Electrification push is yet another source of SF housing tension
2 days ago
- #San Francisco
- #housing
- #electrification
- San Francisco is advancing rules to transition to all-electric buildings, including homes.
- A new mandate requires property owners to install all-electric equipment during major renovations, sparking developer pushback over costs.
- Supervisor Rafael Mandelman introduced carveouts to mitigate cost impacts, but some argue costs are manageable as industries mature.
- The ordinance, if passed, would require replacing gas utilities with electric ones during substantial renovations, building on a 2020 ban on natural gas in new constructions.
- Developers warn the mandate could delay crucial maintenance projects and increase costs, while supporters claim it reduces long-term electrification expenses.
- Exemptions include waivers for affordable housing until 2031 and stronger exemptions for converting non-residential buildings to residential use.
- Experts argue that as the home electrification industry matures, costs are decreasing and technical issues are being resolved.
- Assessing a building's energy usage can avoid major infrastructure upgrades, a significant cost in electrification projects.
- All-electric homes are cheaper to construct than dual-system homes, but developers remain wary due to supply-chain issues and consumer preferences for gas.
- Exemptions will phase out in a few years, requiring developers and property owners to eventually transition to all-electric systems.