September 2026

Ready to be a part of the electrification shift? Join the City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) for an upcoming webinar to learn how you can get involved in our Commercial Heat Pump HVAC Program and position your business for more project opportunities. 

What we'll cover: 

• Incentives & CPAU program details 
• Permitting + planning requirements 
• How to streamline your project approvals 

Plus, contractors who attend the webinar and meet program criteria have the opportunity to be added to CPAU's Contractor Courtesy List, which is shared directly with customers seeking experienced installers. 

Two sessions will be offered. Save your spot today! 

New Indoor Water Saving Rebates

New water rebates of $250/unit for high-efficiency toilets and urinals are now available in our 2026 Rebate Catalog (see page 22). If your facility still has older, high-flow fixtures, upgrading to modern, water-efficient models can significantly reduce water use since restroom fixtures are often one of the largest sources of indoor water consumption.

Take advantage of these rebates to save water, lower utility costs, and support your sustainability goals.

Nonfunctional Turf - What to Know

California’s AB 1572 prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties beginning January 1, 2028. Palo Alto Utilities and our partner, Valley Water, offers resources, including rebates and technical assistance, to help businesses evaluate their landscapes and plan for water-efficient alternatives.

If you’re unsure whether your property has nonfunctional turf or where to begin, CPAU staff can coordinate a site visit, walk the landscape with you, and provide guidance and best practices.

Converting nonfunctional turf to drought-tolerant and native plants can also be a positive long-term investment, helping businesses reduce water use and lower ongoing water costs while creating more resilient landscapes.

Reminder: Citywide Changes to Credit and Debit Card Payment Processing Fees

Beginning September 15, 2026, the City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) will transition credit and debit card processing fees for utility bill payments to the cardholder. Like many municipalities and utilities, we are implementing this change so that customers who choose to pay by card cover the associated processing costs.

City Council has approved the 2.75%service fee which will be added to the total amount charged when a credit or debit card is used. The fee is intended to offset a portion of the costs charged by credit card companies and payment processors. We offer several alternative payment methods so you can avoid the card processing fees; click "learn more" below to find out.