On a picturesque autumn afternoon, Pam Ladds finds herself in the basement of what could be Newport’s oldest residence, a former stagecoach inn dating back to 1820. Ladds heats her home mainly with wood, relying on a fossil fuel furnace for backup, and uses an electric hot water heater.
However, her plans to incorporate a cold climate heat pump or an electric vehicle charger hit a snag due to her outdated electric panel. “This is just 100 amps, which is not enough for a heat pump,” says Ladds, pointing to the gray metal box with its organized row of switches.
Electric panels, often underappreciated, are essential components in the move towards electrification. They serve as the main artery for a home’s electrical system, akin to a highway that facilitates the safe, smooth flow of electricity powering lights and appliances.
For many homes like Ladds’, a 100-amp panel is often insufficient for full electrification without careful planning. This challenge is significant for Vermont, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of its Global Warming Solutions Act commitments.
Transitioning from fossil fuel appliances to electric ones powered by renewable energy is a key strategy in combating climate change. Research indicates that high-efficiency electric appliances are less polluting, yet they add to the electrical load of a home.
Outdated Panels: A Common Issue
Grace Kahn, a master electrician from Village Voltage, frequently encounters outdated or unsafe panels in Vermont homes. “This is a conversation that I have every day with somebody,” she notes. These discussions typically begin when homeowners wish to switch from fossil fuel to electric appliances.
“This is a conversation that I have every day with somebody.”
– Grace Kahn, electrician
As more appliances become electrified, the demand for robust electrical infrastructure increases. New homes often come equipped with 200-amp panels, double the capacity of Ladds’ setup. Upgrading an electric panel can cost between $3,500 and $7,000, a substantial investment for most households.
Subsidies for Upgrades
Following historic floods in 2023 and 2024, Efficiency Vermont launched a pilot program to upgrade electrical panels in flood-affected low- and moderate-income homes. This fall, the program expanded to include all low-income households, offering subsidies up to $10,000 for a 200-amp panel upgrade.
Moderate-income residents can receive up to 90% coverage for panel upgrades. For eligibility details, visit the Efficiency Vermont site. Customers of Burlington Electric Department, Vermont Gas Systems, and Green Mountain Power should contact their utility for application information.
“We have not yet met the full need. It’s pretty significant progress, but we need a lot more and we need to move at pace.”
– Peter Walke, Efficiency Vermont
Using $10.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, Vermont’s subsidy program is the first of its kind in the state, addressing a widespread need as homes move towards electrification.
Incremental Progress Possible
While a complete system upgrade may not be feasible for everyone, smaller homes can make strategic changes. Amanda Sachs from Rewiring America suggests optimizing electric usage through smart splitters and power-saving EV chargers as alternative solutions.
These technologies allow for gradual electrification, which is beneficial in multi-unit dwellings. Moreover, limited electric capacity can also encourage energy conservation.
For homes with outdated 60-amp panels, experts recommend upgrading to 200 amps to future-proof the home. Despite the cost, this upgrade makes electrification more straightforward and ensures safety.
For those ineligible for subsidies, a $600 federal tax credit is available, and local electricians can offer phased upgrade plans. Additionally, efficiency utilities can assist with low-interest loans for such projects.
Kahn advises against DIY panel upgrades, warning that improper installations pose safety risks. While less glamorous than installing new appliances, upgrading an electric panel is crucial to safely transitioning to an electric household.
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Original Story at www.vermontpublic.org