Today the “Switch Is On” campaign officially launched across California. This program will help people electrify their homes by offering one-on-one advisors, vetted contractors, shortcuts to incentives, and other valuable resources.
For the first time in this country, municipalities, utilities, energy providers, and more are teaming up to promote electrification on a consumer level, legitimizing the importance of swapping out gas appliances for electric ones.
The worst potential impacts of climate change can only be averted by eliminating fossil fuels everywhere, including in the 14 million homes across California. To do so, we must electrify everything: Induction stoves in our kitchens. Heat pump HVAC systems and hot water heaters in our basements. Electric dryers in our laundry rooms.
For the average house, replacing a gas furnace with an electric heat pump cuts heating related climate pollution by over 45% over the next 10 years—which is equivalent to cutting a gasoline car’s carbon pollution by more than half. Upgrading other appliances, installing on-site solar and energy storage, and deploying smart energy management systems in our homes make a huge impact too.
While home electrification is critical to California reaching its goals, it doesn’t have to be a sacrifice. Most people who electrify their homes find it is a significant lifestyle improvement. Moreover, studies show that switching off fossil fuels and going electric can reduce health risks, improve home resilience, and save money.
The exciting news? It’s never been more affordable to go electric. Incentive programs and rebates are heating up (pun intended), as many municipalities and utility regions offer local incentives directly to consumers.
Additionally, California’s Clean California TECH initiative is offering rich incentives for heat pumps and heat pump water heaters for contractors that can often stack on top of what may be offered in your region.
In the long term, choosing clean electric appliances is also a smart investment. Since modern electric appliances use less energy, making the switch can save you money year after year.
Moving the state’s homes and buildings off of fossil fuels will mitigate the climate crisis, deliver cleaner air, support resiliency, reduce bills, and create jobs. Our campaign is making it easy for California homeowners to find practical, cost-effective ways to electrify.
Ready to get started? Learn more about making the switch in your home today!
