Beneficial Electrification

Beneficial electrification is the means of replacing the use of fossil fuels with efficient, electric alternatives. The benefits are twofold. From an environmental standpoint, electrification helps eliminate pollutants and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and making a positive impact on climate change. It also has economic benefits, offering long-term cost savings for both consumers and businesses.

Two recent developments have been key in expanding the potential for beneficial electrification programs: states setting aggressive electrification and decarbonization goals and improved technology for heat pumps, EVs, batteries, and other equipment.

Featured stories

An electrician working on a panel

A study outlining the role of 200-amp panel upgrades to electrify homes.

Rooftop HVAC units

Studying the effectiveness of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) in cold climates.

May 1, 2024

Homes with propane heating could be low-hanging fruit for ASHP retrofits

Homes that use propane for space heating are a small but potentially effective market for electrification programs targeting ASHP retrofits.
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May 1, 2024

Align & Activate: The power of state and regional collaboratives to drive market transformation

Several partners have been developing a framework in the Midwest for states to scale the adoption of residential heat pumps within their borders and across the region.
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April 29, 2024

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) is an efficient commercial HVAC solution in cold climates

VRF can reduce energy use and carbon emissions in cold climates for commercial and multifamily HVAC when installed correctly.
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April 11, 2024

Improving heat pump commissioning with connected diagnostics tools

Slipstream will explore how to improve the commissioning of new heat pumps with advanced, connected diagnostic tools and software.
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April 11, 2024

Strategic decarbonization for large commercial buildings

Slipstream will study an approach for strategic decarbonization of large, complex commercial buildings, including pathways to electrification.
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April 11, 2024

Pathways to residential electrification in Indigenous communities

Slipstream will develop a case study to demonstrate cost-effective pathways to electrifying homes with Indigenous communities in Minnesota.
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April 11, 2024

Barriers to advancing efficient fuel switching in Minnesota homes

This project will identify technology and market barriers and opportunities to advance efficient fuel switching in Minnesota single-family homes with low to moderate incomes.
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January 4, 2024

Studying variable refrigerant flow systems in Minnesota

To prove the energy and comfort benefits in cold climates, Slipstream is conducting a field demonstration of VRF systems in Minnesota.
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September 29, 2023

Midwest 120-Volt heat pump water heater research study

Learn about our field study of a new, exciting technology that uses heat pump technology to heat water more efficiently than standard water heaters.
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September 26, 2023

The role of utility programs in market transformation

The market transformation of air-source heat pumps will take teamwork. We discuss what utilities can consider when designing programs to encourage market transformation.
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