Beneficial electrification is the process of switching out your business’ gas-powered equipment with clean, electric alternatives. Sure, it’ll benefit the planet, but if you currently have functioning natural gas devices, why should you go through all the planning and work of upgrading? These four expected benefits of electrification may be enough to get you on board.
1. Reduced emissions
Cooking appliances and space and water heating systems that use combustion fuels can produce dangerous emissions — especially if they’re not adequately vented or used safely. Methane, nitrogen oxides and other pollutants can pollute the air, affecting the health of your staff and the environment as a whole.
If your business has a fleet of vehicles, switching from internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to electric vehicles (EV) can reduce your business’ pollution and carbon production on the go, too.
2. Enhanced grid operations
Helping the power grid function efficiently may not sound like a priority for your business, but power grid management can actually help you. Using electricity allows your appliances and systems to be grid-connected, sending usage information to the power grid and receiving demand information in return.
This data allows your energy company and the power grid to better manage operations during periods of peak demand, which can increase electricity availability, lower energy costs and reduce the likelihood of power outages. More reliable and cheaper power can also benefit your business and the community.
3. Increased efficiency
We’ve already covered how electric appliances and systems reduce emissions, but they can also make your business more efficient. Grid connectivity allows some heat pumps to preheat water when electricity is cheap and plentiful, so it’s ready for you when you need it without incurring extra costs.
Induction cooking can also decrease the amount of time your employees spend in the kitchen. Induction technology heats cookware evenly, and 90% of the heat generated reaches the food. That means food cooks quickly and more evenly without the risk of burns and accidental fires.
4. Reduced costs
The bottom line: going electric helps your bottom line. More efficient operations can help you save money on energy bills, but you also won’t need as many systems for space heating. Heat pumps can be used for both heating and cooling, so you’ll no longer need to pay to operate two separate systems for heating and cooling.
Electric appliances also have fewer moving parts, so they don’t require as much maintenance as their gas-fueled counterparts. That means you’ll spend less time and money on repairs.
Now that you know how creating a greener future by going electric can benefit your business and the planet, it’s time to get to work. Reach out to your energy company to learn more about the benefits of electrification and what upgrades will work best for you.