Why Rewire America?

When we talk about electrification as a solution to climate change, what are we really talking about? The simple answer is that electricity can be produced from carbon free sources. Given that 42% of damaging carbon emissions come from our homes and our day-to-day activities, such as travel, heating and cooling, laundry, hygiene, cooking, and cleaning, it is critical to look at our lives in relation to energy efficiency and carbon free energy use. Important as efficiency is, it is transformation that will effectively get us to zero emissions.

Electricity Can Be Produced from Carbon Free Energy Sources

Although the majority of today’s power plants are supplied by fossil fuels, solar and wind energy are becoming increasingly attractive power sources. In an economy powered by solar and wind, the energy used to locate, mine, refine, and transport fossil fuels is unnecessary, and the corresponding 10% of today’s energy costs goes away. In addition, the pollution produced during these processes is eliminated.

Studies show that wind and solar can easily supply our energy requirements and are less expensive than operating current fossil fuel power plants. Whenever feasible, solar and wind power plants can be installed locally to minimize the cost of transmission. Technological innovations in battery storage, high-capacity power lines, and zero-carbon hydro, geothermal, and nuclear generation provide demand-side flexibility alongside variable solar and wind energy sources.

Adopt the Mindset of Electrification

As we transition to clean energy and electrify our economy, it is important to remember that the sooner we adopt the mindset of electrification, the better. In other words, the sooner we all replace that internal combustion powered vehicle with an electric vehicle and replace those gas powered appliances with electric appliances, the sooner we reach our goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and sustaining a livable world.