Electrifying your home and ride can take some time, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The 1-2-3 Electrify Campaign is your step-by step guide to residential electrification, no matter where you are on your electrification journey. Use the information below to get started!

Looking for more hands-on-support?

Join us for one or more in-person workshops, where we will walk you through each step and connect you with resources to make your journey easier and more cost effective. Each interactive event will include presentations and Q&A with local experts, industry experts, contractors, utility representatives, and city staff. This workshop series will be delivered in partnership with Xcel Energy's Partners in Energy.

What Is Electrification?

Electrification is the process of transitioning away from natural gas, gasoline and diesel to power buildings and vehicles with electricity. Electrification activities include improving energy efficiency, purchasing electric equipment, and powering equipment with renewable energy.

Understanding the Components of Electrification

There are a few key components of this process, which the table below helps define:

• Behavior Change: Any actions you take at home to reduce or shift your energy use. Check out some easy, energy saving tips.
• Building Envelope Improvement/Energy Efficiency: Activities that increase your home’s ability to maintain
  temperature, such as adding insulation, sealing cracks (air sealing), or upgrading windows.
• Electrifying Equipment: Switching appliances powered with fuels like gas, diesel, or propane, to more energy efficient appliances powered with electricity. Appliances include air source heat pumps, air source heat pump water heaters, induction stoves, exc.
• Electric Vehicle (EV)s: Plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles are two common choices that homeowners incorporate when they move from gas-powered to electric.
• Adding Renewable Energy: Incorporating additional renewable energy allows homeowners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Popular options include rooftop solar and solar subscriptions.

It’s as Easy as 1-2-3! 

Follow these simple steps to get a greener, cleaner home and ride. 

1. Plan: Establish your electrification goals and identify your electrification opportunities
2. Purchase: Invest in efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy
3. Perfect: Maximize your benefits and share your success

Check out Louisville’s Community Decarbonization Plan for more information on our approach to decarbonizing buildings, energy supply, and transportation.

Step 1. Make An Electrification Plan

Identify your baseline

Use your energy bill to help you answer questions like “how much energy do I currently use?” “when am I using the most energy?” and “how much am I spending each month on my energy bill?”

Not sure how to read your energy bill? Check out this How to Read Your Bill resource or this Reading Your Time of Use Bill flyer, if you use the Time of Use rate.

Set your electrification goals

Electrification is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Different investments will yield different benefits, so consider what benefits matter most to you. See the table below to explore the potential benefits of various electrification activities.

*The greenhouse gas reduction potential increases as more renewable energy is added to Xcel Energy’s grid, or when on-site renewable energy is used to power equipment.

Identify your Opportunities

Once you’ve established your goals, answer these questions to identify your electrification opportunities. Consider the following questions:

1. Behavior Changes: What behavior changes can I make to reduce your energy use or shift your electricity to off-peak times.
2. Building Envelope: What opportunities exist to improve my building envelope?
3. Electric Equipment: What natural gas-powered equipment do I have? How effective is that equipment, and how can I find out if my natural gas furnace  would benefit from a replacement with something more efficient?
4. Electric Vehicles: When will I next consider leasing or purchasing a vehicle? Do I need to upgrade my electric panel, or do I have access to a 120v outlet, the same outlet type used to charge a cellphone, to support at-home charging?
5. Renewable Energy: What is the solar potential of my home? How old is my roof and when will it need to be replaced? If rooftop solar is not a good fit for you, consider a renewable subscription to offset your electricity with renewable resources.

Step 2. Purchase energy efficiency measures, electric equipment, and/or renewable energy

Remember, Efficiency First

No matter what your electrification goals, prioritizing efficiency first can help maximize your benefits by reducing the overall energy required to heat or cool your home.

Check out the resources available to help you with building envelope improvements:

• IRA rebates and tax credits
• Boulder County EnergySmart rebates
• City of Louisville rebates
• Xcel Energy incentives

Make Any Necessary Panel Upgrades

If identified as a need, find a qualified electrician to increase the capacity of your electricity panel. Consider getting at least three quotes before selecting an electrician. Check out the resources available to help you with panel upgrades:

• IRA rebates and tax credits
• Boulder County EnergySmart rebates
• City of Louisville rebates

Purchase Your Electric Equipment 

Now that you know your plan and timeline, it’s time to go shopping! For equipment like air source heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, consider getting three quotes from a qualified contractor. If you want to qualify for Xcel Energy rebates, you’ll want to use a contractor in Xcel Energy’s network.

For EVs, you can explore the EV that’s right for you based on your commute and budget with Xcel Energy’s vehicle browser or EV Colorado’s Find Your EV tool.                                               

Check out the resources available to help you with equipment purchases:

• IRA rebates and tax credits
• Colorado RENU Loans
• Colorado EV Tax Credits
• Colorado Heat Pump Tax Credits
• Boulder County EnergySmart rebates
• City of Louisville rebates
• Xcel Energy equipment incentives
• Xcel Energy EV incentives

Step 3. Perfect and Refine

Once you’ve purchased your electric equipment, investing in renewable energy can help reduce GHG emissions.

Power Your Equipment with Renewable Energy

It’s important to consider how you will power all your new electric equipment. Subscription-based renewable energy and on-site options are two population options.

If you are looking to get solar panels installed on your roof, consider getting at least three quotes from residential solar contractors. Check out Xcel Energy’s tips on hiring a solar contractor to help you navigate your selection process.

Check out the resources available to help you with equipment purchases:

• IRA rebates and tax credits
• Boulder County rebates
• Xcel Energy Renewable Incentives and Programs

Celebrate Your Success 

You’ve made progress toward your goals and now it’s time to celebrate! Share your electrification journey on Instagram and Facebook, us the hashtag #123Electrify.

Establish a Maintenance Plan

Whether you’ve invested in a new air source heat pump, a new electric vehicle, or rooftop solar, establishing a maintenance routine can help maximize the benefits of your purchase. Consider scheduling annual maintenance for your equipment to ensure all systems are working as effectively as possible!

Consider Next Steps: Perfect Your Electrification Journey

Congratulations, you’ve taken the first steps towards reaching your electrification goals! Now, consider exploring additional measures that bring you closer to your goal. Thank you for doing your part in achieving our community-wide, climate action goals.