Equitable Strategies for Residential Building Energy Efficiency and Electrification in San José, California

Summary

This National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) report, part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Communities LEAP pilot, analyzes equitable strategies for residential building energy efficiency and electrification in San José, California. Focusing on eight low-income, high energy-burdened census tracts, the analysis modeled 16 upgrade strategies for four dominant housing types. Findings indicate that 70-94% of existing homes have substandard insulation, and 94% rely on natural gas for heating and hot water. Combining basic enclosure upgrades with high-efficiency whole-home electrification is the most effective approach, potentially reducing annual energy bills by up to $826 per household and total annual emissions by up to 70.5 million kgCO2e for single-family detached homes built 1940-1979. While basic heat pump installations could increase peak summer electricity demand by 170%, the comprehensive approach can limit this to under 80% above baseline.

Key Facts

Source Document

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