Beneficial Electrification
Photo by Troy Moon
Beneficial electrification is a key strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with our existing buildings, which comprise the largest portion of our building stock, and therefore the largest portion of building emissions.
Maine’s electric grid is one of the cleanest in the country and continues getting cleaner each year. Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires that 100% of our electricity must come from renewable and clean sources by 2040. Additionally, Portland and South Portland have a goal to install 245 MWs of solar within city limits by 2045. Replacing furnaces and appliances that burn fossil fuels with electric heat pumps and heat pump water heaters paired with the decarbonizing grid will dramatically reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs. This idea is known as beneficial electrification.
Analysis conducted for One Climate Future shows that the majority of single-family homes in Portland and South Portland use fuel oil for heating, and fuel oil makes up almost a quarter of citywide energy use and greenhouse gas emissions for both cities. Switching to electric appliances such as heat pumps and heat pumps water heaters will help lower emissions, save residents on their energy costs, and make homes more energy efficient.
City Programs
Both Cities run an Electrify Everything! program designed to help provide residents with rebates on solar, electric vehicles and chargers, lawn equipment, e-bikes, heating & cooling systems, and home weatherization.
These programs are continuously evolving, so be sure to check out the latest version of Electrify Everything! by visiting the Portland Electrify Everything! webpage or the South Portland Electrify Everything! webpage.
Programs in Maine
- Check out which state-wide rebates, loans, and other programs you are eligible for through Efficiency Maine.
- Find out about federal tax-credits with EnergySavingsHub.gov.
- Find low-cost insulating window inserts with Window Dressers.
- Use EnergySage for customized quotes, vetted installers, and unbiased assistance shopping for community or rooftop solar
- Browse Maine Won’t Wait’s Mainers’ Guide to Climate Incentives.
