San Carlos pilots a new rebate program for electric leaf blowers

Despite the state ban, there are no restrictions on already purchased blowers. The rebate program hopes to move San Carlos residents and businesses away from their use, and bring the city close to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This is “supporting quieter, cleaner equipment while recognizing the economic realities of people who help maintain our neighborhoods every day,” Mayor Pranita Venkatesh said. 

The rebate is available on a first come, first serve basis until the available funding is exhausted. The city intends to allocate $15,000 to accommodate 150 applications from residences, and another $15,000 for up to 30 applications from businesses, which may be awarded up to $500 per device. 

Businesses must be registered to operate within San Carlos to qualify, and they are capped at a maximum of two rebates per year, according to the pilot model. 

Councilmember John Dugan raised concerns over the possibility that some may abuse the rebate program. 

“I do have some concerns about having an open rebate without any enforcement mechanisms or any way to measure if this is actually decreasing the use of gas powered blowers in San Carlos, which I view as the objective,” Dugan said. 

San Carlos did not move forward with passing its own ban on gas-powered leaf blowers last year, and rather opted to move forward with the financial incentive program. Dugan said he would still be interested in considering a citywide ban. 

Councilmember Sara McDowell noted that the pilot program is a learning experience, and any parameters may change in the future should the rebate program be made permanent and ongoing. 

The rebate will be issued as a reimbursement after the city receives an application with proof of purchase, beginning in march. The purchase of the electric blower must be dated Dec. 15 or later. 

The awarded funds will come from the city’s sustainability budget, where it is already included.