“Beneficial electrification” is a new catchphrase in the energy industry. It refers to the growing recognition that using clean electricity to keep our homes and businesses running is a cheaper, greener, and smarter way to meet our energy needs.

The nature of electricity continues to change, as does our nation’s environmental goals. That means our policy thinking needs to change as well. Research suggests that aggressive electrification of energy end uses—such as space heating, water heating, and transportation—is needed for the United States and the world to achieve ambitious goals for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and our carbon footprint.

Beneficial electrification happens when we use electricity to accomplish a task (or end use), and in doing so satisfy at least one of the following conditions without adversely affecting the others:

• Does it save consumers money over time?
• Does it benefit the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
• Does it improve product quality or consumer quality of life?
• Does it foster a more robust and resilient grid?

Here are examples of common tools for beneficial electrification:

• Air-source heat pumps
• Geothermal heat pumps
• Electric water heaters
• Electric vehicles
• Electric-powered lawn mowers, chainsaws, weed trimmers, etc.

Beneficial electrification programs are a valuable opportunity to engage both electric utilities and environmental groups in identifying solutions that work well for consumers, local communities, and the environment. Explore our website to learn more about beneficial electrification.

Beneficial Electrification is Environmentally Friendly
Innovations in energy technologies are creating new ways to use electricity rather than on-site fossil fuels, like propane, natural gas, and gasoline. This concept is known as beneficial electrification and suggests that the use of more all-electric appliances and equipment like water heaters, ranges, lawn mowers, and electric vehicles provides consumers with greener products and benefits the environment.

Resources: EESI, NRDC, EIA, and NRECA