July - Alameda Climate Action Through Electrification
Channel: City of Alameda Democratic Club
Date: 13/07/2023

Join us for a discussion with Danielle Mieler, Sustainability and Resilience Manager for the City of Alameda, who will share the latest on the city's climate action initiatives and how we can do our part by electrifying our lifestyle. We all felt the impact of the climate crisis directly this past year through the extreme weather here in the Bay Area and around California. As summer starts heating up, come learn about the resources available that our Democratic leaders have fought to secure for us to join the effort to protect the planet.

Become a member of CADC today!
https://alamedademocraticclub.org/

--- 
Meeting Notes:

Danielle Mieler, Sustainability and Resilience Manager for the City of Alameda, discussed home electrification and the city's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2020 and achieve zero emissions as soon as possible. Alameda's award-winning climate action and resiliency plan aims to reduce climate change and sea level rise. The city's municipal power system provides 100% clean energy, with the remaining emissions coming from transportation, building energy, and water, waste, and waste. Danielle explains that half of gas usage in residential homes is for water heating, with a third for space heating and the rest for cooking, water, and cooking. She mentioned that many people are hesitant to electrify their cooking due to health concerns and gas stoves.

Danielle discussed the benefits of heat pump water heaters and heat pump furnaces, which work in reverse, transferring heat out of the air rather than creating it. She explains that they are 3 to 4 times more efficient than a conventional water heater and work like a refrigerator, pulling heat from the air and kicking cool air back out. She also discussed induction stoves, heat pump electric dryers, and induction cooktops, which use magnets to directly heat the pan rather than heating the air around the pan. Combining appliances like condensing washer and dryer with a combined washer and dryer can free up one circuit on the panel and reduce energy demand. Insulating the ceiling and using sharing plugs can also reduce the energy demand, allowing for smaller capacity.

Danielle highlighted Amp's generous rebates for water, heaters, furnaces, and dryers and the Bay Area regional energy network's rebate for insulation, weatherization, and energy efficiency. She highlighted income-qualified electrification rebates and programs, such as the Hira program for low-income residents and free energy efficiency installs for residents in the EAP program. 

Questions from club members discussed the challenges of finding skilled electricians and plumbers in the Greater East Bay and the need to grow the electrician pipeline. Danielle suggests apprenticeship programs and workforce development programs to increase the number of electricians. More questions discussed the use of a time-of-use rate plan to incentivize people to make the transition to electric appliances in the near term. Danielle recommends checking out the website https://switchison.org/ for information on electrification and rebates.

Meredith and Zac discussed the upcoming primary endorsement process and the importance of getting engaged in the process. They mentioned that the club plans to start holding candidate forums and endorsements soon, with primary endorsements coming up soon. Zac encourages anyone interested in helping with the effort to reach out to the club for assistance. Meredith also mentions that the club does not have an August meeting, and they will take the summer off.