Building electrification resources

Why electrification?

Menlo Park has taken great strides in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the building sector due to its large renewable energy portfolio. The community receives energy from Peninsula Clean Energy, which provides a minimum of 50% renewable energy and 90% greenhouse gas (carbon) free electricity at a cost slightly less than PG&E. Electrifying buildings would maximize the community’s renewable power available and reduce GHG emissions by slowly phasing out the use of natural gas. Building indoor air quality and occupant health and safety will improve because all electric appliances emit very little compared to natural gas emissions and is less combustible.

Electric buildings have been found to be cost effective over the life of the building in upfront construction savings cost and operational costs. To ensure continual annual savings, property owners and the building industry are encouraged learn more about the increased efficiency of electric appliances and best design practices for electric buildings. For example, heat pumps are 300%-400% more efficient than traditional gas furnaces. Solar can also significantly drive down the cost of electricity for building operations and provide help provide grid resilience. Below are a list of training guides and upcoming events.

All-electric resources for new buildings

1. WestLight Energy partnered with TRC Consultants to create a free electrification technical assistance program to learn more about all-electric building technologies.
2. Redwood Energy compiled case studies on all electric multifamily dwellings (including high-rise multifamily residential).
3. View the Berkeley resident testimonial video titled "Why Electricity Is Better Than Natural Gas In Your Home" produced by Rise (www.buildwithrise.com).

All-electric resources for existing buildings

1. The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) offers great energy efficiency resources.
2. Energy Star offers tax credits for energy efficiency appliances for primary residence.
3. PG&E offers residential and business rebates on qualified energy efficient products. 
4. WestLight Energy offers residential rebates. 

Multifamily building resources

1. BayREN offers incentives for multifamily property owners to replace their gas fueled space heating, water heating, and cooking appliances to more energy efficient alternatives. For more information, visit BayREN multifamily rebates website.
2. PG&E offers several multifamily program offerings.

Induction cooking resources

1. Frontier Energy published a study comparing induction stoves with gas stoves. 
2. View the "Induction Cooktops - 5 Reasons They Are Better Than Gas" video produced by homebuilder Matt Risinger of Risinger Homes in Austin, TX.
3. View the "Nourishing Our Net Zero Future" produced by Gould Evans, a nationally recognized design and planning firm focused on meaningful design outcomes.

Heat pump water heater resources

1. WestLight Energy provides financial assistance to replace existing gas water heaters with heat pump water heaters for existing homes. 
2. New Buildings Institute compiled a technical guide on heat pump water heaters.