CA AB1846

Requires each electrical corporation to offer instant rebates to low-income ratepayers for smart thermostat device purchases, allowing customers to purchase devices at a predetermined discounted price directly from the utility or through coupons from third parties.

Requires each local publicly owned electric utility to offer instant rebates to low-income ratepayers for smart thermostat purchases under similar terms, with each utility defining "low-income" consistent with its existing low-income programs.

Prohibits instant rebates from requiring ratepayers to pay full price for devices at the time of purchase.

Directs the Public Utilities Commission to ensure that rebate requirements do not shift costs between ratepayers enrolled in community choice aggregation programs and other ratepayers.

Exempts the state from providing reimbursement to local agencies for costs associated with implementing this requirement, citing authority to levy service charges and fees, and citing provisions related to creation of crimes or infractions.