Environment

Get Rebates by Plugging into Electrify Marin

Published

5 years ago

July 21, 2019

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by swapping out gas and propane appliances

One of the County of Marin’s newest efforts in addressing climate change focuses on a source of greenhouse gas emissions that has largely been ignored: our home appliances. About one-third of greenhouse gases produced in Marin comes from buildings, mostly the result of burning natural gas and propane.

Now, upgrading those old appliances can result in cash. Electrify Marin is a new rebate program administered by the County of Marin’s Sustainability Team that encourages homeowners to replace gas-and propane-powered appliances with efficient, all-electric models. In the same way that electric vehicles have begun to replace gasoline vehicles, new electric appliances are now on the market to do the same job as gas-fueled appliances in cleaner and more efficient way.

Electricity has become a cleaner alternative to gas and propane because of changes in the way electricity is generated in recent years. Both MCE Clean Energy and PG&E have programs for Marin residents that provide electricity generated from 100% renewable sources, such as solar and wind.

As Californians work toward the statewide goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2045, the portion of renewable energy on California’s power grid grows each year. An all-electric home powered by renewable electricity will not produce the greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

In California homes, natural gas and propane are most commonly used for space heating, water heating, and cooking. Electrify Marin offers rebates for efficient electric appliances for each of those functions when they are installed to replace a gas appliance. Rebate amounts range from $1,000 to $2,000 for heat pump water heaters, $800 to $4,500 for heat pump space-heating systems, and $250 to $500 for induction cooking equipment. Higher rebate amounts are available for income-qualified households.

For water heating and space heating, electric heat pump provides an efficient alternative to gas systems. Rather than generating heat, the systems move heat from the surrounding air into a water storage tank or directly into a home, aided by a refrigerant. Heat pumps for space heating can be operated in reverse during the summer to cool homes. Homeowners looking to add air conditioning to their properties should consider removing their gas furnace and installing a heat pump, which can serve as a single efficient appliance for all heating and cooling needs.

Induction cooking equipment has gained popularity among professional and home chefs around the world. Induction cooktops use an electromagnetic current to heat cookware directly rather than with a flame or resistance burner, making it a much more efficient. Because no heat is wasted in the cooking process, induction cooktops won’t heat up a kitchen on a hot summer day. Induction burners can boil water in almost half the time of gas or radiant electric burners, and they provide cooks with a level of control and flexibility unparalleled by other cooking methods.

In addition to impacting the environment, natural gas use presents serious health and safety risks. Burning natural gas in enclosed spaces can produce unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide. Leaks are a pervasive problem with aging gas infrastructure, which is especially dangerous in earthquake and fire-prone areas such as Marin.

Dan Vianueva of San Rafael has taken several steps toward electrifying his Santa Venetia home. He wanted to be sure he’s using the clean electricity generated by his rooftop solar to power his home, so he recently replaced his gas furnace and water heater with efficient electric heat pump units. Through Electrify Marin, Dan received a rebate of $6,200 for his home upgrades. His next project is to install battery storage to make his home more resilient in the case of natural disaster.

Increasing concern over electrical outages, either resulting from a disaster or due to PG&E’s public safety power shutoffs during fire season, highlight the importance of having an emergency preparedness plan. When both electricity and gas are shut off after a major disaster, electricity generally is restored much sooner than gas service. Public safety power shutoffs are expected to be brief and take place in hotter months when home heating is less crucial. Emergency plans should include contingencies for loss of both electricity and gas service.

For more information about the benefits of home electrification, efficient electric appliances, and details about the rebate program, visit www.marincounty.org/electrify.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

LIVE! — TOWN HALL ON RACISM AND ITS IMPACT — THURS. 11.14.24 5PM PST

Join us for a LIVE Virtual Town Hall on the Impact of Racism hosted by Post News Group Journalist Carla Thomas and featuring Oakland, CA NAACP President Cynthia Adams & other Special Guests.
Thursday, November 14, 2024, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PST

Published

2 weeks ago

November 12, 2024

Oakland Post

Discussion Topics:
• Since the pandemic, what battles have the NAACP fought nationally, and how have they impacted us locally?
• What trends are you seeing concerning Racism? Is it more covert or overt?
• What are the top 5 issues resulting from racism in our communities?
• How do racial and other types of discrimination impact local communities?
• What are the most effective ways our community can combat racism and hate?

Your questions and comments will be shared LIVE with the moderators and viewers during the broadcast.

STREAMED LIVE!
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/PostNewsGroup
YOUTUBE: youtube.com/blackpressusatv
X: twitter.com/blackpressusa

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Business

Gov. Newsom Issues Executive Order to Tackle Rising Electric Bills

Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to help alleviate the financial burden of skyrocketing electric bills on residents. This directive instructs the state’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Energy Commission to identify strategies to lower electricity costs and prevent rapid increases in the future.

Published

3 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

Oakland Post

iStock

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Among the key actions proposed, the governor emphasized a closer examination of utility expenditures related to wildfire mitigation, which accounts for about 13% of residential electric bills.

Newsom underscored the state’s commitment to balancing affordability with environmental goals.

“We’re taking action to address rising electricity costs and save consumers money on their bills,” said Newsom. “California is proving that we can address affordability concerns as we continue our world-leading efforts to combat the climate crisis.”

California now has the second-highest electric rates in the country, trailing only Hawaii, with residential bills having surged as much as 110% over the past decade. The largest utilities, including Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric, have seen rate hikes of 20% to 50% in just the last three years, approved by the state’s regulatory bodies.

The executive order also directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to explore increasing the California Climate Credit, which provides some relief on energy costs for residents. Additionally, the PUC is urged to pursue federal funding opportunities to further reduce electric expenses.

While consumer advocates welcomed the governor’s focus on lowering costs, concerns were raised regarding potential cuts to essential clean energy programs. CALPIRG, a consumer group, pointed out that the real issue behind high utility bills is wasteful spending by utilities and urged greater accountability.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Bay Area

California Ports to Receive Over $1 Billion in Federal Funds to Decarbonize

Last week, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will allocate over $1 billion to seven California ports for zero-emission (ZE) infrastructure and climate management plans. In an Oct. 29 press release, Padilla said this funding, part of the EPA’s Clean Ports Program and supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality at ports nationwide.

Published

3 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

Oakland Post

iStock

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

In an Oct. 29 press release, Padilla said this funding, part of the EPA’s Clean Ports Program and supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality at ports nationwide.

Among the grants, the Port of Los Angeles received over $411 million, the largest award in the country. California ports are vital to the national economy, handling about 40% of containerized imports and 30% of exports.

“California’s ports move the goods that power our economy. This historic investment in our ports is a major step forward in accelerating the zero-emission infrastructure transition,” said Padilla.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka and fellow port officials echoed Padilla’s sentiments, with plans to acquire over 400 pieces of ZE cargo handling equipment, reducing emissions by 41,500 tons annually.

“This transformative investment will be a tremendous boost to our efforts to meet our ambitious zero emission goals, improve regional air quality, and combat climate change while accelerating the port industry’s transition to zero emissions across the country,” said Seroka.

Other ports, including Oakland, Stockton, San Diego, and San Francisco, will also use their grants to transition to ZE operations, improve regional air quality, and create job opportunities.

The EPA’s funding will support various projects, from electrifying cargo terminals to establishing the first high-speed zero-emission ferry network in the U.S. Ports will collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure these investments benefit their surrounding communities.

The port of Hueneme in Ventura County and the Port of Redwood City on the Southern San Francisco Bay will also receive funding, respectively.