
Electrification and Energy Efficiency
The Sustainability Department collaborates with local and regional partners to provide incentives, programs, and resources that promote energy efficiency and electrification. Whether you’re a renter, homeowner, realtor, contractor, business owner, or community member, you can save energy while creating more comfortable, safe, and sustainable indoor spaces.
Energy Efficiency
Improving energy efficiency reduces overall energy demand, which lowers costs and decreases environmental impact. Energy-efficient buildings require less energy to operate, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to combat climate change. Upgrades such as insulation, air sealing, efficient HVAC, LED lighting, smart thermostats, and high-performance windows can significantly improve a building’s efficiency. The Sustainability Department can connect you with tools, assistance programs, and resources to help you make informed decisions about energy use and efficiency improvements.
Electrification
Electrification involves replacing fossil fuel-powered systems with efficient electric alternatives, reducing carbon emissions and improving indoor air quality. There are multiple ways to incorporate electrification into daily life.
Switching from gas-powered to electric appliances can save money, improve indoor air quality, and reduce carbon emissions. Key appliances to electrify include:
- Water Heaters – Heat pump water heaters, also referred to as hybrid hot water heaters or electric heat pump water heaters, use significantly less energy than conventional gas models.
- Space Heaters – Electric heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling.
- Stoves – Induction cooktops offer precise cooking control and eliminate indoor air pollutants from gas combustion.
- Clothes Dryers – Heat pump dryers use less energy and do not require venting.
Planning ahead for appliance upgrades can help avoid disruptions when older equipment fails. For example, gas water heaters typically last 8-12 years, so considering replacement options in advance can ensure a smooth transition to cleaner, more efficient technology.
Electric vehicles (EVs) offer numerous benefits beyond reducing gasoline consumption:
- Lower Emissions – EVs produce no tailpipe emissions and a lower overall carbon footprint, as Peninsula Clean Energy provides clean, renewable electricity in San Mateo County.
- Water Quality Preservation – Reducing gasoline use decreases the risk of spills and contamination of oceans, rivers, and groundwater.
- Noise Reduction – EVs operate more quietly than gasoline-powered vehicles, reducing noise pollution.
- Lower Operating Costs – Electricity is generally more affordable than gasoline, and EVs have fewer moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Additionally, many government agencies and local organizations offer rebates and tax credits to support EV adoption.
Explore our resources to learn more about energy efficiency and electrification opportunities in San Mateo County.
Featured Actions
Rising Sun Center for Opportunity Green House Calls
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, you can think of these kits as the first step of your residential energy efficiency journey.Within the kit residents will receive the following: LED lightbulbs – globes and floods, advanced power strips ($70 value), faucet aerators, low-flow showerhead, and toilet leak detection dye tabs.
CHECK-IT-OUT! Home Energy & Water Saving Toolkit
The Check-It-Out! Home Energy & Water Saving Toolkit is a resource available in libraries in San Mateo County. It provides free tools and giveaways so residents can learn about and improve their home’s energy and water efficiency.
Borrow an Induction Cooktop
Induction cooktops cook food efficiently, and they also improve indoor air quality compared to gas stoves. There are a few programs that allow residents to loan cooktops and try them out for free. The City of Burlingame offers a loaner program that includes both an induction cooktop and a compatible frying pan. PG&E also offers a loaner program for customers.
Charge an EV at County of San Mateo Public Chargers
Did you know you can charge your electric vehicle (EV) at many County facilities? Find where EV chargers are located, and to learn how to access them.