On April 17, the San Francisco Public Utilites Commission (SFPUC) hosted a webinar titled “Life is Better Electric!” The free, one-hour event, which also offered Cantonese and Spanish interpretation, highlighted the benefits of home electrification and available incentives and programs.
The event featured expert panelists, including Nik Kaestner, Senior Building Decarbonization Coordinator and Agustina Mogetta, Climate Policy Specialist from the San Francisco Environment Department (SFE); Bret Andrews, Board Member at San Francisco Bay Physicians for Social Responsibility; and Daniel Young, Customer Programs Manager for Power at the SFPUC.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar
Home Electrification & Kicking Gas to the Curb
Amid the backdrop of ongoing climate crises, San Francisco aims to become a net-zero carbon city by 2040 – a city powered by 100% renewable electricity.
As more residents move away from natural gas, developing an electrification plan is an important first step. SFE offers resources and guides for everyone – from single-family homeowners to renters –available at betterelectric.org.
Nik Kaestner highlighted several ways to reduce reliance on natural gas, including installing solar panels, a heat pump water heater, an induction strove, and a heat pump clothes dryer. Choosing an electric vehicle and installing a home charger are additional steps residents can take to lower their carbon footprint.
As San Francisco aims to phase out certain gas appliances beginning in 2027, Kaestner encouraged those who are able to take advantage of applicable incentives and electrify now.
Health Benefits for Electrifying Your Home
Dr. Bret Andrews shared insights on the health impacts of natural gas use, noting while major sources of local pollution include cars, planes, and ships, gas appliances inside our homes release harmful pollutants – like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO)-- into both indoor and outdoor air.
And today gas stoves remain prevalent in San Francisco homes. Opening windows or using outdoor-vented range hoods can help reduce indoor air pollution. But making the switch to clean induction stoves is even better – especially for communities of color, who are disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices.
SFPUC Programs for Customers
Daniel Young concluded the presentation with an overview of the agency’s incentive programs designed to encourage electrification. Recognizing that electricity demand will rise as natural gas use declines, the SFPUC continues to support solar adoption through the GoSolarSF program. Additional incentives are available for solar inverter replacements, water heater upgrades, affordable housing electrification, EV charging infrastructure, and e-bikes.
For those who missed the live event, a recorded version of the webinar is available on YouTube: Life is Better Electric!
More details about electrification in SF can be found at betterelectric.org.
View the recorded webinar in Chinese or Spanish.
Stay tuned for more informative sessions from the SFPUC Power as we continue our efforts to support sustainable solutions for all.