SDGE Rebates for Hybrid Electric Water Heaters

soylentgreen

SDGE offers a $250 rebate for installations of Hybrid Heat Pump water heaters, but the fine print says

• Cannot be combined with other utility rebates
  
• If replacing existing water heater, existing unit must be electric.
• Limit 1 rebate per appliance type every 5 years
• Must be a customer of participating utility.
• Must be installed in service territory.
• Must include copy of sales receipt.
• Post installation inspection may be required.

We went solar in the last year, so would love to cut our nat gas use as much as possible, but the "If replacing existing water heater, existing unit must be electric" clause seems to be unfriendly to our desire.

I've submitted a request to SDGE to see if they can clarify.

Anyone else had this issue?