits on your electric bill. You do not need a rooftop, landlord approval, or any installation. You sign up, and your utility applies credits to your monthly bill.
Availability depends on your state and utility. States with strong community solar programs include Colorado, New York, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Illinois. Programs like Xcel Energy's Renewable*Connect in Colorado save approximately $150 per year.
2. Smart Thermostat Rebates ($50-$150 savings)
Many utilities offer $50-$100 rebates on smart thermostats, even for renters. A smart thermostat can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10-15%. The device is portable, so you take it with you when you move.
The rebate usually requires purchasing a qualifying model (Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell) from a specific retailer or through the utility's marketplace. Some utilities mail them directly at no cost.
3. Demand Response Programs ($100-$300/year)
Demand response programs pay you to reduce electricity use during peak hours. If you have a smart thermostat, your utility can make small temperature adjustments (usually 1-3 degrees) during high-demand periods and pay you for participating.
Xcel Energy's Peak Rewards program pays a $25 enrollment bonus plus approximately $300 per year in bill credits. Similar programs exist at most large utilities.
4. Rate Plan Optimization ($50-$200/year)
Most utilities offer multiple rate plans, and most customers are on the default plan. Switching to a time-of-use (TOU) plan can save money if you can shift heavy usage (laundry, dishwasher, EV charging) to off-peak hours. This requires no landlord involvement.
Compare your estimated usage against your utility's available plans to see which one saves you the most.
5. LIHEAP Bill Assistance ($200-$1,000/year)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay energy bills. Renters who pay their own energy bills qualify. Income limits vary by state but are typically at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
In addition to direct bill payment, LIHEAP can fund weatherization improvements through the companion WAP (Weatherization Assistance Program). WAP-funded work is done on the rental unit at no cost to the tenant, with landlord cooperation.
6. EV Charging Rebates (if applicable)
If you drive an electric vehicle, state and utility rebates on Level 2 chargers may be available. Colorado offers $2,500 toward a home charger, and Xcel Energy adds $700. Portable 240V chargers exist for renters who can access a standard dryer outlet.
The Landlord Conversation
If your landlord is receptive, sharing rebate information can benefit both of you. Landlords can access rebates for insulation, heat pumps, water heaters, and weatherization that increase property value and reduce your energy costs.
The pitch: "There are programs that would pay for most of the cost of upgrading the heating system. The property value goes up, my energy bills go down, and you pay little to nothing out of pocket."
You'll get a landlord-ready summary showing the property-value increase and the rebates going unclaimed. Use the "Share with your landlord" button on your results page.
Total Savings Potential
A renter who signs up for community solar, enrolls in demand response, optimizes their rate plan, and gets a smart thermostat rebate can save $375 to $1,250 per year without any landlord involvement. If you also qualify for LIHEAP, that number increases significantly.
Use WattGap to see which programs are available at your address. Select "Renter" during the check to see renter-specific options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can renters get energy rebates?
Yes. Community solar, smart thermostat rebates, demand response programs, and LIHEAP bill assistance are all available to renters without landlord permission.
What is community solar and how does it work for renters?
Community solar lets you subscribe to a shared solar farm and receive credits on your electric bill. No rooftop or landlord approval needed. Typical savings are 10-15% on electricity.
Can I get LIHEAP as a renter?
Yes. LIHEAP is available to renters who pay energy bills directly. Eligibility is based on income and household size.
Should I ask my landlord about energy upgrades?
If you have a good relationship with your landlord, sharing rebate information can be worthwhile. WattGap generates a landlord-specific summary you can share.
Check your rebate eligibility
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