Electrify Milwaukie

A guide for residents looking to go all-electric, make their homes healthier and more climate- resilient, and save money.

As the climate crisis deepens, more and more Oregonians are looking for ways to increase their resilience to increasingly hot temperatures and erratic weather; save on energy costs; and contribute to local, state, national, and global climate goals. 

Milwaukie has established itself as a local leader on climate action, with ambitious targets to reduce community-wide emissions. Swapping gas for safer high-efficiency electric appliances in homes and buildings is the most effective way to reduce building emissions, and is a key part of the city’s approach. Done right, it will also save money, and improve air quality. 

Why Electrify?

Home Savings

Heat pumps are the most energy-efficient appliance on the market, and gas rates are projected to far outpace electricity rates in the coming years, leading to further savings from going all-electric.

Climate

Going all-electric, and switching to heat pumps for space and water heating, greatly lowers the greenhouse gas emissions produced by your home. A recent RMI analysis showed that, in Oregon, replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump will reduce greenhouse gas emissions 41% in the first year, and 84% over the appliance’s lifecycle.

Public Health

Gas stoves release a cocktail of pollutants in the home, including nitrogen dioxide, which adversely affects respiratory health, and the carcinogen benzene. Going all-electric eliminates these emissions and lowers particulate pollution from cooking, contributing to improved air quality. Statistics show that BIPOC and low-income households are more likely to experience disproportionate air pollution, and gas stove pollution is no exception.

Easy & Affordable

The federal Inflation Reduction Act, along with State and local programs, offer Milwaukie residents access to subsidies and rebates that dramatically lower installation costs.

This guide will help you understand the financial incentives available to you to electrify your home as affordably as possible. This is not a technical manual, and we recommend you start with a home energy assessment. Visit the Energy Trust of Oregon’s website for more information.

There are two ypes of federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act

  • Tax Credits under Section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code (available now): Receive a tax credit for electrification upgrades - up to certain limits, depending on the upgrade.

  • High Efficiency Electric Home Rebates (HEEHRA) Point-of-sale rebates (available in late-2023 or early-2024): Low- and moderate-income households will receive point-of-sale discounts, up to certain income-based limits. Total rebates will be capped at $14,000/household.

Incentives by appliance

Wiring & Weatherization

Fuse Box, Circuitry and Outlets
Things to Consider:
Before investing in new electric appliances, you’ll want to know you have the amperage and wiring to handle them. Generally, you will want at least 100A. If you do not already have at least 100A, you want the maximum that your home can take without upgrading the wiring. A 200A upgrade will “future proof” your home. Whether or not you are upgrading your fuse box, you will want to consider installing dedicated circuits and outlets (i.e. 240V) for your new electric appliances.
Fuse Box, Circuitry and Outlets Incentives:
Federal -  25C Tax Credit: of up to $600 when combined with another 25C upgrade (like a heat pump). HEERA: up to $4,000 for fuse box; up to $2,500 for wiring.

Weatherization
Things to Consider: A well-sealed and -insulated home, with double- or triple-paned windows, will ensure that your space heating and cooling appliances perform as well as possible, minimize your heating and cooling needs, and save you money in energy costs. 
Weatherization Incentives:
Local - PGE’s Community Action Agency weatherization assistance program can cover up to 100% of the weatherization cost for those with a qualifying income.
State - Energy Trust of Oregon’s Savings Within Reach program offers incentives of up to $1,650.
Federal - 25C Tax Credit: 30%; up to $1,200 annually. HEEHRA:  up to $1,600.

Space Heating & Cooling

Things to Consider:
Ducted heat pumps are ideal if you already have ducts installed in your home (i.e because you are replacing an existing non-heat pump HVAC or central heating system). You will need a contractor to check your existing ducts, and you may need to upgrade from a 120V to 240V air handler. Ductless heat pumps are ideal for smaller homes/spaces, if you do not already have ducts installed in your home, and/or if you are looking for “zoned” heating/cooling. Some ductless units will work with 120V outlets.
Heat Pump Incentives:
Local - PGE offers a rebate to homeowners for Trane ducted heat pumps of up to $1,200.
State - SB 1536 (2022) Community Heat Pump Deployment Program and Rental Home Heat Pump Program offer support dependent upon applicant need & fund availability
Federal - 25C Tax Credit: 30% up to $2,000 (heat pump and water heater combined). HEEHRA: up to $8,000.

Water Heating

Heat Pump Water Heater
Things to Consider:
A heat pump water heater is one of the easiest appliances to retrofit to existing homes. Two main considerations are whether you have an appropriate space for the heater (ideally a medium-large room like a garage or basement, that stays above 45°F year-round), and whether you have an existing 240V outlet (although there are newer-model heat pump water heaters designed to run on a 120V outlet).
Incentives:
Local - General Pacific  heat pump water heater distributor offers a 60%  discount, Great Northwest Installations offers $150 discount on installation with code “Electrify Now.”
State - Energy Trust of Oregon’s Saving Within Reach program’s $270 cash incentive to install qualifying heat pump water heater.
Federal - 25C Tax Credit: 30%, up to $2,000 (heat pump and water heater combined). HEEHRA:  up to $1,750. 

Cooking

Things to Consider:
Induction stoves have nearly-instant heating, faster boiling times than gas stoves, precise heat control, and zero burn risk from the appliance itself. You’ll likely need a 240V outlet, although in the coming years battery-integrated ranges that run on a 120V outlet will become available. Many pots and pans will work on induction (you can use a magnet to check), and converter discs are available for around $20, which allow you to use non-magnetic pots and pans with induction. High-quality portable induction burners are available and relatively cheap (≤$100 new, and often available for less at thrift stores), if you want to dip your toes in induction cooking before taking the plunge. Alternatively, modern, glass-top, radiant electric stoves are cheaper than induction stoves, and better-performing than older electric stoves. They likely will still require a 240V outlet, minimizing cost savings if you’re switching over from gas.
Electric/Induction Stove Incentives:
State - Oregon Housing and Community Services Appliance Rebate Program for LIHEAP-Eligible Households offers rebates ranging from $400 to $2,000 depending on the appliance.
Federal - HEEHRA: up to $840.