What is Beneficial Electrification?

Electrification means switching appliances and equipment that would otherwise run on natural gas – such as furnaces, water heating, stoves, and clothes dryers – to clean and efficiency electric versions.

Natural gas, propane, and other fossil fuels that have to be transported to homes have a number of problems, from environmental pollution from carbon emissions and leaks to creating dangerous gas byproducts in the home.

The concept of beneficial electrification is that through a more efficient use of electrical energy (such as replacing conventional heating systems with heat pumps), homeowners can save money, improve home safety, and reduce environmental harm when compared to natural gas, propane, and oil.

It is important to note that beneficial electrification is a moving target and that success will depend on several changes at once, from home efficiency improvements to cleaner electrical generation from renewable energy.

Ultimately, the use of electricity in the home, for transportation, and in society offers a clear path forward for a more sustainable energy future.

Electrification applications and technologies include:

• Cold climate air source heat pumps
  • check out this air source heat pump buying guide from NEEP
• Heat pump water heaters
• Induction cooktops

Learn more from our colleagues at WMSC about these technologies