Building electrification is the shift to using electricity to power our buildings rather than burning fossil fuels like oil, gas, and propane directly in our buildings. Once a building is electrified it can be powered by renewable energy sources either through the grid or from on-site sources. Building electrification will play a critical role in reaching the City’s climate action goals. 

Building electrification isn’t just about switching to all electric, but also making efficiency improvements to reduce the amount of energy needed to power buildings.

Beyond reducing climate impacts, there are many other benefits that come with building electrification. 

Why Electrify?

Reduce Energy Costs

Energy efficiency is key to supporting cost-effective building electrification. Reducing the energy load of the building through weatherization and selecting efficient appliances/systems is the first step in electrifying. These improvements can reduce monthly utility bills. 

Improve Indoor Air Quality & Home Safety 

According to the EPA, Americans on average, spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. Combustion appliances that burn fossil fuels (like natural gas) directly in buildings have a negative impact on indoor air quality and health. Combustion appliances pollute carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter, and more into the home. 

American Lung Association Health Impacts of Combustion in Homes Report

Increase Home Comfort

Electrification strategies like home weatherization and installing heat pumps for heating and cooling increase home comfort by providing smoother, more consistent heating/cooling. If you’re home doesn’t have air conditioning, installing a heat pump can add cooling to your home. 

Support the Transition to Clean Energy 

Building electrification can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our impact on the climate by reducing the home’s energy load and creating the opportunity to transition to clean energy sources. Using gas-burning appliances in homes, locks us in to using fossil fuels. Switching to electric creates an opportunity to use clean energy sources now or in the future.  

Let’s Get Started

Thinking about electrifying your home or making energy efficiency improvements can be overwhelming! We’ve put together resources to help guide you through the process. Explore our different energy efficiency pages to learn about best practices, tips and tricks, resources, rebates, tax credits, financing options, local case studies, and more. 

Up Next: Getting Started – Home Energy Audits & Making a Plan