Rewire California

Since electricity has the potential to be carbon free and since buildings emit some 40% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, going all-electric in buildings is a valuable piece of the battle against climate change. This effort is powered by millions of individual choices–Do I buy a gas stove or an electric stove? –and by our collective choices through government. California is at the forefront of choosing electricity in new construction. California’s Building Code, effective 2023, will require clean energy and efficiency features in new construction and some remodels:

  • At least one heat pump–for either space or water. Heat pumps use 50-70% less energy than competing heating and cooling technologies.

  • Wiring to accommodate all standard appliances. Gas infrastructure is not required.

  • Solar panels with battery wiring in place. Batteries can make solar energy available during peak energy use and cost times, at night, and during power outages. Some roof-space and shade exemptions apply.

Incentives for Building Electric

Many cities and counties in California have leap-frogged ahead of the state with a variety of incentives and regulations to support the rapid switch from fossil fuels to electricity. Nationally and globally, there are calls for ramping up the manufacture of heat pumps and the installation jobs that go with them. Locally, the Redding Electric Utility, true to its name and focus, expects to start a new rebate program in July for efficient electric appliances and technologies, residential and commercial.