Cash Prizes Available to Homeowners, Developers, Builders and Architects for Non-Polluting Electric Homes and Buildings

Local agency offers awards to exemplary all-electric residences and developments

Sunnyvale, Calif. – Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) launched a new program that offers cash awards to owners, developers, builders, architects and designers of all-electric homes and buildings. The goal of the All-Electric Showcase Awards Program is to feature building examples that showcase the benefits of all-electric construction in Silicon Valley. Utilizing innovative and modern electric technologies increases home health, safety, comfort and efficiency.

One third of the region’s emissions come from natural gas in buildings, which is used as the primary fuel source for space and water heating. SVCE procures clean electricity from carbon-free sources for residents and businesses in our local communities. When buildings are designed to run entirely on clean electricity instead of natural gas, they are better for the climate, local air quality and public health.

“By promoting examples of modern all-electric homes and buildings, SVCE is showing the public that carbon-free building is possible and already exists in our community,” says Dr. Aimee Gotway Bailey, Director of Decarbonization and Grid Innovation at SVCE. “We’re proud to be supporting and showcasing the future of architecture and construction.”

All-electric buildings are safer for inhabitants. Natural gas leaks are dangerous, and the combustion of fossil fuels indoors requires that we install carbon monoxide detectors. According to the California Air Resources Board, natural gas use in homes produces harmful pollutants that can have dangerous effects on indoor air quality. In buildings that use electricity for space heating, water heating and cooking, residents are safe from this threat.

SVCE is offering awards of $3,000 for single-family homes, $2,000 for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and $5,000 for multifamily residences and commercial buildings such as hotels, offices, retail spaces and restaurants. An additional $1,000 bonus is offered for multifamily projects that qualify as affordable housing.

Through this program, SVCE will recognize leaders in our community who are reducing local emissions and promoting a healthier Silicon Valley by powering their homes and buildings solely with clean electricity. The agency will collect and display these resources to increase awareness of all-electric buildings and to encourage other homeowners and building industry stakeholders to pursue all-electric buildings.

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About Silicon Valley Clean Energy
Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a community-owned agency serving the majority of Santa Clara County communities, acquiring clean, carbon-free electricity on behalf of more than 270,000 residential and commercial customers. As a public agency, net revenues are returned to the community to keep rates competitive and promote clean energy programs. Member jurisdictions include Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Saratoga, Sunnyvale and unincorporated Santa Clara County. SVCE is guided by a Board of Directors, which is comprised of a representative from the governing body of each member community. For more information, please visit SVCleanEnergy.org.

Media Contact:
Pamela Leonard
Communications Manager
Silicon Valley Clean Energy
pamela.leonard@svcleanenergy.org
O: (408) 721-5301 x1004