2020 COUNCIL STUDY ISSUE
NUMBER
Title
CDD 20-04
TITLE Encourage Decarbonization Readiness During Electrical Upgrades
BACKGROUND
Lead Department:
Community Development Department
Support Departments:
Office of the City Manager
Office of the City Attorney
Environmental Services Department
Sponsor:
Board/Commission: Sustainability Commission
History:
1 year ago: N/A
2 years ago: N/A
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
What precipitated this Study?
The Sustainability Commission has identified an opportunity to increase ease of replacing gas appliances with electric appliances in existing buildings through early education and corresponding earlier upgrades in electrical systems. In existing buildings, replacing gas appliances with electric appliances may require the property owner to upgrade their existing electrical systems, including electrical panels, wiring, and conduits, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Educating property owners or incentivizing options for upgrading electrical systems at the point of remodeling, when they apply for building permits, may enable an easier switch to electrical appliances in the future.
What are the key elements of the Study?
This Study would evaluate what steps and resources the City would take to implement education, incentives, and policies to encourage the future electrification of gas appliances in existing residential or non-residential buildings. Study elements would include:
* Determining appropriate strategies and time points for educating owners on the benefits of switching to electrical appliances during building renovation or remodels,
* Examining policies to encourage the action of upsizing a building's electrical service panel during major upgrades to have sufficient size to accommodate a future all-electric building, and
* Identifying and consolidating information on available resources to facilitate ease of upgrades (e.g., logistical or design support) or incentives to offset costs (e.g., rebates).
Estimated year...
Click here for full text