State’s consumers overwhelmingly favor natural gas over electricity
LOS ANGELES—The California Building Industry Association, along with community and business organizations representing millions of Californians, recently announced the results of two new studies that reveal the high cost of California’s push for the use of electricity over other energy options.
Research conducted by Navigant Consulting found that in homes with natural gas appliances, swapping out those appliances for all-electric alternatives would cost the average Southern California household more than $7,200. That includes upgraded wiring and electrical panels as well as the purchase of new appliances. This, along with higher electricity bills, could increase energy costs up to $877 per household each year.
A separate poll conducted by the CBIA found that only 1 in 10 homebuyers prefers solely electrical appliances. Two-thirds of voters oppose eliminating the use of natural gas in California.
“For decades, California homebuilders have worked to construct the most efficient and affordable homes,” said Dan Dunmoyer, CBIA president and CEO. “At a time when California is experiencing the worst affordable housing crisis in the history of our state, we need to make housing less expensive rather than tacking on new costs.”
“Every Californian deserves to choose from energy options that best meet their needs,” added Gary Passmore, president of the Congress of California Senators. “For seniors and retirees living on fixed incomes, the choice is even more important. [Our] seniors should not be forced to choose between needless increases in their energy bills and other necessities like food and medications.”
“In poll after poll, our customers tell us that when it comes to energy policy, affordability is their top concern,” said Lisa Alexander, vice president of corporate communications and sustainability for Sempra Energy, the parent company of SoCalGas. “Through continued investments in new technologies and by introducing more renewable gas into our pipelines, we can achieve meaningful greenhouse gas emissions reductions, preserve customer choice and keep energy bills affordable for the millions of Californians who overwhelmingly prefer natural gas for cooking and space and water heating.”
Other key findings from the CBIA-led consumer preference poll include: Voters overwhelmingly prefer natural gas stovetops/ovens, water heaters and furnaces over electric versions thanks to lower costs to purchase and operate.
Eighty-two percent of respondents oppose eliminating the use of natural gas if consumers’ monthly energy bills would significantly increase.
When it comes to monthly budgeting, the electric bill is voters’ top concern, beating the cable bill by a more than 2-to-1 margin.
The top reasons voters oppose eliminating the use of natural gas are cost concerns and the belief that California needs diverse energy choices.