Two words: beneficial electrification. Also commonly called “strategic electrification” and “efficient electrification,” beneficial electrification is a term for replacing direct fossil fuel use (e.g., propane, natural gas, gasoline) with electricity in a way that reduces overall emissions and energy costs AND benefits the end-user (in this case, electric co-op members). Rapidly evolving innovations in energy technologies are creating new ways to use electricity rather than on-site fossil fuels. Beneficial electrification examples include: electric vehicles, water heaters, appliances (large and small), and outdoor power equipment.
A great example of a beneficial electrification change that can make a big difference is the humble lawnmower. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has shared the following statistics: Each summer weekend, about 54 million Americans mow their lawns, amounting to 800 million gallons of gas per year. The emissions from one four-stroke lawnmower operating for one hour are equivalent to an average vehicle traveling 500 miles. At least 17 million gallons of gasoline are spilled annually just filling these lawnmowers.
While there is an initial investment when making the beneficial electric switch, switching over to electric outdoor equipment, appliances and technologies can save money over time since they never need to be refueled and the cost of electricity is below that of other fuel sources.
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