NEWS RELEASE 
SFPUC Contact:
John Coté
jcote@sfwater.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2023

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and Board President Aaron Peskin Support Laundromats with Increased Commercial Washer Rebate

SFPUC boosts its commercial washer rebate amount from $500 to $5,000 to support laundromats

SAN FRANCISCO — Today the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin announced an increase to the SFPUC’s commercial washer rebate program to support laundromats and shared laundry facilities. The program has increased the rebate amount from $500 to $5,000 while funds last. The rebates apply to the purchase and installation of high-efficiency commercial clothes washers. 

The additional funds were made available through a one-time budget appropriation of $350,000 from Supervisor Peskin. Laundromats across San Francisco serve as a vital community resource. The commercial washer rebate program offers these facilities an opportunity to lower their water usage and bills, benefitting businesses and the environment.  

“Laundromats provide a vital service to our communities,” said SFPUC General Manager Dennis Herrera. “We want to help these small business owners lower their bills and reduce water use, which also benefits the environment. It’s a win for everybody. I want to thank Board President Peskin for his work securing additional funding so we could increase our commercial washer rebates. Water conservation and affordability are major priorities for the SFPUC. This helps accomplish both by saving water and money.”  

"In 2021, I introduced legislation to stem the loss of, and create protections for, neighborhood laundromats, as well as streamline the permitting process for new laundromats," said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, who represents the dense neighborhoods of District 3, where laundry facilities are particularly crucial. "Now we are investing real dollars into meaningful incentives for operators by increasing the rebate amount that they can use to upgrade their business infrastructure with sustainable and water-efficient laundry machines — thus maintaining a service that many residents critically need."

The SFPUC is a leader in both water conservation and customer support programs. As part of this work, the agency offers rebates and free water-efficient devices to help customers use the most water-efficient products available. 

Eligible commercial washing machines have earned the Energy Star Label, a distinction awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star commercial washers use about 45% less water than standard models.

To be eligible for this rebate, high-efficiency commercial clothes washers must:

• be installed in a laundromat, commercial property, or in the common area of a multi-family property with 10 or more dwelling units
• be on the Energy Star Most Efficient qualifying product list 
• be purchased within 90 days of submitting the application

Additionally, applicants must: 

• be an SFPUC account holder
• have not received a washer rebate from the SFPUC in the past 10 years 
• complete an onsite installation verification inspection by the SFPUC 

Customers who think they may be eligible should apply as soon as possible at sfpuc.org/washers. 

As climate change increases the variability and intensity of the state’s weather over time, water conservation will continue to play a key role in safeguarding our water supply from future droughts. The SFPUC offers many services, rebates, and incentives to help customers save water. In addition to the commercial washer rebate, the agency also offers rebates for residential washing machines, rain barrels, cisterns, a free toilet program, and more.

To learn more about the commercial washer rebate or other programs, visit Sign Up for Savings (sfpuc.org).

About the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission is a department of the City and County of San Francisco. It delivers drinking water to 2.7 million people in the Bay Area, collects and treats wastewater for the City and County of San Francisco, and meets over 70 percent of the electricity demand in San Francisco. Our mission is to provide our customers with high-quality, efficient and reliable water, power, and sewer services in a manner that values environmental and community interests and sustains the resources entrusted to our care. Learn more at www.sfpuc.org.