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Author: jgowans

Why is beneficial electrification important?

Beneficial electrification is the third key element in state and local plans to achieve aggressive climate change goals. The first two key elements are: a) using energy as efficiently as possible, and b) reducing the carbon-intensity of the electricity grid through renewable energy sources. With lower carbon-emitting electricity, the third element – switching from fossil fuel use to electricity, in buildings and vehicles, results in significant carbon dioxide emission reductions.

What is “beneficial electrification”?

Beneficial electrification means converting equipment from fossil fuel use to electricity use, when the conversion results in at least one of these benefits:

  • reduced air pollutant emissions including greenhouse gases
  • decreased customer energy costs, or
  • improved utilization of grid resources.

Is it expensive to electrify my home?

It could be expensive to switch your home completely to electric heating and appliances. But we suggest a more gradual approach, taking one system or appliance at a time. First, installing a heat pump system costs more than a gas or propane furnace, but the heat pump also provides cooling. The heat pump system costs about the same as the total for a gas or propane furnace combined with a central air conditioning system. Next, a heat pump water heater costs slightly more than a natural gas or propane water heater, but there are utility rebates available in many areas. An induction cooktop/electric range costs slightly more than an equivalent gas cooktop/range, but performs better and produces no harmful air pollutants. To reduce your annual electricity costs, you could also consider adding a solar PV system, or purchasing some of your home’s electricity from a solar garden. And you can apply for a loan to finance all of the above electric conversions.

What are the benefits of electrification?

Electrification offers several potential benefits:

  • Reduced emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants
  • Reduced fuel costs
  • Improved health and safety
  • Improved performance of the electric system or equipment.

What are the most common types or examples of electrification?

Electric cars are one example. In the home, you can electrify your heating by switching from natural gas or propane to an efficient electric heat pump. You can also switch your hot water heater from natural gas or propane to a heat pump water heater. And for cooking, you can switch your gas stove to an induction cooktop/electric range.

What is electrification?

Electrification means converting heating systems, equipment, or appliances to run on electricity, instead of using a fuel such as natural gas, propane, or gasoline.