The Switch is On: Electric is the new gas

The Switch is On is a statewide campaign launched in December 2021 to help Californians transition from gas-powered to all-electric appliances. The program helps residents tap into the environmental, economic, and health benefits that come with going electric by offering resources including local rebates and incentives, income qualifying programs, access to vetted contractors, guides to modern electric appliances, one-on-one assistance from electrification experts, and more.

Electrifying homes is a key step toward phasing out the globe’s reliance on fossil fuels, which is necessary to reduce the impacts of climate change, as well as mitigate the indoor air pollution and associated health risks that gas appliances cause in residents’ homes. Coupled with Hayward’s use of 100% renewable electricity from East Bay Community Energy, electrification is also critical for the City of Hayward to reach its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals.

To promote local electrification, Hayward has adopted a Reach Code—a local building energy code that goes beyond State building requirements in an effort to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future. The current Reach Code includes all-electric requirements for new construction. It also requires electric vehicle charging infrastructure above and beyond State requirements. The current Reach Code will expire at the end of 2022 and a new ordinance will be considered by the City Council later this year. For more information, visit www.hayward-ca.gov/reach-code.

One simple way residents can begin their transition to electric appliances is by trying out an induction stove at home through the Induction Cooktop Loaner Program. Hayward residents simply need to fill out an interest form to reserve a portable induction cooktop for two weeks.

The Switch is On is a campaign led by the Building Decarbonization Coalition, which works to unite building industry stakeholders with energy providers, environmental organizations, and local governments to power California’s homes and workspaces with clean energy. To learn more about The Switch is On campaign and access resources to help make the switch from gas to electric, visit www.switchison.org.