We all love the idea of saving energy. Saving energy, saves money! But there are a lot of myths floating around out there, and we are here to crack open the truth about some of those myths that affect Spokane area residents.
Myth #1: Spokane’s power grid can handle new electric-only policies.
FACT: Spokane suffers from power outages during extreme temperatures.
There’s already too much demand for the current electric grid—something that those who’ve experienced rolling blackouts during the summer know very well. And demand will only increase as the city grows. Electricity demand levels in Washington could grow by 13%-20% higher by 2030. Spokane’s electric infrastructure needs to be improved first, before electric-only policies are enforced.
Myth #2: Efforts to increase energy efficiency should focus on new construction.
FACT: Over 50% of homes in Spokane were built prior to 1990. The median age of homes is ~58 years old. These OLDER homes are actually the worst energy efficiency culprits and should be a primary focus of energy efficiency efforts.
During a housing crisis like we have today, housing policies and programs should work to make housing more attainable, not more expensive. Instead of increasing the costs of new construction homes with strict, electric-only codes, instead energy efficiency policies and programs should incentivize existing homeowners to make old homes more energy efficient.
Myth #3: The best way to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Spokane is to stop using natural gas in homes. Incorrect!
FACT: Transportation is the highest greenhouse gas emitter, accounting for 46% of all GHG emissions in Spokane. Home use of natural gas makes up much less, at only 24%.
Eliminating gas as an optional home/building energy source without reliable infrastructure (see Myth #1) could result in tens of thousands of Spokane residents being stranded without heat during winter months, resulting in property damage from frozen pipes and worse.
Real Energy Efficiency Solutions for Spokane
A few solutions that can actually reduce GHG emissions and increase energy efficiency include:
• Building more homes in Spokane. When people can afford to live in the communities they work in, they commute less, cutting the greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions: transportation.
• Unless and until Spokane’s electric grid can withstand increased demand, we need to maintain natural gas as an energy option in homes. Eliminating natural gas without reliable infrastructure could leave Spokane residents stranded without power during extreme temperatures.
• Efforts to increase energy efficiency in homes should prioritize insulating existing older homes. Limiting energy choice for new home construction increases the cost of housing, which is the opposite of what Spokane residents need during a housing affordability crisis.
More info at: www.BuildingForTheFuture.org or contact the Spokane Home Builders Association at 509-532-4990.
www.SHBA.com
(509) 532-4990
5813 E 4th Ave, Suite 201
Spokane Valley, WA
The Spokane Home Builders Association is a member-driven organization that works to elevate professionalism in the residential construction industry, provide innovative resources and information to our members and engage in informative, effective advocacy on construction issues to create affordable housing options for the community. We promote, protect and educate the housing industry and our community.
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