Could local power grids support SJ’s shift from natural gas?
Adducing lofty environmental goals, State and County pols are calling for a ban on natural gas furnaces and water heaters by—or potentially before—2027. Unfortunately, as Families & Homes SJ points out, our grids haven’t caught up quite as fast. With no articulated plan to address increased grid load, the question remains: Can SJ sustain itself on renewables alone?
On September 22, 2022, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposed a statewide ban on sales of Gas Heaters, Furnaces, and Water Heaters by 2030. (see: CARB Announces Ban on Sales of Gas Heaters, Furnaces, Water Heaters by 2030 - California Globe).
Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), which includes San José, is considering a ban on the sale and installation of gas furnaces and water heaters as soon as 2027….
The City Staff’s report to the City Council is expected in Fall 2023. The Council is expected to provide additional direction to Climate Smart city staff (climatesmart@sanJoséca.gov). It is expected that a “Burn-Out Ordinance” will be proposed (probably with an implementation date sooner than 2027). This activity is being driven by the City of San José Climate Smart goals….
Grid Reliability
Grid and electric power supply were not adequate addressed in the City’s March 2022 study. We have not seen adequate information from PG&E, SJCE, and/or the Climate Smart City Staff regarding grid upgrades and improvements that would be necessary to handle the additional load caused by the conversion of natural gas appliances to electric appliances.
With unaddressed grid reliability issues and increasing electric power rates, homeowners may find it necessary to install solar and battery systems to address the inevitable electric shortage. This will further increase home ownership costs.
This article originally appeared in Families & Homes San Jose. Read the whole thing here.
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