L.A. can rebuild faster, cheaper, safer, and healthier with all-electric homes

An analysis by The Center for Law, Energy & the Environment of UC Berkeley Law says that reconstruction after the devastating wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena can be achieved at lower cost and would yield other benefits with all-electric structures.

The Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year devastated the two communities. All-electric homes would save $9,000 in construction as compared with dual-fuel homes.

Going all-electric would eliminate delays caused by gas line installation, connections, and mandatory safety testing, the report says. Eliminating gas hookups would reduce utility bills for homeowners, saving up to $540 per year. All-electric homes would also reduce wildfire and carbon monoxide risks while eliminating indoor air pollution from gas appliances.

The report recommends that policymakers support Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s Executive Order No. 5 to streamline permitting for all-electric rebuilds and provide other measures for more resilient and affordable recovery, including incentive expansions and technical assistance for low- and middle-income households.