Electrification is the process of replacing direct fossil fuel use such as propane, heating oil, and gasoline with electricity. RENEW supports electrification strategies that reduce overall emissions and energy costs. Electrification is sometimes referred to as beneficial electrification or strategic electrification.
To be considered beneficial, this process must meet at least one of the following conditions without adversely affecting the other three:
Reduces energy bills
Lowers carbon footprint
Improves customer quality-of-life and product efficiency
Increases grid resiliency
As an example, instead of gasoline, electric vehicles (EVs) use batteries to provide the energy to propel the vehicle. The battery is charged using electricity from the grid. Even in Wisconsin, with coal and other fossil fuel electricity generation, driving electric produces less pollution than a gasoline car, and levels of pollution from electric vehicles will continue to decline as the grid gets progressively cleaner. EVs can help to reduce energy bills, all without a reduction in quality of life or grid resiliency.
Electrifying building technologies allow us to power our homes and businesses with renewable energy. The more we expand local renewable energy generation in Wisconsin, electrifying technologies can result in even greater emission reductions and cost savings. Our energy grid is quickly becoming cleaner, which is consistently increasing the benefit of electrifying your home or business.
From rooftop solar to electric appliances, there are many ways you can electrify your home. Weatherization and efficiency upgrades make these updates even more cost-effective. Learn how the Inflation Reduction Act can make it easier for you to electrify your home. The image below highlights some of the areas of your home to focus on, click the image for more information.
There are many ways to electrify your home, whether you want to retrofit the home you already own or are considering a new construction. Explore the possibilities for your home.
Case Study
Residential Electrification
Susan Miller converted her 90-year old single family home to all-electric. Susan covers the full process in her guest blog along with some important context.
Case Study
Forest Edge Elementary
In January 2022 Forest Edge Elementary School in Fitchburg, Wisconsin became the largest net-zero verified education project in the United States. The 126,600-sf project features 1,700 solar panels, 90 geothermal wells, and an energy-maximizing design. In addition to being energy-efficient, the school’s design connects students to the natural environment and leverages its unique features as a teaching tool.
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