Review and comment on a draft plan to make home energy upgrades easier and more affordable for Piedmont residents.
Developed through two years of research and community input, the Draft Home Electrification Strategy aims to identify ways the City can better support and remove barriers for residents who want to replace natural gas appliances with electric alternatives and improve energy efficiency in their homes.
The draft Strategy proposes 15 programs – to be implemented in phases over a five-year period – that aim to reduce costs, simplify projects, and provide practical information and support to residents.
The City Council is expected to consider adopting the Strategy on Monday, November 2.
Proposed programs focus on simplifying the electrification process and reducing costs
Community members have identified high upfront costs, confusing information, lengthy project timelines, and expensive electrical upgrades as some of the biggest obstacles to home electrification.
The draft Strategy proposes 15 programs to address the challenges, including:
- Home electrification planning pilot: Provide personalized home electrification plans at no cost to a limited number of households – helping residents understand their options, plan for costs, and decide how to sequence upgrades.
- Smart electrical panel pilot: Offer “smart” panels, which help manage a home’s electrical demand and automatically adjust loads as needed, at no cost to a limited number of households.
- Neighborhood electrical upgrades: Explore whether neighbors could save time and money by coordinating electrical service and panel upgrades with a multi-home bulk installation approach.
The Strategy also proposes expanding access to practical information, financial incentives, and cooperative programs offering discounted equipment and services.
All proposed programs are voluntary. The Strategy does not propose new requirements for residents to replace gas appliances or make other electrification upgrades. Programs would be implemented in phases over five years, with specific details developed based on available resources and community needs.
Home electrification essential to meeting Piedmont’s climate goals
Residential natural gas use accounts for almost half of Piedmont’s greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives is a critical part of meeting Piedmont’s climate goals and also offers benefits like cleaner indoor air, improved comfort, and lower energy use.
But making these changes isn’t always easy, particularly in Piedmont’s older homes.
A seven-member community Task Force worked with Sustainability Division staff to identify challenges specific to Piedmont and develop possible solutions. The broader community helped shape the proposal through two community surveys, small-group discussions, and outreach at community events.
That feedback helped focus the strategy on the practical challenges residents face – particularly the cost and complexity of upgrading their homes.
Learn more and review the draft plan at piedmont.ca.gov/ElectrificationStrategy and email comments to [email protected].