Puget Sound Energy launches targeted electrification pilot among 10,000 natural gas customers

In Washington last week, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) began a targeted electrification pilot to test out more efficient and sustainable electric technologies for space conditioning and water heating – areas that currently account for more than 25 percent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Up to 10,000 natural gas customers could undertake the pilot. PSE will use the results to create other programs and incentives for customers to adopt newer technologies like high-efficiency electric heat pumps. While the benefits for heating are clear, these pumps could also prove useful in the summer, as they can dual-purpose as cooling providers.

Participants will receive an in-person home electrification assessment, and this free look at how to electrify their homes will provide lists of qualified installers, financial incentives and more that could help. Under a special direct install plan for income-qualified participants, PSE will cover all costs associated with electrification, from the heat pump, to panel upgrades, installation charges, home weatherization and more.

“Washington State has enacted some of the most ambitious climate change policies in the country and it will take a number of different strategies to meet our emission reduction goals,” Josh Jacobs, vice president of Clean Energy Strategy for PSE, said. “We’re taking a holistic look at our entire energy system, both electric and natural gas, to identify ways to reduce emissions while maintaining safe, reliable energy for our customers. In addition to targeted electrification, we’re increasing our portfolio of clean electricity resources, updating and modernizing the grid, and exploring lower carbon fuels like Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and hydrogen, among other tactics.”

Customers could also gain added rebates from PSE to cut upfront costs of these projects, on top of a $50 gift card simply for joining.