TO: Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Executive |
Lisa Maher |
425-556-2427 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
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 program in 2022 to accelerate existing building electrification work. The program includes multiple tracks, with a focus on low and moderate-income homes earning between 50%-80% AMI. Heat pumps reduce heating-related greenhouse emissions 91% relative to a gas furnace and support community climate resilience, making adoption a key strategy for meeting city climate goals. Staff will provide an overview of the 2024 program achievements (see Attachment A) and review priorities for 2025 and beyond.
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☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Community Strategic Plan, Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (ESAP), Climate Vulnerability Assessment, Climate Emergency Declaration, Housing Action Plan
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
Energy Smart Eastside (ESE) includes three tracks: Boost, Fuel Switch, and a distributor incentive combined with education.
• ESE Boost program <https://www.energysmarteastside.org/boost> provides 100% cost coverage heat pump installations for low-income single-family residents earning between <50%-80% AMI. The Boost pilot program launched in April 2023 and has served more than 33 Redmond community members, and 169 total community members on the Eastside.
• Fuel Switching Incentive: ESE launched a new marketing campaign called Make the Switch
<https://www.energysmarteastside.org/maketheswitch> to drive program participation. The ESE Fuel Switching program provides an additional market-rate incentive for middle-income residents (80%-150% AMI) who switch from gas, oil, or wood as a primary heat source. Community members can receive up to $8,400 off the purchase of a new heat pump when ESE incentives are stacked with federal tax credits and utility incentives.
• Distributor Incentive: All community members are eligible for a $1000 rebate on approved products and free educational resources.
The Eastside cities of Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, 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:
The Energy Smart Eastside implements the 2020 Environmental Sustainability Action Plan Strategy B3 - Shift to renewable sources and building decarbonization.
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, etc.
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$1,300,000 - 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 |
|
3/26/2024 |
Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability |
Receive Information |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
This is an information only item.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Energy Smart Eastside Annual Report