Electrification in the home: what could your electric future look like?
Electrification in the home: what could your electric future look like?
Finding ways to drastically reduce greenhouse emissions is one of the biggest challenges across the planet. According to some scientists (including climate change experts in an ABC News report) one of the most important keys to unlocking emission reductions is to electrify everything.
Electrification refers to the idea of using electricity to power our homes, transport and workplaces instead of relying on fuels like oil, coal and gas. The more electricity that can be sourced from 100% renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydro technology, and the more we electrify our lives, the more emissions we could reduce.
Here’s what an electric future could look like in your home.
Morning
As the sun rises, another day of solar power generation begins. You, your neighbours and practically everyone in your suburb has solar power now - and the rooftops of your local shops, churches, schools and businesses are also filled with solar panels.
You get up and get ready, after a shower with hot water from your electric heat pump hot water system. You’re using renewable energy from the grid or your battery to help power your high efficiency appliances like your fridge, coffee machine and toaster even before the sun has risen over the horizon.
Tip for today: Run your dishwasher, washing machine and pool pump between 10am and 2pm. If you have solar, you could be powering your appliances using energy generated by your solar PV system. If you don’t, you could still be using the sun’s energy by using excess solar exported to the grid during this time.
Noon
Back to your all-electric future. Throughout the day, even when you’re not home, your house seems to be looking after itself. The solar power your panels generate peaks during the middle of the day, so your robotic vacuum, dishwasher and washing machine are set to spring into action during these times.
On the weekends, you can also host your friends and family using your electric powered BBQ. Before your guests arrive, you mow your lawn or trim your garden edges using your electric lawnmower and edge-trimmer. There’s no need for messy fuel top-ups, exhaust fumes and noisy petrol motor like you might have had to deal with previously.
Tip for today: Make a plan to electrify appliances in your home when they need replacing before they come to their end of life. That way you will be ready to make the switch when they need replacing. Efficient electric appliances may be more expensive to buy up front but depending on how you use them could save you money over time.
Night
'Future You' gets home from work (or a day at the beach, gym or a renewable energy-powered escape room, if that’s what Future You wants). Future You knows that your air conditioning or heating system has switched on automatically because of the electric smart tech wired throughout your home. Future You doesn't need to crank up your air conditioner when you get home because it’s already comfortable when you arrive.
Your car is an electric vehicle (EV). If your car is parked for most of the day, it could have been charging with solar power in the carpark while you work. If you need a top up overnight, you can plug it in at home. You have a slow and steady charger to charge your car’s battery for your next journey. It will be automatically timed to start charging after the evening peak, and can draw renewable energy from grid connected windfarms or stored solar energy when it is cheapest.
Then, you enjoy a night of double-screening, catching up on your group chats in front of your favourite streaming service (because some things never change).
Tip for today: If you’re shopping for a new car, explore the growing range of electric vehicles and home charging options. Consider when and how much you’ll need to charge your vehicle. You might find a slow charger is not only cheaper to buy but cheaper to run and you could be able to draw more from your solar power system.
Our intelligent energy future is here
WA’s intelligent energy future is here. Collectively, we’re well on our way to making this kind of electric future a possibility for everyone. Find out more about how WA's energy landscape is changing.
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