Posted by Brian
a resident of Menlo Park: The Willows
on Jan 15, 2024 at 5:06 pm
Brian is a registered user.

One topic that I don't see mentioned is the need for older house to upgrade their wiring and electrical panel to support the additional load that electrical appliances require. Many homes in this area were built after WW2 and while many have been upgraded or replaced, many have not. When these houses were built there were not as many electrical devices and appliances. The wiring was knob and tube and has deteriorated in many of these houses. So on top of the cost of electrical appliances many residents would need to upgrade their electrical panel and the wiring in their houses, not an insignificant cost. I would also point out that with the continued increases by PG&E for electricity, a 13% increase was already approved starting January 1, 2024, the savings from moving to electrical appliance is dwindling unless you have solar are are producing more than you currently need.

To convince people to make the switch first help them get solar. Start by eliminating permit fees, then work with one or two solar companies to offer reduced rates. Next help people upgrade their electrical, again eliminate permit fees. Offer incentives and/or grants to do this.

With the ability of cities to make laws against Gas in houses eliminated, Courts ruled against Berkeley and Atherton dropper their rule as a result, cities will need to use the carrot because they don't have a stick.