Why Electrify?
Clean Energy Starts at Home: The Value of Electrification
Electrification involves transitioning from fossil fuel-based systems to efficient electric technologies—such as electric vehicles, heat pumps, and induction appliances—that can be powered by increasingly clean electricity. As Oregon’s electric grid continues to integrate higher shares of renewable energy, the emissions-reduction potential of electrification grows. It stands as a foundational strategy for achieving sector-wide decarbonization in transportation, buildings, and industry.
Beyond emissions, electrification delivers significant co-benefits, including reduced air pollution and improved public health outcomes—particularly in communities historically burdened by environmental injustice. As fossil fuel combustion is phased out, we see direct improvements in indoor and outdoor air quality, energy resilience, and system-wide efficiency.
From a policy and economic standpoint, the case for electrification is clear. Incentives and rebates are lowering upfront costs, while long-term savings from reduced fuel and maintenance expenses are improving cost parity. Widespread adoption of electrification technologies is essential for meeting Oregon’s climate goals, advancing energy equity, and fostering a just, sustainable transition.
Be Part of the Electrification Transition
– Decades of climate science confirm that the leading driver of the climate crisis is the combustion of fossil fuels for electricity, heating, and transportation.
– By shifting away from fossil fuels and investing in clean electricity—powered by renewables like wind and solar—we can drastically cut emissions. High-efficiency electric technologies offer a reliable, scalable alternative for homes, businesses, and mobility.
– Electrification is more than a technology shift; it’s a science-backed solution with direct climate and health benefits. It’s one of the most impactful steps we can take right now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a climate-resilient future.
For a quick review of the twelve-step explanation of the climate change problem, visit: The Twelve-step Climate Consensus
Electrify Now
We believe that taking the Electrify Now actions will make everyone’s lives better, save them money and help ensure that we create a healthy planet that will be a prosperous place for all. We are a volunteer organization and have created this website because we feel this information should be more widely available.
Rewiring America
Rewiring America is a nonprofit driving nationwide electrification to cut emissions, create jobs, and lower energy costs. Through data tools, policy advocacy, and public engagement, they make it easier for households and communities to switch to clean electric technologies for heating, cooking, and transportation.
Electrify Oregon
Electrify Oregon is a statewide network of volunteer community organizers, making it easier for Oregonians to help each other swap out appliances so we can all feel good about powering our lives with renewable energy for a healthy future.
What can be electrified?
The Danger of ‘Natural Gas’ in Your Home.
The scientific consensus is clear and increasingly compelling:
- Natural gas appliances—especially stoves—emit hazardous pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and fine particulate matter, all linked to respiratory issues and indoor air quality.
- Children are particularly vulnerable, with studies linking gas stove use to approximately 13% of childhood asthma cases and nearly double the cancer risk due to benzene—especially in poorly ventilated.
- Methane leaks from stoves and infrastructure further exacerbate these effects, compounding indoor health risks and contributing substantially to climate.
In sum, both the gas combustion itself and invisible leakage pose serious health dangers. Major public health organizations warn that electrification—or at minimum improved ventilation—is the most effective way to protect indoor health.
We need to talk about your gas stove, your health and climate change
Article by Jeff Brady – NPR
Americans love their gas stoves. It’s a romance fueled by a decades-old “cooking with gas” campaign from utilities that includes vintage advertisements, a cringeworthy 1980s rap video and, more recently, social media personalities. The details have changed over time, but the message is the same: Using a gas stove makes you a better cook.
But the beloved gas stove has become a focal point in a fight over whether gas should even exist in the 35% of U.S. homes that cook with it.
SOCAN Archive
Gas to Induction Cooktop Conversion Steps/Key Issues
By David & Erika Bekermeier
After viewing a March 2021 SOCAN monthly meeting entitled “Natural Gas, the Fossil Fuel You Came to Love”, my wife, Erika, and I decided to explore converting our gas cooktop to an electric induction unit. We were committed to shifting from gas to induction to shrink our footprint, reduce indoor and environmental pollution, and address the aggravating cleanup required for a black gas cooktop.
The following document describes our experiences converting a thirty-inch gas cooktop with a downdraft in a granite-top kitchen island to an electric induction unit.
- First, we researched induction cooktops to find an acceptable price range, preferred brand, potential retailers, and available rebates. Lowes and Home Depot were good online sources of information. Both run sales 3–4 times per year which can save up to 30%. We settled on a Frigidaire Gallery, based on customer evaluations, cooktop review guides, product options, and overall value.
- Next, we requested a quote from Welburn Electric to determine electrical requirements and cost. Induction units need a 240-volt line from the breaker box to the cooktop. Identifying electrical requirements is critical. The electrical work needed can equal or even exceed the cost of the cooktop.
- Prior to purchase, we checked measurements of the current cooktop against the dimensions of the Frigidaire Gallery to ensure fit. Our measurements looked suitable but tight. During installation, Welburn discovered that the downdraft blocked full access. Clear Shine Stone successfully enlarged the cutout to complete the installation.
- We then researched how to seal the unused gas line. The options were DIY or hire a plumber. I initially considered doing it myself, but quickly realized that calling SOS Plumbing was a far better decision.
In addition, in late January 2022, the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment released a report on the climate and health impacts of natural gas stoves. The study measured the release of methane and nitrogen oxides during combustion, ignition, extinguishment, and even while the appliance was off. A key finding: three-quarters of total emissions occurred while the unit was off, indicating that gas fittings and in-home gas lines are responsible for most emissions. This underscored the issue of indoor pollution, confirmed that our conversion decision was sound, and that having SOS Plumbing cap the gas line was essential for safety.
- Finally, we began the process of selecting cookware. We found stainless-steel cookware with inner layers of aluminum or copper (3- or 5-ply) to offer even heat dispersion and the best performance. From here, it’s all personal preference—options and costs vary widely. We selected a Cuisinart MPC-12N set, based on high customer satisfaction, expert evaluations, superior performance, and excellent value.
Our conversion experience—from a granite surface with downdraft—demonstrates that installation and cookware costs may equal or exceed the cooktop unit cost before rebates. Although the conversion came at a considerable cost, we are very pleased with the result. The unit’s performance, ease of cleanup, and the Stanford study substantiating our concerns about indoor pollution made the investment well worthwhile. We hope our experience encourages and helps guide others toward induction conversion.