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.

June 27, 2023

Advancing the electrification of RTUs in the Commercial and Industrial market

Packaged rooftop units, or RTUs, make up around 40% of the commercial and industrial market. What are the barriers keeping energy efficiency programs from tapping into this market?
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November 8, 2022

Do it right the first time: Electrify the residential new construction market

Demand for all-electric homes is at an all-time high, driven by rising fossil fuel costs and higher consumer awareness about the relationship between carbon emissions and climate change.
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November 4, 2022

The 5 biggest industry myths about air-source heat pumps

A manufacturer details the top heat pump myths among program implementers, evaluators, and contractors that get in the way of effective program design.
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October 28, 2022

Electrification and decarbonization—Why not me?

The Pembroke-Hopkins Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP) paves the way to understanding what it really takes to weatherize and support community members who live below the poverty line on the pathway to electrification.
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September 1, 2022

Community-driven weatherization and decarbonization

Through support of the Pembroke-Hopkins Energy Efficiency Project, we hope to understand what it really takes to support rural community members in the clean energy transformation.
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August 19, 2022

Heat Pump Clothes Dryers

Heat pump clothes dryers can potentially save energy in both single– and multifamily homes. But do heat pump dryers have a place in energy efficiency programs?
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August 15, 2022

Energy efficiency programs continue despite Michigan's legislative sunset: Slipstream delivers programs for five municipalities and cooperatives

Slipstream's ten-year partnership with Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) concluded in December 2021 due to a legislative sunset for cooperatives and municipalities. We influenced our partners to continue energy efficiency programs beyond the legislation's sunset and advance their programs to help improve climate resilience. Slipstream will proudly administer programs five Michigan providers.
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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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