Get an Electrification Coach

Complexities: When the time comes to replace a vehicle or furnace or water heater or stovetop, or add solar generation or storage, you encounter how you house’s electrical system interrelates to the envelope (the walls, roof, doors, and windows) and space heating and cooling and water heating, and the available space for wiring or ducting, etc.

Compared to adding a heat pump, adding an electric vehicle (EV) is relatively simple process. Some people find that a 40-mile overnight charge from a wall outlet suffices for their needs (charge rate about 3 miles per hour); but most will install a 220-volt outlet, similar to a dryer outlet, near the parking area (charge rate 15-20 miles per hour.) However, the electric load center (breaker box) may not have the physical or electrical capacity to add such a 220-volt circuit.

Upgrading systems for space heating and cooling are typically not simple to design or specify—and every house is different. Meanwhile the available equipments keep improving and offer new options. Even ardent DIYers are wise to involve contractors who are experienced at installing these newer technologies. But of course, contractors want to sell you their services and favorite equipment, and know how to confuse you with lots of jargon and complexities…

Get a coach. Short answer: sign up here.

To address these issues for the public who need upgrades, multiple new non-profit organizations are now offering help with electrification education, planning, and finding resources. Key among these is Electrify Oregon, who are ramping up a statewide network of electrification coaches. These coaches are trained, free, objective volunteers who can help you navigate electrification options that are likely relevant to your household, recommend contractors, sort proposals, and find incentives. (Coaches are not professionally trained or experienced as contractors, installers, or tax consultants.)

Electrify Oregon and their member organizations also provide various resources on lowering your energy bills, improving energy efficiencies, how to plan for electrification, and finding local services.

Electrify Now has a treasure trove of webinars on cleaning up your electricity supply, electrifying your home and rides, and spreading the word about electrifying everyone.

Rewiring America is a national powerhouse helping with electrification. They recently launched a Personal Electrification Planner tool.

Canopy also has guides for electrification and planning your future household.