Now that Seattle has banned natural gas for home heating and hot water in new construction (to slow climate change or warming by making gas line illegal in new construction) many other governments are looking at it. I think that it will make the situation worse.
The alternative is electric at the moment which brings about several problems; To replace coal and gas generation we will need to increase solar and wind construction 10-fold with battery or such for storage in the near future. We need to increase our total energy production by a lot. (There is a good reason no one advertises an “all electric home” anymore). In an storm emergency, when power lines are down a very small generator or battery can run a gas furnace’s fans, pilot light and thermostat). In some parts of the country, a second source of heat (non-electric) is required. it might not be a bad thing here too.
If a non-gas or oil power source is wanted, then a home owner solar panel with a battery “wall” connected to the grid should be given government grants and low-interest loans instead of forcing people not to put something in. (It’s a meaningless gesture; it hinders and not helps the problem). It would reduce the use of large power plants and reduce the problem of power transmission lines overloaded.
We have been saving electricity for 30 years in this state and are real close to maximum generation at time and now we want to push consumption of it to make a political point. I think it needs to have some more thought.
Charles H. Best
Duvall
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