Electrification Ordinance
In June, the city council passed this new ordinance to begin the transition off of fossil fuels (oil, gas) and toward electricity. As one of only 10 communities in Massachusetts to be allowed to join this program (which is actually a pilot), Newton needs to comply with a shared set of standards.
This first step is focused on new construction (both residential and commercial) and what are called ‘major renovations’. A major renovation is basically over 1,000 sq ft or more than 50% of the ‘conditioned floor area’ of your home. It means that if your project fits one of these definitions then you have to electrify at least the portion of your home that you are renovating - if not the entire home.
This can mean replacing your gas stove with an electric stove, or switching part or all of your heating energy to electic. It depends on which part of the home you would be renovating.
Exceptions do exist for some circumstances. While the exact language of the ordinance can be found here, I suggest that if you are considering either a new build, or planning a major renovation that you get in touch with your contractor AND Newton’s Inspectional Service Department (ISD). Both will be able to provide guidance based on the specifics of your project.
I voted for this ordinance. Let me share why as well as a few concerns that I still have about the transition to 100% electricity.
I Voted Yes
Ultimately, I believe the science that tells us that GHGs emissions need to stop (frankly probably 20+ years ago). Therefore there’s an urgent need to stop using gas (and oil) in our cars and to heat our homes .
As a reminder, both Newton and Massachusetts have made commitments to to be carbon nuetral by 2050. In fact, there is pending legislation that would REQUIRE 100% carbon neutrality by 2050 in the Massachusetts. And, 100% of new cars sold in Massachusetts will also be electric by 2035.
This was not an easy decision.
My Concerns
These concerns are all being addressed because they have to be. I am being optimistic about the solutions to each of these concerns - even if if might take time for each solution to be realized.
The electrical grid is not ready for all of this demand - yet. The increased demand for electricity has caused capacity issues in California which have led to blackouts. This is a global challenge that has to be overcome.
The electricity itself is not yet from renewable sources. Today, much of the electricity we purchase is generated from oil or gas - not solar or wind. We can only become GHG-free once this is addressed on a national, then global scale.
Being a leader does come at a cost. While we need to see what happens with this, as Newton requires electrification before neighboring communities, there will be a period of time when construction costs and perhaps rent will be cheaper elsewhere. Balanced with the possibility that an existing property that is already electric will have a higher market value.
Speaking of costs, this is going to be more expensive, until it isnt. Huh? Well, the cost of new electric aplicances is higher than equivalent gas appliances, and the price of electric enegy is still higher than gas. But likely not for long. As more people make the switch off gas, electricity will become cheaper, and appliance prices will come down.
For me, this is not about being a ‘leader’; this is about making an investment in a future that I beleive is coming - and we need to begin getting ready now.
