TO: Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Executive |
Lisa Maher, Assistant Chief Operating Officer |
425-556-2427 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Executive |
Zach Houvener |
Deputy of Equity & Strategic Services |
|
Executive |
Jenny Lybeck |
Sustainability Manager |
TITLE:
title
Energy Smart Eastside - Residential Electrification Program Update
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Redmond and the Eastside cities of Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Mercer Island, and Sammamish launched the Energy Smart Eastside (ESE) program in 2022 to accelerate existing building electrification work with a focus on heat pumps, and leverage economies of scale through regional programming. ESE includes multiple heat pump incentives, including a focus on low and moderate-income homes earning between 50%-80% AMI.
Making existing buildings more efficient and resilient is a key priority within the 2025 ESAP because the natural gas and electricity consumed to heat, cool, and operate existing buildings accounts for about 70% of Redmond’s greenhouse gas emissions. Heat pumps reduce heating related greenhouse gas emissions 91% relative to a gas furnace and support community climate resilience, making heat pump conversions within existing homes a key strategy for meeting climate goals. Staff will provide an overview of the 2025 Energy Smart Eastside program achievements (see Attachment A) and review upcoming priorities.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
2025 Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (Big Move 1 - Make Existing Buildings Better, Action 1.1: Expand Energy Smart Eastside), Climate Emergency Declaration, Community Strategic Plan
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
Energy Smart Eastside (ESE) includes three tracks: Boost, Bonus Rebate, and an ESE Heat Pump Rebate. All rebates include education and technical assistance through an Energy Advisor.
• ESE Boost Program: provides 100% cost coverage heat pump installations for low-income single-family residents earning between <50-80% AMI. The Boost program has served more than 94 Redmond community members.
• ESE Bonus Rebate: a $5,000 bonus rebate for moderate-income households earning below 150% of the Area’s Median Income.
• ESE Heat Pump Rebate: all community members are eligible for a $1,000 rebate on approved products.
The program has been successful in leveraging city dollars to secure more than $6,000,000 in grant funding. Approximately two-thirds of funding this biennium is sourced from state and utility grants, and one-third from the partner cities. 83% of expenses in 2025 went directly to heat pump and other electrification incentives.
The Eastside cities of Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Sammamish, and Mercer Island formalized their collaboration in January 2023 with the Eastside Climate Partnership Interlocal Agreement. The agreement allows the partners to share resources for the Energy Smart Eastside Heat Pump program, including staff capacity and future programs supporting joint climate and clean energy goals.
OUTCOMES:
See Attachment A for a summary of 2025 program highlights.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
Ongoing
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Direct outreach in partnership with Hopelink, tabling, social media, Focus, enewsletter, workshops, webinars, contractor outreach, earned media, etc.
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$1,100,000 CIP
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
CIP - Energy Smart Eastside
Budget Priority:
Healthy and Sustainable
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
Grant Funds
CIP
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
4/22/2025 |
Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability |
Receive Information |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
10/27/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability |
Receive Information |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Energy Smart Eastside 2025 Annual Report