EVERETT — With funding deadlines a month out and federal funding cuts looming, the climate justice group Kicking Gas is urging Snohomish County residents to apply for green appliance subsidies.
The Whidbey Island-based nonprofit offers 20-100% savings for households looking to switch to electric appliances such as induction stoves or ductless heat pumps.
In the past few years, numerous studies have shown that natural gas used in gas stoves causes widespread health issues. In addition, induction ranges are more efficient than gas stoves, saving the owner money on utility bills.
Heat pumps are also more energy-efficient than space-heating systems and can reduce electricity used for heating in houses by up to 75%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
To qualify for subsidies, households must attend an information session and complete a short survey online. Kicking Gas is offering in-person info sessions on May 3 in Darrington and May 6 in Marysville. The group is also hosting an online information session on April 28.
Kicking Gas is funded through the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program, which is supported by Washington Climate Commitment Act dollars.
Since these programs are state programs, the group is currently protected from federal uncertainty, campaign director Derek Hoshiko said.
But, “all of our current funding ends at the end of June,” Hoshiko said. “We’ve been exploring federal funding opportunities. What’s happening at the federal level is deeply disappointing and very concerning.”
A lot of federal money moves through the state, especially because of the Inflation Reduction Act, Kicking Gas campaign manager Erika Lundahl said.
“We’re definitely going to be seeing a hit in terms of the kinds of opportunities that are available for a program like Kicking Gas to grow and continue to offer these subsidies,” Lundahl said.
For now, the group estimates they have enough money to support 80 more families across Island and Snohomish counties to make the transition to cleaner appliances.
Households who collectively earn less than 150% of the county’s median income are eligible for the program. For a single occupant, the median figure is $51,836, according to 2023 census data. The median household income is $107,982.
To learn more about the program and find all upcoming information session dates, visit https://www.kickgasnow.org/.
Eliza Aronson: 425-339-3434; eliza.aronson@heraldnet.com; X: @ElizaAronson.
Eliza’s stories are supported by the Herald’s Environmental and Climate Reporting Fund.
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