More than 50 people gathered at Irvine City Hall last week for a workshop and expo on the benefits of switching from gas to highly efficient electric-powered appliances.

The free event was organized by the city of Irvine, Southern California Edison and the Switch Is On campaign that supports home electrification by providing Californians with tools, support and resources.

Attendees learned that greenhouse gas emissions from buildings made up a whopping 37% of Irvine’s carbon footprint in 2019. They also discovered how energy and money-saving upgrades can knock that number down, most notably by switching to electric heat pumps for space and water heating.

“Heat pumps are the key to reducing fossil fuel use in homes and businesses,” said Kavita Rodrigues, a building scientist at SCE’s Energy Education Center. “They cool and heat with a single unit and are up to four times more efficient than gas systems.”

Residents who’ve switched to electric appliances and had rooftop solar panels installed shared some eye-opening stories.

“Our most recent SCE bill was (negative) -$235,” said University of California, Irvine professor Steven Allison, explaining the credits he receives for sending excess solar energy back to the grid. Allison, who serves on the city of Irvine’s sustainability commission and volunteers with the Switch Is On, had a heat pump water heater installed nearly three years ago, replacing the last remaining gas appliance in his home. His family’s decision to go all-electric means they’ve significantly cut costs and energy use.

Laurel Rothschild, whose older daughter has asthma, said the health and safety benefits of cooking on an induction stove influenced her family’s decision to electrify.

“We’ve created a healthier home by replacing our gas stove with an induction cooktop and our furnace with a heat pump HVAC system,” said Rothschild, who lives in San Clemente and works in Irvine.

The buzz was palpable as attendees connected with SCE representatives, local contractors and clean energy-focused organizations.

“We’re excited to host the electrification workshop and expo,” said Selene Lawrence, who runs the city of Irvine’s energy and outreach programs. “We’re glad so many people came to learn about the emerging technologies that can help save money and energy while reducing their home’s carbon footprint.”

Longtime Irvine resident Don Geller is one of them.

“With the rebates now available and the high efficiencies of these new appliances, electrification and reducing fossil fuels is the way to go,” Geller said. “These expos are important to get the word out.”

Try out clean energy cooking for free by visiting SCE’s Induction Lending Program.

To learn more about cost-effective, energy-efficient appliances for your home or business, visit sce.com/classes and take a free online or in-person class at SCE’s Energy Education Centers.