Building energy use from natural gas (primarily to heat spaces and water) is responsible for approximately 43% of our communitywide emissions. By using electric equipment and appliances to heat/cool our spaces, heat water, dry clothes, cook or perform other daily tasks, we are replacing natural gas (fossil fuel) with electricity. Since Peninsula Clean Energy provides Menlo Park residents with greenhouse gas free electricity, switching from natural gas to electricity not only improves indoor air quality and reduces the fire risks associated with burning fossil fuels, it also reduces our community’s emissions.
Nearly all building equipment and appliances can be replaced with modern, energy efficient, all-electric alternatives. New electric equipment, such as heat pumps and induction cooktops, are cleaner, safer, and higher performing than their natural gas (fossil fuel) counterparts. Replacing natural gas appliances and equipment in our homes and businesses will be key to achieving Menlo Park’s carbon neutral goal by 2030.