Existing Building Electrification

The City of Sacramento is developing a pathway to transition existing buildings to carbon-free electricity by 2045. Electrification of existing buildings is a crucial step in the City’s work to achieve carbon neutrality.

Existing building electrification strategy

The Existing Building Electrification Strategy is an implementing action of the Climate Action & Adaptation Plan, which was adopted by City Council on February 27, 2024. The Existing Building Electrification Strategy was adopted by City Council on May 14, 2024.

Framework for existing building electrification

On June 1, 2021, the Sacramento City Council adopted a framework for existing building electrification (Resolution No. 2021-0166). The framework defines the timeline and objectives for developing a strategy to transition Sacramento’s existing buildings to electricity by 2045. The framework prioritizes engaging with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to plan an equitable transition, with a focus on historically marginalized communities of color, low-income communities, and small businesses.

Background

In June 2020, the Mayors’ Commission on Climate Change (MCCC) released its final recommendations for the City of Sacramento and City of West Sacramento to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The recommendations included requiring new construction to be all-electric, in addition to transitioning 25% of existing residential and small commercial buildings to all electric by 2030, and 100% of existing buildings by 2045. In August 2020, the Sacramento City Council embraced the MCCC’s recommendations and directed staff to develop an ordinance for electrification of new construction and a strategy for existing building electrification, with a focus on under-resourced communities. In January 2021, City Council committed to building electrification as a key strategy for the 2040 General Plan and Climate Action & Adaptation Plan. On February 27, 2024, City Council adopted the Climate Action & Adaptation Plan , which includes measure E-3: Transition Natural gas in existing buildings to carbon free electricity by 2045. Development of the Existing Building Electrification Strategy is implementing action E-3.1.

Want to learn more about how to electrify your home or business?

  • Learn how you can reduce your home's carbon footprint, make your home more energy efficient, and reduce your utility bills. Xerohome is a free custom home energy modeling tool available to Sacramento residents. Check out Xerohome today!
  • The Switch Is On: Learn more about electrification, find available rebates, and get help finding qualified contractors to retrofit your home.
  • SMUD Residential Rebates: SMUD provides rebates when you make the switch from gas appliances to electric. Incentives are available for heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC systems, and induction stoves.
  • SMUD Resources and Incentives for Commercial Buildings: SMUD offers a wide range of incentives and resources for electrification of commercial nonresidential and multi-unit residential buildings
  • GoGreen Home Energy Financing: Find State-administered financing for home energy upgrades, including electrification projects like heat pump HVACs and water heaters.
  • Rewiring America Inflation Reduction Act Calculator: The Inflation Reduction Act includes many incentives for making the switch to electric appliances. Find out how much you may qualify for using the Rewiring America IRA Calculator.
  • Interested in induction cooking but want to try it out before you make the switch? Check out a portable induction hob through the Sacramento’s Library of Things!

Past meeting information

May 14, 2024, City Council

April 11, 2024 Planning and Design Commission Meeting

November 07, 2023 Public Review Draft Existing Building Electrification Strategy Informational Webinar (single-unit and multi-unit residential focus)

November 02, 2023 Public Review Draft Existing Building Electrification Strategy Informational Webinar (commercial non-residential and large multi-unit residential focus)

August 24, 2023 Planning and Design Commission Meeting

March 1, 2023 Residential Building Electrification Workshop

March 8, 2023 Commercial Building Electrification Workshop

September 14, 2021 Existing Building Electrification Strategy Update to City Council

 

 

Ways to connect

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Email us: electrification@cityofsacramento.org 

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