Electric heat to cost 77 percent more than natural gas.
Now that winter is here, Colorado residents who rely on electricity to heat their homes are bracing for a hefty increase in their bills.
According to a recent report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, those using electricity to heat their homes will see a staggering 77 percent increase in cost compared to those using natural gas.
This news comes as a blow to many households, who are already struggling to make ends meet amidst the economic challenges brought on by the Biden economy. The average American household that uses electricity for heating will have to shell out an additional $462 this winter, while those using natural gas will only pay $13.97 for the same amount of heat.
These numbers have raised concerns among residents and energy experts alike, with many questioning the efficacy and fairness of the government's push towards electrification. The state of Colorado has been aggressively promoting the use of electricity to heat buildings as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, this move has been met with fierce criticism from those who argue that it will only burden residents and businesses with higher energy costs.
Renowned energy author, film producer, and podcaster Robert Bryce pointed out the glaring discrepancy in cost between electricity and natural gas. "The numbers from the Department of Energy and the Energy Information Administration show that on a Btu basis, electricity costs three times more than natural gas," Bryce stated in an interview with The Denver Gazette. "This electrify-everything push, it's bad for energy security, it's bad for affordability, and it's bad for resilience."
One issue in this debate is the varying definition of "electrification." While the federal energy office considers the use of electric resistance baseboard heating as electricity, the city of Denver is pushing for heat pumps as an alternative to gas furnaces.
This difference in definition leads to different cost calculations and further adds to the confusion surrounding the push towards electrification.
Supporters of electrification argue that heat pumps are a viable and efficient alternative to gas furnaces. However, critics are quick to point out that heat pumps lose efficiency in cold, high altitude conditions like the Front Range. Dave Davia, CEO of the Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, estimates that replacing a gas appliance with a heat pump can cost up to 2.5 times more for an average home.
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Despite the high costs, Denver and state officials remain committed to their goal of decarbonization. They argue that it is necessary to meet global greenhouse gas reduction goals and have implemented various programs to help property owners pay for the upgrades. However, for many Colorado residents, the sudden spike in energy costs remains a looming concern, especially as the winter season approaches.
As the debate over electrification continues, one thing is certain – Colorado homeowners using electricity to heat their homes will be facing a steep bill this winter. And while officials may promise future technological advancements and cost reductions, the immediate impact on residents cannot be ignored.