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 26, 2022

Dual fuel heat pumps: advancing beneficial electrification

Any heat pump is better than no heat pump. Dual fuel heat pumps can advance electrification in the short term and ease the market into a more fully electrified future.
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March 3, 2022

Heat pump water heaters in cold climates

Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) can make a significant impact on decarbonizing water heating in residential buildings. How do HPWHs actually perform in a cold climate?
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February 25, 2022

The State of Commercial Electrification: HVAC

​A decade ago, there wasn't a clear mainstream path to electrify commercial HVAC systems in cold climates. As the market demanded solutions, manufacturers hit the lab to advance heat pump technologies.
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September 29, 2021

Five climate solutions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

This week Congress is expected to vote on an infrastructure package aimed at addressing the climate crisis, job creation, and social justice.
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July 29, 2021

2020 Innovations: Expanded the market for all-electric homes in cold climates

Climate change didn’t slow down while we were dealing with a pandemic. At Slipstream, we're proud to share our 2020 Innovations that helped clean-energy equity move forward.
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July 9, 2020

All-electric new homes: Advancing sustainable building in Illinois

Efficient electric homes offer a world of benefits for both builders and home buyers—and a new, exciting way for utilities to incorporate emerging technology into their energy efficiency portfolios.  
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June 22, 2020

Electric outdoor power equipment for a triple win

Electric outdoor power equipment offers a trio of benefits – reduced health impacts, reduced carbon emissions, and lower operating costs. With numerous options in the market and performance matching that of gas equipment, a switch to outdoor electric power equipment is easier than ever. 
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August 21, 2018

Beneficial Electrification: What and Why?

In our 2018 Energy Outlook, we pointed to several emerging trends that are likely to shape our work in the future—including a cleaner grid, local focus, a growing energy storage market, and heat pump technology for space and water heating and cooling.
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