Electrification
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ELECTRIFICATION means replacing technologies or processes that use fossil fuels, like internal combustion engines and gas boilers, with electrically-powered equivalents, such as electric vehicles or heat pumps. These replacements are typically more efficient, reducing energy demand, and have a growing impact on emissions as electricity generation is decarbonised. -- International Energy Agency
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Electrifying appliances, increasing energy efficiency, and producing your own electricity with renewable energy are all applicable to Ridgway homeowners and business owners.
Why electrification matters
As a community, electrifying our homes and vehicles has many benefits. These include:
As a community, electrifying our homes and vehicles has many benefits. These include:
- Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels
- Improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Potentially lowering utility bills
- Receiving tax incentives and rebates or doing home upgrades with low-interest, energy efficiency financing
- Supporting Ridgway's commitment to the Ouray & San Miguel County Regional Climate Action Plan
FAQs
I like my gas appliances just fine, why should I spend the money to electrify?
Why should I electrify my home when electricity suppliers still rely on fossil fuels for power generation?
I can't afford to invest in a heat pump right now, what other ways could I increase my energy efficiency or electrify my home?
I like my gas appliances just fine, why should I spend the money to electrify?
- Efficiency loss: At higher elevations gas appliances lose their efficiency. In fact, for every 1000 feet you gain, the appliance will lose about 4% efficiency, resulting in Ridgway residents losing about 28% efficiency! Which means you will need more gas to achieve the same heating and cooking output you would get at sea level. Electric appliances do not experience the same efficiency loss at higher elevations.
- Health considerations: Gas appliances release combustion-related pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matters, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants are harmful to human and animal respiratory systems and are carcinogenic. Electric appliances do not emit these pollutants.
Why should I electrify my home when electricity suppliers still rely on fossil fuels for power generation?
- Power generation is going green: Tri-State, SMPA's power supplier, has pledged by 2030 to end generation of electricity with coal in Colorado and to reduce the carbon emissions of all Colorado-generated electricity by 90%.
I can't afford to invest in a heat pump right now, what other ways could I increase my energy efficiency or electrify my home?
- LED light bulbs: Upgrading to LED light bulbs is an affordable and effective way to boost your home's energy efficiency. LEDs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer, reducing both energy bills and replacement costs.
- Insulation and Air sealing: Air sealing your home and getting better insulation installed can increase the efficiency of the energy that you use to heat and cool your home between 10 - 50%! These projects can cost as low as $1,000 for just insulating an attic. All Colorado residents are able to finance insulation and air sealing projects (and other clean energy improvements) through the Colorado RENU program. There's also a federal tax credit available for this kind of home project.
