By Rachel Ranelli, Originally Published in The Monadnock Shopper News, Green Monadnock column, January 2025
In an era where climate change demands urgent action, electrification has emerged as one of the most effective strategies to reduce climate pollution while transitioning to a greener, more sustainable future.
Electrification refers to the process of replacing fossil fuel-based systems with alternatives powered by clean, green electricity. On the grid scale, this looks like transitioning to renewable forms of electricity production, such as solar and wind. On the household scale, this includes installing heat pumps for heating and cooling, switching to electric vehicles (EVs), incorporating battery storage to home solar arrays, and more.
Electrification is on the front line of the fight against climate change. By switching to electric-powered systems, households can significantly reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, thus lowering the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change. The environmental benefits of home electrification are clear, but this transformation also brings a range of additional advantages, from financial savings to decreasing air quality related illness.
Electric technologies, such as heat pumps, offer a more energy efficient way to heat and cool homes. These new technologies are up to 50% more efficient which will create tremendous savings for those who switch.
There are also many health benefits that will come from reducing or eliminating the burning of fossil fuels inside our homes. Whether it be a gas stove, or your heating and cooling system, burning fossil fuels in close proximity to living and sleeping spaces is incredibly dangerous. Indoor air pollution causes a range of health issues that can be prevented.
While electrification offers significant environmental, financial, and health benefits, it can feel overwhelming for homeowners navigating new green energy incentives and technologies. To bridge this knowledge gap, The Monadnock Sustainability Hub is now offering free coaching to residents. The program matches homeowners and tenants alike with neighbors who have volunteered to share their hands-on experiences and expertise in electrification.
This program aims to empower individuals and families to make informed decisions about how they power their lives. Coaches can help residents improve energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable community. They are able to make personalized recommendations that fit your needs. They have experience in one or more of the following categories:
- Whole home energy efficiency planning
- Rebates, tax credits, and funding
- Energy audit, and weatherization (insulating and sealing a drafty home)
- Electric heat pumps
- Heat pump hot water heaters
- Induction stoves
- Upgrading electrical panels
- Electric vehicles (EVs) and EV chargers
- Solar panels
- Battery storage
The Hub Coaching program is about more than just technical expertise—it’s about building a supportive, knowledgeable community to fight climate change. Volunteer coaches act as mentors, guiding their neighbors through what can often be a confusing and costly process. Coaching is especially beneficial for those who may feel uncertain about where to start, or how to manage the financial aspects of electrification. With guidance from local experts, homeowners can make informed, sustainable choices that enhance both their home’s efficiency and their overall quality of life.
Currently, the coaching program is in its pilot phase and is available to Peterborough and Harrisville residents only. As we gain experience, we will continue to launch the Hub Energy Coaching program throughout the region.
Peterborough and Harrisville residents can sign up by visiting bit.ly/hubenergycoaching. If you would like more information, please visit the ‘Electrify Monadnock’ and ‘Hub Energy Coaching’ pages of our website: monadnocksustainabilityhub.org.
Have energy efficiency or electrification expertise? Consider sharing your knowledge by becoming a Hub Energy Coach. If you’d like to volunteer, please email rranelli@monadnocksustainabilityhub.org for more information.
Rachel Ranelli is the current Program Manager for the Monadnock Sustainability Hub, a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to reduce climate pollution and reach 100% clean energy in the region. She is a 2023 graduate of Franklin Pierce University, with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, graduating with honors and a Sustainability Certificate.