Time for local action

With the recent federal election results, it’s now more important than ever to focus on local action to keep building momentum towards our clean energy future. This momentum has been building for decades, was boosted by the landmark climate policies of the Biden administration, and it will continue regardless of who is in the white house. However, the election will clearly shift the focus of action more squarely to states, counties, communities and individuals.

Every local policy that promotes electrification, every heat pump installed, every gas car that is replaced by an EV, builds on this momentum by sending signals to suppliers and potential customers that these solutions are better and quickly becoming the new normal.

As we all adapt to the upcoming changes in federal leadership, we at Electrify Now will be redoubling our efforts to make progress at the local and individual level, and hope you will be energized to do the same.

Learn how you can take action in your home

Oregon reinstates aggressive climate program

This week, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s commission voted to unanimously adopt a revamped version of the Climate Protection Program. The program’s goal is to reduce carbon emissions from diesel, gasoline and natural gas companies in Oregon by 50% before 2035, and further slash emissions by 90% before 2050.

The cap-and-trade program, one of the strongest of its kind in the country, will start in January 2025 and sets emissions caps for large-scale carbon emitters, which decline every year. Regulated entities like gas utilities and fossil fuel suppliers can purchase compliance instruments called Community Climate Investments (CCIs) if they are unable to meet the declining cap. CCIs will fund electrification and other carbon-reducing projects in frontline communities, which will bring economic and social benefits as well as climate benefits.

Learn more about the Climate Protection Program

Save thousands of dollars before year-end

It remains to be seen if the federal IRA incentives for energy efficiency and home electrification will be scaled back next year, but they are still available now. Between these generous tax credits and state incentives, there are thousands of dollars available to reduce the costs of heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, solar and storage as well as insulation or window upgrades. Installations which take place before December 31st will qualify.

There is still time to utilize generous state and federal incentives for your electrification projects!

Cozy, clean heating

Webinar - December 10th, 12 Noon PT

Electric fireplaces offer realistic flames and smart technology for a cozy vibe free of smoke and fossil fuels.

Join us as we explore the many advantages of electric fireplaces as a modern, efficient, and cozy alternative to wood or natural gas. Electric fireplaces offer a perfect blend of warmth and ambiance, with realistic flames available in a range of colors and styles. Whether you're looking for a heat-free fire to create a welcoming atmosphere during summer or a snug, reliable heat source for chilly winter nights, electric fireplaces can deliver.

In this session, we’ll debunk the last major argument for natural gas—your fireplace—and show you why electric models are the future.

Find more information on Electric Fireplaces

Bend wins, NW Natural Gas loses

The city of Bend, Oregon has become the latest in a list of over 125 cities across the country that have enacted requirements for new government facilities to be built with pollution free electric equipment rather than fossil fuels for heating and operations. The Bend City Council unanimously passed the resolution to electrify, noting that homes with energy efficient electric appliances save roughly 13% on energy costs compared to gas heated homes.

The Oregon Public Utilities Commission has handed NW Natural another setback by ordering them to phase out subsidies for new gas customers by November 1, 2027. These lucrative subsidies, called Line Extension Allowances, charge existing ratepayers for new customers to connect to the gas system. Eliminating these incentives will help reduce costs to existing customers and help to limit further gas system expansion.

The commission also ruled that NW Natural must remove $13.7 million from rates because it overcharged ratepayers for new infrastructure costs.

Find out how to ditch the gas in your home!

Find resources to help you take action

Electrifying your home is the most powerful thing you can do to reduce your carbon emissions and accelerate the world to a clean energy future.

Our Take Action pages have helpful tips, contractor recommendations and other resources to help you electrify your home and transportation.

Electrify Oregon is a great resource for product information, incentive details and trusted contractors across the state.

If you have questions or comments, or need some advice about electrification in your home, please contact us at: brianstewart@electrifynow.net

Please share this newsletter with your friends and family.

Thanks and good luck with your electrification projects!