Some D.C. residents and leaders are pushing for legislation that would make it possible for some residents to swap out their gas stoves and heating systems for electric appliances at no cost.
Ward 6 Council Member Charles Allen re-introduced the Healthy Homes and Residential Electrification Amendment Act of 2023, or Healthy Homes Act, earlier this year. If the law passes, households earning less than $80,000 would not pay for the switch to electric, according to Allen.
On Monday, residents and city leaders gathered to demonstrate their support for the bill, which they say will help with air quality, health and the environment.
“Now, we know the gas industry is going to say that it hurts business, but we want to say, 'No, it harms our people and its corporate greed,” said Pastor Andre Green, a supporter of the Healthy Homes Act.
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“Some people have said to me, ‘Oh, I hear that you’re going to make people get rid of their gas stove,'” resident Rosa Lee said at the demonstration. “We’re not going to make anybody do anything.”
Allen reiterated Lee's statement, and said residents wouldn't be forced to install electric appliances.
He said $2 million would be used for a pilot program in the River Terrace and Deanwood neighborhoods to switch out gas stoves and furnaces for electric versions.
“We want to create a system where we as a city are coming in, help them meet the costs,” he said. “Help provide the contractor, help provide the appliance and switch those out for families that want to be able to do that, that are lower income.”
Allen said the pilot program will be the first step in helping residents move toward electric energy and ensure communities of color are not left behind.
Nearly 100 people testified during a public virtual hearing about the issue Tuesday.
The D.C. Council is expected to vote on the legislation in late summer.
Washington Gas said the following in a statement to News4:
"Washington Gas prioritizes our customers’ health and safety in addition to energy choice, affordability, and reliability. We are committed to helping the District achieve its climate goals. Washington Gas believes a policy-driven, fact-based approach will positively benefit District residents. New taxes and fees disincentivize customers from improving their homes and offices, especially in a period of high inflation and volatile energy markets. Our focus is on taking pragmatic and positive steps that are available today, like modernizing our infrastructure, working with customers to install new energy efficient technologies, and lower carbon fuels, such as renewable natural gas. We want to take a sensible path forward and collaborate with the District to leverage our established and reliable system."
