Beneficial Electrification

In a fast-paced, transforming energy landscape, people across the country are experiencing the benefits of electricity in new and exciting ways. The history behind the term “Beneficial Electrification” is not new, but its revived importance is. Our focus on environmental concerns and lower energy costs allow electricity to be an expansive fuel source for residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial technologies and strategically replace fossil fuels in a way that reduces overall emissions and energy costs. 

Beneficial Electrification includes the application of electricity to end-uses where doing so satisfies at least one of the following conditions, without adversely affecting the others:

  • Saves consumers money over time;
  • Benefits the environment and reduces greenhouse gas emissions;
  • Improves product quality or consumer quality of life;
  • Fosters a more robust and resilient grid

Whether in large-scale industries, residential or commercial applications, and even transportation, there are many opportunities to take advantage of beneficial electrification.

Examples of Beneficial Electrification can occur in many places around the home with electric vehicles, electric stoves and induction cooktops, on-demand and high-efficiency hot water heaters, heat pumps, electric-powered garden equipment, smart home technologies, and energy-efficient appliances and lighting.

For larger-scale industries, examples of beneficial electrification could include anything from electric fleet vehicles, buses, forklifts, and machinery to electric heating and cooling (HVAC) systems, and efficient electric heat pumps to heat water.

Switching to heat pumps is now among the highest-impact options for emissions reductions. Burning natural gas in older water heaters and furnaces accounts for significant carbon emissions from buildings.

  1. Saves consumers money in energy costs
  2. Helps the environment by reducing emissions
  3. Supports a robust and sustainable grid
  4. Improves consumer quality of life
  5. Supports local renewable energy development

As reductions in the amount of fossil fuel generation are paired with increased renewable generation such as wind and solar, beneficial electrification delivers environmental benefits within our homes.

By promoting and facilitating the use of high-efficiency electric technology and supporting the transition to electric cars, co-ops are making it easier to use increasing amounts of clean, sustainable energy for our members in rural communities.

Electric cooperatives across the country are pioneers in the emerging technological advances and are leading the beneficial electrification movement. These opportunities include greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation and increasing the use of efficient electric appliances and products.

Co-ops are also becoming involved with Beneficial Electrification technologies with electric vehicles, EV charging stations, and building the framework necessary to take advantage of clean energy sources while building an infrastructure for more solar and wind energy options.

JOEMC is working with its power supplier, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, and the other electric co-ops in the state, leading the way towards a clean energy transition. Together, we are expanding renewable energy generation and reducing emissions while ensuring reliable, affordable, and responsible electricity for the communities we power.