Editor,
Holly Hewitt (Sept. 7 letter to the editor) will be happy to hear that the Inflation Reduction Act created an individual household climate savings account of up to $25,276 in federally funded tax credits and discounts (source: Rewiring America IRA calculator). These can be used by the typical San Mateo resident in electrifying their homes. In addition, there are substantial rebates available from regional agencies, up to another $6,000 (source: theswitchison.org)
Because Holly is concerned about electrification happening in San Mateo, and in her words “Things are moving very fast,” I want her to know that beginning in early 2023, she will be able to immediately add electrical equipment that would stay with her home after it is sold. This should make the house more attractive to a prospective buyer.
However, I and every Realtor in San Mateo County agree that forcing electrification at the time of sale is not a good idea.
When properties turn over, everyone is rightfully in a hurry to make a quick transaction. The possibility of slowing that process makes the idea of forcing electrification at sale, a deal breaker for me.
A better strategy might be to immediately use your IRA Climate Savings Account money to add such things as a heat pump water heater, or maybe even a gas furnace replacement, that will stay with the house after it is sold. That way, the homeowner can still count on a quick sale, and take advantage of all rebates.
Robert Whitehair
San Mateo
The letter writer is the co-leader of the San Mateo Climate Action Team.
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(7) comments
Yes Mr. Whitehair - and let's pray that there is federal and/or State money available to help with paying the astronomical electric bill. And, that the grid can support these conversions along with EV proliferation.
The grid quadrupled in size from the 50s to the 70s. The grid and electrification are evolving together.
Mr. Whitehair - you are not addressing my concern which is when residential and small commercial is totally dependent on electricity, as current events are demonstrating, that energy source may not be available and if it is, at an extreme cost. You are assuming that the evolving grid issues to accommodate the changing load patterns are up to reality. That is wishful thinking and it does not help when we get into a bind. The Governor and the CEC really need to be forthright about the challenges ahead and may have to make changes in their mandates. You participate in a group that clearly puts on rose-colored glasses before each meeting and ignores reality.
Assuming this is true, and assuming the money can be used with no out-of-pocket expense (doubtful), folks better take advantage of this offer quickly before this “taxpayer giveaway” is taken away. Actually, if selling homeowners are savvy they can take advantage of this taxpayer bonus and double-dip by increasing the cost of the purchase price (blaming the increase for these upgrades. Win-win for the soon-to-be ex-homeowner. Now, can non-homeowners get a slice of this savings account pie?
Regulations are being developed in all states as to how the money will be allocated. We would welcome your support in making that money available for renters too. There is some good news already, if Senator Becker's SB1112 is signed by the governor. Tenants will be able to take advantage of some great ways to electrify.
Where is all the electricity going to come from? Demand in 10 years will likely require tripling out electrical generation and transmission.
See my comment below to Mr. van Ulden
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