Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, electrification can reduce the emission of certain gases that cause negative health and environmental impacts if equipment is not properly installed/maintained. Switching to electric-powered appliances can also improve the occupational health, safety, and comfort of the home. Rewiring America research found 85% of U.S. households would save money on monthly energy bills if they used modern all-electric equipment.

There are fixed costs associated with electrification. Depending on the home and your situation, replacement of heating, water heating, and appliances may be necessary and would require upfront investment. Fortunately, many utilities or municipalities offer incentives to offset this cost. Your contractor can help walk you through the various costs of replacing this equipment and the rebates available in your area, and you can get assistance on your specific situation by contacting NPA@NationalGrid.com.

If converting from natural gas or a delivered fuel to electric heat pumps for space heating, your electric bill will increase and if you use the cooling capability in the summer when you previously did not, this can add to your demand. It is important to note that this increase in electricity will be offset by the decrease or removal in your natural gas or delivered fuel charges.

In the case of power loss, electric heating/cooling and electric appliances would not function. Traditional gas and oil powered furnaces also do not work in the case of power loss, as they require electricity for functioning. Good preparation for power outage events is important, regardless of fuel source.

National Grid and/or the electric utilities in your area have qualified contractor lists to aid in locating the right contractor for your needs. For assistance with your specific situation, please reach out to NPA@NationalGrid.com.

A heat pump is a device that warms or cools a space by transferring thermal energy from a cooler area to a warmer area. This process uses a refrigeration cycle that can be compared to a refrigerator or air conditioning unit. In the summer the unit would pull warm air out of your home and distribute it outside and in the winter, this process would reverse and warmth from the outside (even if the temperature is low) would be pulled in.

There are many heat pumps that can effectively operate in cold climates and there are a variety of resources available for choosing the right fit for your home. Many of today’s cold-climate models produce plenty of heat down to outdoor temperatures of 5, -5, or even -15 degrees Fahrenheit. The utility heat pump program’s qualified contractors will perform energy calculations to ensure the heat pump is sized correctly for your building.

Building weatherization also provide benefits for electrification by reducing the building load and should be considered prior to installing a heat pump to reduce electrification costs and assist with maintaining comfort. Weatherization is a term we use for building envelope energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, air sealing, and window improvements. Weatherization also has the benefits of reducing energy usage and costs, as well as improving comfort, health and safety of your building.

Fully electrifying means replacing a gas stove with an electric one. Induction stoves are up to 70% more efficient than traditional gas and electric stoves and make it easier to control the temperature. Conventional residential cooking tops typically use gas or resistance heating elements to transfer energy with efficiencies of approximately 32% and 75-80% respectively. Induction cooking tops instead consist of an electromagnetic coil that creates a magnetic field when supplied with an electric current. When brought into this field, compatible cookware is warmed internally, transferring energy with approximately 85% efficiency.

Your home is connected to a local distribution network of underground pipelines that service gas to your residence. Each building has its own connection to this grid of pipes. If fully disconnecting from gas service, this connection to the pipelines must be closed and, in some instances, sealed or removed to prevent potential leaks or hazards.