1162897 - Accelerating the Transition to Heat Pump Water Heaters through Supply Chain Intervention

This panel will present on the experiences of three different local agencies in implementing projects to accelerate the use of heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) by impacting different elements of the heat pump supply chain, as well as end users. As electricity becomes carbon-free in the Bay Area, switching to electric water heating will be essential for meeting the Air District’s (and the State’s) GHG reduction goals. Speakers representing the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN), The City of San Jose, and the Alameda Waste Management Authority (StopWaste) will share their experiences working in coordination to address key barriers to greater market adoption of energy efficient HPWHs, including: technology readiness, lack of downstream (directly customer-facing) incentive programs, lack of qualified contractors, and the need for homeowner education on HPWH technology. Working in coordination, these agencies coordinated marketing efforts and incentives for HPWH manufacturers, distributors and installers, training for building inspectors and contractors, and incentives for homeowners (with prioritization for low-income residents). Speakers will present on their experiences implementing these programs, key results and lessons learned for program replication and expansion.