February Meeting Recap: Going Electric with Zoe Huspen

written by Yvonne Malone

Greener Grove welcomed guest speaker and former Downers Grove resident Zoe Huspen to our monthly meeting on February 25th when she spoke on the topic of “Going Electric”. 

Zoe, the Carbon Free Buildings Coordinator with Citizen’s Utility Board (CUB), shared how decarbonizing the places where we live by replacing gas appliances like stoves, furnaces and water heaters with their electric counterparts provides a number of benefits centered around:

• Affordability - A study conducted by Energy Futures Group for the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) “found that Chicago homeowners who switch from natural gas sources to fully electrify their homes would enjoy savings ranging from $11,000 to $24,000 over a 20-year period.”

• Climate - Fossil fuel production is a big contributor to methane gas emissions. Switching to electricity for home appliances, heating and hot water also means that energy can come from renewable sources like solar or wind.

• Health - Indoor air quality decreases in homes with gas appliances and heating. For example, children raised in homes with gas stoves are at a higher risk for developing asthma. 

Where to Begin - Focus on Energy Efficiency First

Energy efficiency is the first step in decarbonizing your home. This includes: 

• Look for efficiencies in how you use energy currently - for example, turn off the lights in rooms that you are not using)

• Weatherize around windows and doors to seal gaps that let cold air in

• Consider having a home energy audit done - find more information here and here.

• Check out peak time savings programs from local utilities. Learn more about ComEd’s program on the CUB website. 

Learn More Tax Credits and Rebates Available

The CUB website has many resources aimed at helping Illinois residents learn more about incentives available as they decarbonize their homes. This includes explaining the Inflation Reduction Act and incentives available from ComEd and Ameren. ComEd details their electrification rebates and discounts here. 

What Steps are You Taking to Decarbonize Your Home?

Whether you are just starting to take steps to decarbonize your home or have switched out appliances already, share your experience and ideas on Greener Grove’s Facebook page!