A small but focused and curious group of neighbors attended a BWNA speaker’s forum event in September. The “Electrify Your House” presentation by Brian Stewart was held in the community room at the Mule Bar on Fremont. After retirement from Nike’s sustainability group, Stewart turned his attention to individual actions that impact energy efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint. He is co-founder of Electrify Now, a volunteer organization devoted to educating energy consumers and homeowners about the health and economic benefits of electrification.
Stewart outlined the growth of renewable energy technologies, primarily solar and wind. Today, close to 95% of new global electrical generation is supplied by these technologies. This has driven the cost of electricity from renewables below that of both coal and natural gas.
Individual households’ energy needs are primarily driven by HVAC, demand, water heaters, cooking appliances, and automobile usage. Stewart reviewed the different technologies that power these items, including oil, electricity, natural gas, and heat pumps for HVAC systems and compared the operating costs and CO₂ emissions for each technology. He also discussed newer heat pump technology for heating water, as well as the latest convection cooking options, which are of special interest because of the latest data showing home pollution due to gas ranges.
Stewart used data from a comparison of two identical Hyundai Kona automobiles — one gas and one electric — to demonstrate the significant energy efficiency gains by going electric. According to partial 2025 data, EVs accounted for 26% of global new car sales; this number was 10% in the U.S. and 16% in Oregon.
The biggest positive impact on your electrical costs is the installation of solar panels on your house. While in some cases the initial capital costs are not insignificant, various tax credits are available — many of which were noted during the presentation. Additionally, renewable programs offered by your power company, as well as community solar agreements, can connect you to some of these savings indirectly.
To view this presentation and for other information and resources, visit electrifynow.net.
John Sandie relocated from the Midwest with his wife Kathy to be closer to children and grandchildren in the area, landing on Fremont Street in B-W in early 2011. In retirement he has pursued his desires to make a difference locally, John by volunteering with the neighborhood, Kathy with Alameda School. The duo is commonly busy volunteering and keeping up with grandchildren.