Looking to switch from gas to electric appliances? New program will tell you how
Thinking about switching from a gas to electric stove? Or want to change out that old gas dryer or furnace for an electric alternative and contribute to climate action planning?
To ease the transition and help reduce environmental impacts from gas-related carbon emissions, a regional program has been launched to help residents save money and use reliable contractors.
3C-REN, which stands for the Tri-County Regional Energy Network, is spearheading the “Switch Is On” campaign with the Building Decarbonization Coalition to help Tri-County residents in San Luis Obispo, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties convert from gas-powered to all-electric appliances.
“Switch Is On” connects residents with home electrification advisers through one-on-one meetings, finds local vetted contractors, provides information on incentives and rebates, and offers additional resources about home electrification.
“The state is pushing a lot of funding towards electrification to meet climate goals and improve public health,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez of 3C-REN, in a news release. “As a result, prices for technologies like heat pumps will be significantly lower, and we want local residents to be prepared to take advantage of the savings opportunity; when your gas water heater goes out, you can replace it with a highly efficient heat pump.”
The campaign provides education about gas-powered water heaters, dryers, cooktops and furnaces for electric alternatives, and provides information on a variety of incentives to support the switch, including those offered by 3C-REN.
“Switch Is On” will educate homeowners about clean-energy initiatives such as energy efficiency and weatherization (protecting a building from the elements) and related technologies like home solar and battery storage, according to a program news release.
3C-REN is a partnership between the three counties that works to deliver “energy-saving programs and building industry trainings.”
Staff at each of the three represented counties develop custom energy-saving programs, tailored to the needs of the region.
The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) “forges public-private partnerships among government authorities, utilities, manufacturers, builders and other vital sector stakeholders,” a campaign news release said.
“An all-electric home reduces health risks, contributes to a more resilient energy system, supports the state’s decarbonization goals, and in many cases can save money for homeowners,” the news release said. “This campaign is the first of its kind in California.”
In the coming months, 3C-REN will communicate campaign details to the region and help local contractors enroll so Tri-County residents can take advantage of incentives.
Homeowners, renters, and contractors all are encouraged to learn more.
“Switch Is On” campaign information can be found at switchison.org.
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