The most exciting part of Berkeley Measure GG is that it would provide an average of $15,000 for every Berkeley home and apartment to install solar, battery storage, heat pumps, air conditioning, induction cooktops, electric panels, wiring, EV charging, insulation, and more! Businesses, restaurants, and non-profits will also be eligible for funds.
Going electric is not just for early adopters. Starting in 2027 new regional regulations will make it illegal to install gas furnaces and water heaters, even to replace broken equipment! GG provides Berekelyans the necessary financial support to “Go Green.” GG builds on successful existing City of Berkeley pilot programs, but provides permanent funding.
Here’s an overview of the exciting estimated $26.7 million per year in upgrades that Measure GG would fund to improve every Berkeleyan’s quality of life and impact on the climate:
Solar
Overview:
GG would fund solar arrays, inverters, and associated wiring for homeowners, multi-family tenants, and businesses! It would also fund community solar projects (group solar that is distributed to a group of neighbors).
Local solar power is 100% greenhouse gas free and renewable. It is also considered a “distributed” resource meaning that it is produced locally and takes strain off the power grid.
The City of Berkeley recommends pairing solar electrification because it enhances cost effectiveness and maximizes greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
Cost:
~$12,287 for average household solar systems (5 kW) in California before 30% federal tax credit.
Battery Storage
Overview:
GG funds battery storage. The technology charges on electricity from either the grid or solar and stores it for later use.
Battery storage helps residents and businesses:
- avoid peak electricity costs during peak evening hours.
- provide electric power during power outages during PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs, which are occurring more frequently in the Berkeley hills as the climate change continues to accelerate.
Utilities will pay up to $350 /yr for supporting the grid with stored energy from when demand is high.
Cost:
~$15,000 for average household battery storage systems (13.5 kWh) before 30% federal tax tax credit.
Heat Pump Space Heaters and
Air Conditioning
Overview:
GG would fund high tech heat pumps. Heat pumps are essentially air conditioners, but they have both heating and cooling modes. You get both benefits for the price of one!
They work by moving hot or cold air into your home. They are extremely efficient (up to 3-4 times), especially compared to natural gas heaters when conditioning spaces.
Heat pumps run on clean electricity and do not produce local smog and carbon/methane emissions.
Heat pumps can be used to heat your home using your existing duct work, or can be used without ducts (called a mini split). Mini splits can provide superior comfort and energy savings out of the box because they allow residents to control temperature on a per-room basis.
Cost:
Mini Split space heaters: ~$8,000;
Ducted heating systems: ~$15,000-20,000;
Heat Pump Water Heaters
and Clothes Dryers
Overview:
Heat pump technology integrated into water heaters can efficiently heat water for bathing, cleaning and dishwashing! They can also heat air to dry clothes.
Heating water is among the dominant polluting energy hogs in Bay Area homes.
New 120-volt heat pump electric water heating technology has greatly reduced the cost of installation and the need to upgrade electric panels.
Cost:
Water heaters: ~$1,500
Clothes dryers: ~$1,250
Induction Cooktops and Ranges
Overview:
Induction is one of the best ways to cook. Note: this is not your grandma’s electric stove! Michelin-starred Chefs swear by it because of induction’s unparalleled temperature control and ease of cleaning. Induction cooktops can be wiped clean with a towel. Try that with a gas stove!
Induction uses magnets to directly heat the pan whereas gas heats the air and poisons your household.
Any pan or pot that will stick to a magnet will work. That means cast iron and multi-ply stainless steel pans are good to go!
Cost:
Portable induction cooktops: ~$80
Installed induction cooktops: ~$1,500
Electric Panel Upgrades
Overview:
GG funds electric panel upgrades to facilitate building electrification for all.
Most older Berkeley homes feature smaller electric panels that cannot support modern electric appliances such as heat pumps and induction ranges. However, 120-volt technology is leveling the playing field. Panel upgrades require a licensed electrician, building permits, coordination with PG&E, and additional amperage/circuitry.
Cost:
200 amp panel: ~$5,000-8,000
EV / E-bike / Mobility Charging
Overview:
GG funds electric vehicle charging infrastructure including level 2 chargers.
Such chargers typically require an electrician to install new wiring and circuitry.
GG also funds e-bike and mobility charging.
Cost:
EV Charger: ~$1,500
Insulation
Overview:
Insulation funded via GG would help Berkeleyans save energy, stop drafts, and feel more comfortable in their homes.
Heat pumps run most efficiently in homes that are insulated.
Cost:
Attics: ~$4,000;
Wall insulation: ~$4,000 per 1,000 square feet;
Weather stripping doors and windows: ~$500;
Home energy efficiency assessments: ~$500
And Much More!
The above appliances and upgrades are just examples. GG funds pretty much anything under the sun that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions in buildings!
The relevant measure text reads:
“Alternative Infrastructure and Appliances” means building improvements or infrastructure and appliances that operate on or generate electricity or other zero-carbon-emissions energy sources that are non-fossil-fuel-based or -derived, to include but not limited to those associated with plumbing, HVAC, cooking, clothes drying, heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage, electric panel upgrades, electric vehicle and mobility charging, and any related building electrical system upgrades.”
As you can see, GG would be transformational for all Berkeleyans. Vote YES on GG!
