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.
body
? 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
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
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