7815870b3822868569528c95924c72af_Longmont_Electrification_Plan

CITY OF LONGMONT’S 

BENEFICIAL BUILDING 

ELECTRIFICATION PLAN

PLAN SUMMARY 

Why We Need a Plan 

Climate change already affects the way we live, and without intervention, global 

temperatures are expected to continue rising, furthering adverse impacts to the health, 

safety and wellbeing of our community. 

The City recognizes the need to act and has committed to assertive climate action and 

greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions on several fronts, including energy efficiency 

in buildings, carbon-free and alternative modes of transportation, waste reduction and 100 

percent renewable electricity. Beneficial building electrification supports the commitment 

to reducing emissions and, combined with other activities, will help the City make progress 

toward its goals. 

City Climate Goals and Mandates 

LONGMONT SUSTAINABILITY PLAN 

2016, UPDATED 2018 

Reduce core GHG emissions 66 percent from 2016 baseline 

by 2030 and 69 percent by 2050. 

CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION R-2018-05 

2018 

Commitment to 100 percent renewable electric energy by 2030. 

CLIMATE ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT 

2020 

Recommendations to promote a carbon-free, sustainable 

city, including Recommendation BE.2, Electrification, 

incorporating equity and housing affordability. 

| 1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

This work was possible with contributions from City 

of Longmont (City) staff, community and industry 

stakeholders, and leaders from peer communities. 

The City convened a Building Electrification Feasibility 

Committee (committee) tasked with guiding and 

informing the planning process and the plan content. 

This committee focused on community and equity 

priorities, workforce considerations, communication 

strategies, and implementation details. The committee 

comprised the following individuals, representing City 

staff and a variety of sectors within the community: 

Brian Bair, Mass Equities 

Susan Bartlett, Longmont Power & Communications 

Shannon Docheff, RE/MAX Traditions, Inc. and local 

small business owner 

Darrell Hahn, Longmont Power & Communications 

Dave Hatchimonji, Boulder County 

Blas Hernandez, City of Longmont 

Lisa Knoblauch, City of Longmont 

Chuck Kurnik, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

Marcia Martin, Longmont City Councilwoman, Ward 2 

Hannah Mulroy, City of Longmont 

Molly O’Donnell, City of Longmont 

Joan Peck, City of Longmont, Mayor 

Amy Schmidt, eSource, Longmont Resident 

Scott Suddreth, Platte River Power Authority 

The City is grateful to additional sector stakeholders 

who shared their perspectives and informed this plan 

through informational interviews and focus groups: 

Hope Bartlett, Metropolitan State University’s One World 

One Water 

Chris Burns, Burlington Electric Department (Burlington, VT) 

Kory Cash, Sentinel Management Inc. 

Garrett Chappell, Circle Graphics 

Seth Chernoff, Chernoff Boulder Properties 

Barbara Donachy, Physicians for Social Responsibility 

Francie Jaffe, City of Longmont Sustainability 

Coordinator 

Keith Gray, Independent Contractor 

Steve Hamilton, Cushman & Wakefield 

Matt Hannon, Boulder County Partners for a Clean 

Environment (PACE) 

Bill Hayes, Boulder County Health Department 

Londell Jackson, Independent Electrical Contractors 

Rocky Mountain Chapter (IECRM) 

Paul Lingo, IERCM 

Norma King, Latino Chamber of Commerce 

Peter Nelson, Salt Lake City, UT 

Aparna Palmer, Front Range Community College Boulder 

County Campus 

Wendell Pickett, Frontier Companies 

Stephanie Pitts-Noggle, Longmont Economic 

Development Partnership 

Iris Prieto, Taco Star 

Devin Quince, Simply Bulk Market 

Tallis Salamatian, Business and Financial Advisor 

Brad Smith, City of Fort Collins Utilities, Energy Code 

Compliance 

Nicholas Spezza, Front Range Community College Fort 

Collins Campus 

Kathy Stevens, Longmont Chamber of Commerce 

The City of Longmont’s Equitable Climate Action 

Team, Sustainability Advisory Board, and Longmont 

Sustainability Coalition also served as valuable forums 

to confirm priorities and report progress. 

Finally, the City appreciates the national Electrify 

Cohort that RMI hosted to inform heat pump 

outreach and education campaign planning, and 

the two community-based organizations that were 

instrumental in representing Longmont in this cohort: 

Rachel Dunham, Thistle 

Stephen Stanek-Scott, Habitat for Humanity of the 

St. Vrain Valley

Electrification is Necessary and Imminent 

Building electrification is recognized as essential to building decarbonization and wider 

climate action, generally coming in second only to renewable energy and/or transportation 

electrification when it comes to reducing GHG emissions. 

In Longmont, gas use in buildings accounts for nearly 24 percent of the community’s 

total GHG emissions (2019 data). As Longmont’s power supply grows cleaner, identifying 

pragmatic ways to electrify building systems and appliances will help to drive down cost, 

transform the market and scale adoption for better indoor air quality and health, efficiency 

and fewer emissions from buildings in the community. 

Building electrification is converting 

building systems that use fossil 

fuels (gas, oil, or propane) to highefficiency 

electric equipment powered 

by increasingly clean and renewable 

electricity. 

| 2

Longmont is not alone in pursuing building electrification and 

other actions to reduce GHG emissions. Of note are recent related 

policies and initiatives: 

• The Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution 

Reduction Roadmap produced by the Colorado 

Energy Office supports adopting electric 

heat pumps in the near term and outlines 

various penetration scenarios based on the best 

available data and science. 

• The Beneficial Electrification League of 

Colorado (BELCO) has set a series of 

aspirational targets for electrification, starting 

with a target of 70 percent or more of all 

new or replaced air conditioning (AC) units and 

50 percent or more of all water heater 

replacements in existing homes being heat 

pumps by 2030. 7 

• Recently passed Colorado legislation 

supporting reduced GHG emissions and 

electrification: 

o Senate Bill 21-246 requires regulated 

electric utilities – Xcel Energy and Black 

Hills Energy – to develop electrification 

plans for their consumer base. 

o Senate Bill 21-264, (the Clean Heat Bill) 

requires gas utilities to develop a plan 

that outlines how to provide clean heat by 

advancing heat pump adoption. 

o House Bill 22-1362 requires updated 

residential and commercial building energy 

codes across the state, including low-energy 

and carbon code requirements beginning 

in 2026. 

o Senate Bill 22-051 provides state tax 

incentives for installing heat pump 

systems in both residential and commercial 

buildings beginning in 2023. 

• The Colorado Energy Office, through Building 

Performance of Colorado, will enact building 

performance standards for commercial 

buildings in 2023 that will prompt higher 

efficiency, including electric replacement 

equipment. 

• The City and County of Denver approved an 

ordinance in 2021 requiring all commercial 

and multifamily buildings to reduce GHG 

emissions through energy efficiency, renewable 

energy, and building electrification. Denver also 

developed The Energize Denver Renewable 

Heating and Cooling Plan in 2021 that outlines 

a transition to electric heating and cooling 

using heat pumps. 

• The Federal Inflation Reduction Act, passed 

in mid-August, will encourage electrification 

measures through direct incentives, tax credits, 

contractor training, advanced building code 

development, and other benefits. Many of the 

benefits will be deployed through state energy 

offices and it will be important to monitor and 

align Longmont strategies with these resources. 

• Regional players are collaborating on 

electrification building codes and workforce 

development. 

7 

Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, Benefits of Heat Pumps for Colorado Homes, 2022. 

| 3

GLOSSARY OF TERMS 

Air source heat pumps (ASHP): Energy-efficient 

alternative to furnaces, air conditioners, and water 

heaters that transfer heat between an indoor space 

and the outside air using the same vapor-compression 

refrigeration process as traditional air conditioners or 

refrigerators. 

Beneficial Building Electrification: Applying electricity 

to satisfy at least one of the following conditions 

without adversely affecting the others 1 : 

• Saves money 

• Benefits the environment 

• Improves quality of life 

• Fosters grid resilience 

Building electrification: Converting building systems 

that use fossil fuels (gas, oil, or propane) to highefficiency 

electric equipment increasingly powered by 

clean and renewable electricity. 2 

Climate justice: “…the recognition that climate 

change is a human-made crisis that has primarily 

been wrought by those with economic power and 

privilege, while the effects of climate change have a 

disproportionately negative impact on the historically 

marginalized and underserved – primarily people of 

color and low-income communities around the world.” 3 

Dual-fuel system: A hybrid space heating system that 

uses an electric heat pump for primary heating down 

to a set outdoor temperature and then a gas furnace 

for anything below that temperature (backup heat). 

Frontline communities: Groups most likely to be 

affected by crises of ecology, economy and democracy, 

but historically receiving the fewest benefits. This 

includes low- to medium-income communities, 

communities of color, those who speak languages 

other than English, people with disabilities, older 

adults, young children, people with criminal records, 

LGBTQ+, and refugees and immigrants. It is important 

to focus on frontline communities in climate action 

outreach and program development to ensure that 

any efforts are equitable and inclusive. 4 

Equitable: An equitable approach differs from an 

equality-based approach, which offers all community 

members the same resources, by recognizing 

that there are systemic factors that put certain 

community members at a disadvantage. An equitybased 

approach seeks to ensure that everyone has 

the opportunity to thrive, regardless of age, race or 

ethnicity, ability, gender, socio-economic status or any 

other distinguishing factor. Through an equitable lens, 

decisions are made to meet the needs of marginalized 

community members as a way to level the playing field 

for everyone. 5 

Equitable climate action: Local policy and personal 

habits that reduce climate pollution and increase 

community resilience in ways that do no harm and 

that support all communities according to their needs. 6 

Greenhouse gases (GHG): A variety of gases (including 

carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) that trap 

heat in the atmosphere. 

Heat pump water heaters: Water heaters that use 

electricity to move heat from the surrounding air and 

transfer it to heat water in a storage tank. 

Targeted universalism: Setting the same goals for 

all people and allowing different ways to achieve 

those goals for different groups of people. A targeted 

universalism approach allows for policy and incentive 

design to vary based on different starting points while 

directing everyone toward the same end goal. 

1 

Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), www.betoolkit.org/intro. 

2 

The Building Electrification Primer for City-Utility Coordination. 

3 

B Corp, The Climate Justice Playbook for Business, 2020. 

4 

City of Longmont, Climate Action Recommendations Report, 2020. 

5 

City of Longmont, Equitable Carbon-free Transportation Road Map, 2021. 

6 

Op Cit. City of Longmont, CARR.

This Beneficial Building Electrification Plan (Plan) is in response to City Council’s 2020 

approval of the Climate Action Recommendations Report, which includes the recommendation 

to convene an advisory committee and develop the Plan. 

The Plan includes actionable strategies that the City can pursue to equitably reduce GHG 

emissions from the building sector in fulfillment of the City Council’s mandate. Plan 

strategies in aggregate have the estimated potential to reduce total community GHG 

emissions by 20 percent by 2050 from the 2016 baseline. These reductions, combined with 

other City reduction efforts, have the potential to reduce GHG emissions 86 percent by 2050 

from the 2016 baseline. 

To realize this potential, the strategies in this Plan must be further developed, supported 

with additional and/or redirected staffing and financial resources and deployed with 

thoughtful consideration for those who may be directly affected or can least afford to make 

the desired changes. 

Beneficial Building Electrification 

is applying electricity to satisfy 

at least one of the following 

conditions without adversely 

affecting the others: 

• Benefits the environment 

• Improves quality of life 

• Saves money 

• Fosters grid resilience 

EESI, Beneficial Electrification Toolkit 

| 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Acknowledgements........................................................... i 

Glossary of Terms............................................................. iii 

Plan Summary......................................................................1 

Why We Need a Plan..................................................... 2 

Electrification is Necessary and Imminent................... 2 

Plan Strategies.............................................................. 7 

Implementation Timeline.............................................12 

The City at Work...............................................................13 

Plan Purpose.................................................................16 

Equity Framing.............................................................. 17 

Why Beneficial Building Electrification...................19 

Building Electrification 101..........................................19 

Benefits Beyond Reducing GHG Emissions................. 22 

Mitigating Challenges................................................. 25 

Plan Strategies.................................................................31 

Impacts............................................................................... 67 

Potential Emissions Reductions.................................. 67 

Costs............................................................................ 68 

LPC’s Electric Grid....................................................... 70 

Appendix A: Technology Guide.................................. A-1 

Appendix B: Communications Strategy.................. B-1 

Appendix C: Electrification Tool Summary............ C-1 

Appendix D: References............................................... D-1

GUIDING PRIORITIES 

Members of the Building Electrification Advisory Committee (convened to guide the 

planning process) confirmed and applied the four priorities illustrated in Figure 1 to 

select and shape Plan strategies. These guiding priorities were built largely from the City’s 

Sustainability Plan and the Climate Action Recommendations Report. 

Environmental 

Impacts: 

(Emissions, Health, 

Safety, Resilience) 

Local Economic 

Benefits 

(Workforce, Market) 

PLAN 

STRATEGIES 

Fair Distribution 

of Benefits/Burdens 

(Equity) 

Electric Grid 

Benefits/Costs 

Figure 1. Guiding Priorities for Plan Strategies and Outcomes 

CONSIDERATIONS INFORMING THE PLAN 

As a result of committee work, research and applying the guiding priorities, the following 

considerations informed the Plan strategies and also will be important in how the City 

implements the strategies. 

| 5

Keeping equity at the forefront of planning 

and implementation involves including broad 

stakeholder engagement, examining benefits 

and impacts of each action for all community 

members and striving for affordability and access. 

Beneficial building electrification is essential 

to reducing total GHG emissions in Longmont. 

Residential buildings consume 62 percent of gas 

in the community, and residential and small 

commercial buildings make up 98 percent of 

Longmont building stock (Appendix C). 

Residential space and water heating make 

up the majority of non-electric building 

GHG emissions. 8 

While voluntary initiatives, such as outreach, 

education, demonstrations and incentives 

produce relatively minimal emissions reductions 

(about 2 percent by 2050 from the 2016 

baseline), starting with these is necessary to build 

awareness and engagement, drive equity and 

create a culture that can accommodate the 

challenges of retrofitting existing buildings. 

Adopting the latest building energy 

codes and recommended electrification 

amendments provides a clear path for 

reduced emissions in future Longmont 

buildings. 

As more buildings are constructed without 

gas infrastructure, fewer buildings will need 

to be retrofitted in the future. 

By revising Longmont’s building policy and 

amending City codes to replace gas equipment 

with electric equipment in existing buildings at 

time of equipment failure, the City could potentially 

reduce total GHG emissions by 15 percent by 2050 

from the 2016 baseline. 

Retrofitting existing buildings will require the 

greatest effort and financial investment. 

• Electrification in existing buildings is often 

not economically viable without first improving 

building envelopes. 

• Retrofitting existing buildings with new electric 

equipment often means upgrading electric 

service and other infrastructure (panel capacity 

and secondary wiring, ductwork, and 

potentially electric grid distribution equipment). 

• To ensure equitable access to the benefits 

of building electrification, there must be 

economic supplements for those who cannot 

afford the changes or who rent or lease their 

spaces. 

Higher equipment and installation costs currently 

are exacerbated by supply chain realities that 

should resolve with time. 

While beneficial building electrification will 

be expensive, the transition away from gas is 

important and imminent. Starting now allows 

Longmont to transition on its own terms and 

minimize the economic impact to the community. 

Beneficial building electrification is just one of many efforts that, undertaken together, 

support the City’s renewable energy transition. Other activities include transportation measures, 

waste reduction policy and initiatives, oil and gas policy, and more accessible energy 

efficiency programs and supplemental neighborhood programs. These efforts are complementary 

in working to improve the overall health, safety, and comfort of residents while 

protecting the natural environment and meeting City climate action goals. 

8 

RMI, The Economics of Electrifying Buildings, 2018. 

| 6

Plan Strategies 

The City’s starting points for beneficial building electrification include strategies for 

partnerships, policies, programs and financing. Table 1 presents a summary of Plan 

strategies, including related actions and estimated costs, GHG emissions impacts and 

implementation timelines. Some of these strategies are already underway and others 

will take more time to develop and properly resource with staffing and funding. The 

strategies are ordered by priority – those things that must happen first in order for others 

to follow successfully – and by ease of implementation, including costs and other resource 

considerations. More details are provided for each strategy later in the Plan. 

STRATEGY KEY 

TYPE OF STRATEGY: 

POLICY PROGRAM PARTNERSHIP FINANCING 

COST: 

Estimated cost ranges include both first costs and 

ongoing operation costs. These cost ranges do 

not include customer costs except where noted. 

GHG IMPACT: 

Estimated reduction of total GHG emissions 

from the 2016 baseline as a result of strategy 

activities through 2050. 

LOW: Under $50,000 

LOW: 10% Reduction by 2050 

TIMELINE: 

Some strategy 

activities can begin 

right away but 

will take time to 

fully develop and 

implement; some 

will require further 

evaluation. 

SHORT TERM: Beginning immediately with implementation by 2025 

MEDIUM TERM: With implementation between 2025 and 2030 

LONG TERM: May be implemented after 2030 

SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM 

| 7

TABLE 1: Longmont’s Beneficial Building Electrification Strategies 

STRATEGY TYPE ACTIONS COSTS 

GHG 

IMPACT 

TIMELINE 

1. 

Equitable 

Housing Policy 

POLICY 

Identify best practices and develop appropriate 

policies to minimize the likelihood that 

electrification upgrades cause increased rents 

or displacement 

Engage stakeholders to develop and socialize 

policy language 

Collaborate with program administrators to 

include language in electrification program 

terms/conditions 

NONE 

SHORT TERM 

Determine pathway for accountability/ 

enforcement 

Make appropriate changes to current City policy 

2. 

Electric Grid 

Evaluation, 

Smart Grid 

Management, 

City 

Demonstrations 

PROGRAM 

Use advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 

data to inform grid management strategies, 

project local load and prioritize infrastructure 

improvements 

Support load forecasting for generation and 

distribution management 

Participate on Platte River Distributed Energy 

Resources innovation teams 

Use data to develop appropriate customer 

engagement, including rates 

START LOW 

END HIGH 

SHORT TERM 

Develop demonstration projects at City-owned 

facilities 

3. 

Concerted 

Outreach and 

Education 

PROGRAM 

Familiarize the community with building 

electrification, its benefits and impacts and 

develop campaigns to increase awareness 

Use Communications Strategy in collaboration 

with community partners to craft multicultural 

messaging by audience type and encourage 

adoption 

Partner with regional organizations for 

consistent messages, resources and channels 

of engagement 

START LOW 

END HIGH 

SHORT TERM 

| 8


GHG 

IMPACT 

TIMELINE 

4. 

Existing 

Program 

Collaboration 

PARTNERSHIP 

Develop shared and consistent information and 

resources about building electrification options 

Develop and integrate additional building 

electrification incentives across programs 

Coordinate bundled building electrification 

measures with efficiency measures 

SHORT TERM 

5. 

Workforce 

Outreach and 

Development 

PARTNERSHIP 

Initiate coordination with local and regional 

partners and training/workforce organizations 

Team with Efficiency Works, Boulder County and 

Xcel Energy on a consolidated contractor/service 

provider list 

Encourage City human resources to create 

and adopt policies for apprentices on City 

electrification projects 

Engage City procurement to incorporate 

elements of high-road construction careers in 

RFPs and bids for electrification projects 

SHORT 

- 

MEDIUM 

Engage Front Range Community College, St. 

Vrain Valley School District, Workforce Boulder 

County and clean energy sector partners to plan 

career events 

6. 

Phased Building 

Codes and 

Amendments 

POLICY 

Conduct study evaluating life-cycle costs and 

lost opportunity costs looking at building to 

standard new construction code and all-electric 

amendments 

Continue to adopt each new edition of the 

IECC at issuance 

Follow Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) 

Regional Codes Cohort recommendations for 

adopting electrification amendments, starting 

with electric-preferred in 2024 

Consider adopting all-electric amendments 

with 2027 code cycle 

* 

SHORT 

- 

LONG 

generally following 

IECC Code 

revision cycle 

Consider adopting existing building equipment 

replacement requirements with 2030 code cycle 

*Costs include those for the City as well as the building/retrofit community. 

| 9


GHG 

IMPACT 

TIMELINE 

7. 

Affordable 

Housing 

Partnerships 

PARTNERSHIP 

Design/implement an efficiency-electrification 

project that supports the City’s Housing 

Rehabilitation program population – case study 

Collaborate with Longmont Housing Authority 

on future renovation project(s) to incorporate 

efficiency, electric equipment and potentially 

on-site solar 

SHORT 

- 

MEDIUM 

8. 

Neighborhood 

and Technical 


PROGRAM 

Build a demonstration kitchen showcasing 

efficient all-electric appliances, including 

induction cooking 

Make portable induction cooktop hubs available 

for check-out and demonstrate the technology 

at public and neighborhood events 

Design an equity-first demonstration project 

at a local mobile home park or neighborhood 

that bundles efficiency/weatherization and 

electrification (including added cooling) 

SHORT 

- 

MEDIUM 

9. 

City-led 

Incentives 

Promote Colorado state legislation encouraging 

energy efficiency/electrification (Senate Bill 22- 

051 and HB 21-1303) 

Design incentives to offset cost of panel, wiring 

and ductwork upgrades 

Evaluate potential for public health incentives 

focused on cooling 

FINANCING 

Develop complementary City tax incentive for 

local businesses eligible for the State of Colorado 

179D tax credit that rewards electrification 

projects 

Evaluate potential incentives for contractors that 

support the City Assistance and Rebate System 

(CAReS) projects 

SHORT 

- 

MEDIUM 

Evaluate potential to fund incentives based on 

ability to pay 

Review current COPE program (assistance from 

other LPC customers) as a resource to fund 

electrification projects for income-qualified 

populations 

| 10


GHG 

IMPACT 

TIMELINE 

10. 

No- to low- 

Interest 

Financing 

FINANCING 

Actively promote existing Colorado Clean 

Energy Fund – formerly RENU loan program 

Identify/pursue funding option to seed and 

sustain revolving loan fund for projects 

Evaluate the potential for and resources required 

to provide City on-bill financing for efficiency, 

weatherization and electrification projects 

SHORT 

- 

MEDIUM 

11. 

Building 

Performance 

Standard 

POLICY 

Support Building Performance Colorado, 

Colorado’s statewide benchmarking and 

performance standards program for buildings 

50,000 square feet and larger 

Collaborate with Efficiency Works to consider 

a new construction rebate based on building 

performance modeling 

SHORT 

- 

MEDIUM 

12. 

Third-party 

Ownership 

Models 

FINANCING/ 

PROGRAM 

Gauge regional interest in working with thirdparty 

owner vendors that identify opportunities 

and develop, build, implement, and finance 

projects in the existing building market 

Identify options, compare benefits/costs and 

evaluate applicability in Longmont 

MEDIUM 

13. 

Bulk 

Purchases 

FINANCING/ 

PROGRAM 

Evaluate opportunities for group-buy models 

similar to group solar purchasing programs 

Work with community-based partners, 

as appropriate, for economies of scale on 

electrification equipment and installation 

MEDIUM 

| 11

Implementation Timeline 

6. 

Phased Building 

Codes And Stretch 

Amendments 

1. 

2. 

Equitable 

Housing Policy 

Electric Grid 

Evaluation, Smart 

Grid Management, 

City Demonstrations 

SHORT - LONG 

3. 

Concerted Outreach 

And Education 

12. 

Third-Party 

Ownership Models 

4. 

Existing Program 

Collaboration 

13. 

Bulk Purchases 

SHORT 

TERM 

MEDIUM 

TERM 

LONG 

TERM 

SHORT - MEDIUM 

5. 

Workforce Outreach 

and Development 

7. 

Affordable Housing 

Partnerships 

SHORT TERM 

TIMELINE KEY 

8. 

Neighborhood 

And Technical 


Beginning immediately with 

implementation by 2025 

9. 

City-Led Incentives 

MEDIUM TERM 

With implementation between 

2025 and 2030 

10. 

No- To Low- Interest 

Financing 

LONG TERM 

May be implemented after 2030 

11. 

Building Performance 

Standard 

Figure 2: Implementation Timeline 

| 12

THE CITY AT WORK 

In 2019, Longmont’s City Council declared a climate 

emergency, recognizing that “…climate change 

is an urgent unfolding crisis that presents a 

serious threat to human existence…” Prior to 

this declaration and in an illustration of the City’s 

commitment to climate action, in 2017 the City 

committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 66 

percent by 2030 and 69 percent by 2050 from a 

2016 baseline. 9 

The worst effects from climate change can be 

mitigated with local actions at a global scale. The City 

has begun implementing a series of climate mitigation 

and adaptation measures to do its part in addressing 

climate change, protecting the community, and 

demonstrating other local benefits, such as improved 

air quality, health, safety and comfort: 

“This [climate change 

predictions] is not just 

a cause for concern 

but also a cause to 

recognize that we have 

agency here. If we can 

stabilize the climate 

system, we can steer 

clear of the largest 

changes.” 

- ALEXANDER RUANE, A SCIENTIST AT THE 

NASA GODDARD INSTITUTE FOR SPACE 

STUDIES AND AN AUTHOR OF THE 2021 

IPCC REPORT 

One hundred percent renewable electric energy by 2030 

The City receives most of its electricity from Longmont Power & Communications (LPC), which is owned 

by the City, and a small amount (less than 1 percent) of its electricity from Xcel Energy. LPC receives 

wholesale electricity from Platte River Power Authority, whose Board of Directors adopted a Resource 

Diversification Policy in 2018 calling for the pursuit of a 100 percent non-carbon electric energy mix 

by 2030. Xcel Energy has a similar goal for its electric utility, committing to 80 percent renewable 

energy by 2030 and 100 percent non-carbon energy by 2050. 

Electric grid management 

LPC excels in grid reliability and management and is committed to continued grid maintenance and 

innovation, energy efficiency, smart metering (AMI), distributed energy resources, demand response 

and sustained grid reliability. 

9 

As of 2022, the City is in the process of revising these goals to align with science-based targets (SBTs) and updated emission forecast models. 

| 13

Aggressive building codes and efficient design for new construction 

In late 2021, Longmont City Council approved adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation 

Code (IECC) with amendments requiring new homes to be electric vehicle (EV) and solar ready. The City 

also has committed to adopting the latest version of the IECC as it is released every 3 years. 

Carbon-free transportation 

The City completed its Equitable Carbon-Free Transportation Roadmap in 2020, which outlines 

strategies for EV infrastructure, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, improved transit and enhanced 

mobility. 

Residential and commercial energy efficiency programs and rebates 

Through Efficiency Works, Boulder County’s EnergySmart and Partners for a Clean Environment 

(PACE) programs, and the Colorado Affordable Residential Energy (CARE) program, the City 

encourages, supports and funds market-rate and income-qualified residential energy efficiency 

rebates and commercial energy efficiency efforts. In addition, the City has established energy savings 

and participation targets in each of these areas to help meet emissions reduction goals. 

Commercial building benchmarking 

The City’s voluntary benchmarking program for buildings 20,000 square feet and larger is in its second 

year. Building owners that benchmark are more likely to make efficiency improvements and reduce 

energy consumption as a result. 

Waste Reduction 

In mid-2022, the City is considering revising waste diversion targets as part of the updated Zero 

Waste Resolution. The 2020 Waste Life Cycle Analysis demonstrated that 85 percent waste reduction 

and diversion could result in avoided GHG emissions equivalent to removing 41,462 passenger vehicles 

from the road by 2050. 

Preparing for the threats to public health from a warmer, changing climate 

The Climate Action Recommendations Report recognizes increased vulnerabilities from a warming 

planet and recommends steps that the City can take to protect public health from the impacts of 

climate change. Currently the City is developing a climate risk and vulnerability map and plans to 

integrate community-based asset mapping to better identify actions that support greater community 

resilience and better inform City investments. 

| 14

Progress toward these measures is available on the Longmont Indicators dashboard. 

Beneficial building electrification is among these necessary measures and is complementary 

in helping to achieve the City’s GHG emissions reduction goals in an equitable and 

economical way. City climate mitigation efforts are illustrated in Figure 3. 

Figure 3. City’s Climate Mitigation Efforts 

| 15

Plan Purpose 

This Plan is a guide to advancing equitable, widespread beneficial building electrification 

in the residential and commercial sectors, including multi-family buildings. Plan strategies 

are actionable starting points that will evolve with time and resources to help fulfill this 

purpose. The Plan is complemented by the City’s Communication Strategy in Appendix B 

which outlines outreach and messaging techniques for advancing electrification. 

This Plan also integrates the results from parallel efforts, specifically market research and 

jurisdiction-specific benefit/cost analysis of residential electrification measures conducted 

by Apex Analytics and in partnership with Fort Collins Utilities. This analysis included 

both energy and non-energy benefits, as well as how benefits and costs affect upgrade 

participants, the utility and the community. 

Longmont’s beneficial building 

electrification vision: 

“Support an equitable and lowcarbon 

future that lowers energy 

bills, maintains grid reliability, 

improves public health, and 

increases home and building 

comfort while supporting a 

vibrant local economy.” 

| 16

Equity Framing 

In 2019, the Longmont City Council adopted Resolution R-2019-105, declaring a Climate 

Emergency. The resolution states “WHEREAS, throughout the United States, frontline 

communities 10 have historically borne the brunt of longstanding environmental injustice 

including fossil-fuel created degradation and it is acknowledged that these communities 

must actively participate in the planning, decision making and implementation of 

climate action and must benefit equally from a just transition to a sustainable and 

equitable economy.” 

In response to the Climate Emergency resolution, the Climate Action Recommendations 

Report includes recommendations developed by the Climate Action Task Force that 

specifically focus on accelerating climate action, such as a building electrification plan, 

as well as equity-centered recommendations developed by the Just Transition Planning 

Committee, now the Equitable Climate Action Team (ECAT). ECAT’s recommendations 

focused on how to incorporate equity into all climate action work to identify potential 

impacts and ensure that the needs and priorities of frontline communities are addressed. 

Furthermore, the City’s comprehensive plan known as Envision Longmont, and the 

Sustainability Plan, prioritize effective and equity-based community engagement. 

An equitable approach differs from an equality-based 

approach by recognizing that there are systemic factors 

that put certain community members at a disadvantage. 

An equity-based approach seeks to address these 

inequities to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to 

thrive, regardless of age, race or ethnicity, ability, gender, 

socio-economic status or any other distinguishing factor. 

Through an equity lens, decisions are made to meet the 

needs of underserved community members as a way to 

level the playing field for everyone. 

-LONGMONT’S EQUITABLE CARBON-FREE TRANSPORTATION ROADMAP, 2021 

10 

City of Longmont, Climate Action Recommendations Report, 2020. Groups most likely to be affected by crises of ecology, economy and democracy, but 

historically receiving the fewest benefits. This includes low- to medium-income communities, communities of color, those who speak languages other than 

English, people with disabilities, older adults, young children, people with criminal records, LQBTQ+, and refugees and immigrants. It is important to focus on 

frontline communities in climate action outreach and program development to ensure that any efforts are equitable and inclusive. 

| 17

As this Plan identifies inequities or potential negative impacts, it also considers mitigation 

opportunities. Specifically, the impact from electrification to frontline community members 

will likely be different from the impact to non-frontline community members. To support 

a future where all community members have access to and can benefit from beneficial 

building electrification, this Plan is rooted in principles of equitable climate action 11 , such as 

targeted universalism 12 , and strives to achieve climate justice for all. 

To understand and incorporate equity considerations in developing beneficial building 

electrification strategies, staff met with advisory committee members, targeted focus group 

members and Longmont’s ECAT, all of whom provided valuable insight for this complex 

topic. Equity considerations do not end with this document. Instead, as each strategy is 

further developed and implemented, it will be necessary to continue seeking voices that not 

heard during planning. 

If done well, Plan strategies will enhance tenant rights; improve home health, safety, and 

comfort; and realize benefits for those who are likely to be the most impacted by climate 

change. The City is committed to engaging frontline community members in this work and 

developing culturally appropriate messaging and resources that inform, include, encourage 

and support participation. 

“Equity is when we are able to give each person 

what they need to succeed on the same level as 

others. This may be looking at barriers to services, 

such as disabilities or language, and changing the 

way we do things so that people have appropriate 

but not always equal access to our services.” 

-Assistant City Manager, Sandi Seader at July 2021 City Council meeting 

11 

The Longmont ECAT defined equitable climate action as local policy and personal habits that reduce climate pollution and increase community resilience 

in ways that do no harm, and that support all communities according to their needs. 

12 

Targeted universalism means setting the same goals for all people and allowing different ways to achieve those goals for different groups of people. A 

targeted universalism approach allows for policy and incentive design to vary based on different starting points, while directing everyone toward the same 

end goal. 

| 18

WHY BENEFICIAL BUILDING 

ELECTRIFICATION 

Building Electrification 101 

According to the City’s 2019 GHG emissions inventory, natural gas (gas) 13 consumed 

in buildings makes up 24 percent of Longmont’s emissions (see Figure 2). Residential 

buildings account for 62 percent of Longmont’s gas use and commercial spaces account for 

the remaining 38 percent. 14 Residential homes, multifamily units, and small commercial 

buildings less than 10,000 square feet make up 98 percent of Longmont’s total building stock. 

Converting space heating in these buildings, either through partial – dual-fuel electrification 

– or full electrification, addresses a significant portion of Longmont’s GHG emissions. 

2.92% 

Aviation 

1.64% 

Solid Waste 

14.66% 

Gasoline 

Vehicles 

1.04% 

Diesel 

31.95% 

Commercial 

Building 

Electricity 

0.75% 

Fugitive 

Emissions 

8.89% 

Commercial 

Building 

Natural Gas 

14.22% 

Residential 

Building 

Natural Gas 

Figure 4. City’s 2019 GHG Emissions Profile 

1.97% 

Transmission 

21.17% 

Residential 

Building 

Electricity 

13 

Other terms for gas include fossil gas, natural gas, or simply methane (gas is nearly 95 percent methane). The City is using the term “gas” to avoid perceived 

biases from the term “natural.” 

14 

For more information, see Group14’s building stock analysis and the City’s 2019 GHG emissions inventory. 

| 19

And while more than 50 percent of total GHG emissions are attributed to electricity used 

in buildings, these emissions will continue to decrease as the City and Platte River Power 

Authority make progress toward the goal of 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030. 

The next largest emissions source – gas use in homes and businesses – is mitigated most 

effectively through building electrification. 15 

Building electrification is the process of converting gas and other fossil fuel building systems 

to electric systems that are simultaneously powered by a grid that is supplied by increasing 

amounts of renewable energy. However, building electrification is not effective in isolation. 

It must be done in parallel with improving building envelopes and efficiency and attaining 

renewable electric energy (see Figure 3). 

Pathway to Decarbonization 

Energy 

Efficiency 

Renewable 

Electricity 

Strategic 

Electrification 

(80% Reduction in GHG emissions by 2050) 

Figure 5. Role of Electrification in Reducing Carbon 16 

Most gas use in buildings is for space and water heating and, to a lesser degree, cooking. 

Common types of electric space heating technology for both residential and small to medium 

commercial sectors include air source heat pumps (ASHP), mini-ductless systems and 

cold-climate ASHP (ccASHP), which are designed to perform better at colder temperatures 

than standard ASHP 17 . Ground-source and water-source heat pumps (geothermal systems) 

also are available that transfer heat between an indoor space and the ground or external 

water source. Ground-source systems are efficient but also much more expensive that 

ASHP systems and are not widely deployed as result. Water heating technology includes 

heat pump water heaters (HPWH), and cooking technology includes electric and induction 

ranges 18 . Larger commercial space heating systems are typically replaced with mini-split 

systems, packaged terminal heat pumps or multi-zone variable refrigerant flow or variable 

refrigerant volume systems. 

15 

Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP), Strategic Electrification. 

16 

Copyright 2019. Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership. Used with permission from the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership. 

17 

The temperature at which a standard ASHP becomes less efficient is debatable and is frequently discussed among contractors, utilities, and performance 

rating organizations (such as NEEP). This temperature may range from 30 degrees Fahrenheit to -10 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the source and the 

desired impacts to costs and GHG emissions. 

18 

Other less common types of electrification technologies for the residential and commercial sectors include ground source heat pumps, electric boilers, 

packaged terminal heat pumps, multi-zone variable refrigerant flow (VRF), or variable refrigerant volume (VRV) systems. This plan focuses on the most 

common technologies types: ASHP, ccASHP, and HPWH. 

| 20

Figure 6. Air Source Heat Pump Moving Heat 

Heat pumps warm or cool spaces by transferring thermal energy from a cooler area to a 

warmer area using the refrigeration cycle (see Figure 4). In the summer, heat pumps pull 

warm air from a building space and push it outside like conventional air conditioners do. In 

the winter, this process works in reverse (the refrigerant flow is reversed) to pull warm air 

from outside (even when it is cold) and transfer it into a building space. Heat pump water 

heaters similarly move heat from the surrounding air into a tank to heat water. Because 

these systems move energy (i.e., heat), rather than create energy, their efficiency is up to 

three times greater than standard gas space and water heating appliances. 19 

As part of the planning process, Group14 

developed a Technology Guide detailing 

which equipment types are most suitable 

for replacing current or de facto systems in 

various types of buildings (see Appendix A). 

19 

US Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Saver, Heat Pump Systems. 

| 21

Benefits Beyond Reducing GHG Emissions 

The benefits of building electrification extend beyond reducing GHG emissions by 

contributing to public health and safety, grid reliability and demand response, longterm 

energy planning via cost stability, quality of life and workforce development. 

Figure 7 illustrates some of the benefits outlined below, along with typical components of 

electrification. 

Electrification improves public health 

by reducing exposure to indoor air pollutants, such as 

carbon monoxide, particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5 20 ), 

formaldehyde and nitrous oxide, which are released 

by gas appliances even when the appliances are not 

in use 21 . Exposure to these pollutants increases the 

risk of respiratory problems, which are typically more 

pronounced in children and the immunocompromised. 

Residents of homes with gas-powered stoves have 

nearly three times the rate of asthma compared to 

homes with electric or induction stoves 22 . Reducing 

gas use also improves outdoor air quality, especially as 

electricity supplies grow increasingly renewable (due 

to fewer extraction and combustion activities). 

“The US EPA states 

that strong evidence 

exists for a relationship 

between long-term 

exposure to NO2 and 

the development of 

asthma in children.” 

- PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 

Electric equipment 

reduces the exposure 

to indoor air pollutants, 

including NO2. 

Electrification increases public safety 

by reducing potential exposure to gas line and methane 

leaks. Methane, the key component of gas, is highly 

flammable and explosive, and it can leak from gas 

appliances and distribution lines. For example, in 2017, 

a deadly fire occurred at a home in Firestone, Colorado, 

because of methane leaking from a nearby gas well 23 . 

Electric induction cooktops also offer enhanced safety 

over gas cooktops because of both improved air quality 

(especially in poorly ventilated kitchens) and user safety 

(due to cooler surfaces and no open flames). 

20 

Particulate matter 2.5 refers to small material types that are equal to or less than 2.5 micrometers. They are especially dangerous because of their size; 

they are likely to be inhaled and cause respiratory problems. 

21 

ACS Publications, Methane and NOx Emissions from Natural Gas Stoves, Cooktops, and Ovens in Residential Homes, 2022 and Physicians for Social 

Responsibility, We Must Prevent What We Cannot Cure. 

22 

RMI, Gas Stoves: Health and Air Quality Impacts and Solutions, 2020. 

23 

CBS Denver News, Timeline of Fatal Gas Explosion at House in Firestone, 2017. 

| 22

Electrification supports grid reliability and provides greater opportunity for demand 

response and increased electric load management. Smart, efficient electric appliances, when 

controlled in aggregate, can help reduce peaks in energy demand (strains on the electric distribution 

grid). Appliances with smart controls turn appliances on and off (up or down) at preferred times of 

day to match renewable energy supplies and can shift loads between devices. Connected smart 

appliances, combined with on-site generation and/or battery storage, can reduce the need for 

emergency peak generation at the utility level that may still need to operate on natural gas even as 

Platte River moves toward renewable energy sources. 

Electrification improves quality of life by providing space cooling in addition to 

space heating. Central air conditioning is becoming more common along Colorado’s Front Range. 

Anecdotally, more Coloradoans are seeking air conditioning in response to warmer temperatures, and 

traditional cooling techniques, such as opening the windows at night and closing them during the 

day, are more problematic because of wildfire smoke and warmer evenings and nights. 

Electrification grows clean energy jobs by advancing new climate-friendly technologies 

and associated contractor services. The emergence of electrification requires a workforce trained to 

install, and maintain ASHP and HPWH, batteries, and smart devices, while also understanding the 

connection between high-efficiency equipment and efficient building envelopes needed for the best 

consumer outcomes. When paired with a commitment to high-road construction careers (HRCC) 24 , 

electrification can provide a stable career path that is both meaningful and rewarding for workers. 

The clean energy industry also may provide opportunities for those workers that will be affected as oil 

and gas jobs decline over time. 

Electrification has the potential to improve utility cost stability in the 

long-term. Historically, electricity prices have been more stable and predictable than gas prices 25 

and, while gas prices have frequently been lower than electricity prices in this region, that trend may 

not continue in perpetuity 26 . The U.S. Energy Information Administration notes that for 2022, 

“... the nearly half of U.S. households that heat primarily with natural gas will spend 30 percent 

more than they spent last winter on average. We expect the 41 percent of U.S. households that 

heat primarily with electricity will spend 6 percent more—15 percent more in a colder winter and 

4 percent more in a warmer winter.” 27 

As energy prices evolve, a pragmatic approach to cost stability over time involves improving building 

envelopes and efficiency before switching to electric equipment to offset higher operating costs. 

Electrification increases community resilience 28 by both reducing contributions 

to climate change and providing space cooling as Longmont stands to experience an increase in 

extreme heat. Cooling provides protection against risks to human health from extreme heat events or 

prolonged hot weather, which are becoming more of a concern as global temperatures increase. 

24 

High road construction careers (HRCC) are careers that invest in human capital with competitive wages, opportunities to build generational wealth, 

and competitive benefits and training opportunities. 

25 

RMI, Reality Check: The Myth of Stable and Affordable Natural Gas Prices, 2021. 

26 

For more information, see High Natural Gas Prices Make This the Time to Build Back Better – With Clean Electricity, 2021. 

27 

Forbes, High Natural Gas Prices Make This the Time to Build Back Better – With Clean Electricity, 2021. 

28 

In this context, resilience is defined as the ability to adapt and withstand changes from unpredictable and more extreme weather events and 

a warming planet. 

| 23

Figure 7. Benefits and Components of Residential Building and Transportation Electrification 29 

29 

Based on an image from Edison International. See https://www.edison.com/home/innovation/building-electrification.html. 

| 24

Mitigating Challenges 

The individual and community benefits of electrification are promising and worthy 

of pursuit. Longmont has a better chance of experiencing these benefits if the City and 

community consider and mitigate for real and potential challenges and market barriers 

from the outset. 

Four common local 30 and national 31 challenges are described here along with high-level 

mitigation concepts that have been incorporated into Plan strategies. 

ECONOMIC 

SOCIAL & 

INSTITUTIONAL 

TECHNOLOGICAL & 

INFRASTRUCTURE 

POLICY & 

REGULATORY 

ECONOMIC: Adapt the Economics 

Many of the economic challenges to building electrification reflect 2022 technology costs 

and, based on historic patterns, are likely to change dramatically over the next 5 to 7 years. 

Supply chain impacts. As the economics shake out beyond the immediate supply chain constraints, 

all-electric new construction will become more cost effective from the outset, eliminating the need 

to go back and retrofit with electric equipment later. However, the greatest impacts of beneficial 

building electrification are in existing buildings, which bring a host of challenges before the benefits 

can play out. 

Higher capital investment. ASHP installation prices are generally greater than standard gas furnace 

prices, and these prices increase significantly when panel and circuitry upgrades, ductwork changes, 

and additional building efficiency improvements also are required. Furthermore, when seeking 

financing to help cover or offset the initial investment, some people may have difficulty accessing 

credit, especially in emergency replacement scenarios. Higher costs are outright prohibitive for 

lower-income residents and small businesses. Developing equipment incentives and incentives for 

upgrading envelope and service capacity can help alleviate these high first costs. 

30 

Colorado Energy Office, Beneficial Electrification Market Barriers and Policy Recommendations, 2020. 

31 

Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP), 2017, Northeast Regional Assessment of Strategic Electrification. 

| 25

Higher operating costs. Higher operating costs will result when gas prices are lower than electricity 

prices, though a shift in the ratio of these prices may occur within the next few years. Higher 

operating costs increase the energy burden for everyone, which can be particularly harmful for those 

who already struggle to afford their utility bills. Partial displacement, or dual fuel systems that use 

electricity to heat spaces down to a certain temperature threshold and then switch over to gas below 

that threshold, may help minimize some of the early operating cost impacts. Other proven tactics 

for lowering operating costs are weatherizing building envelopes and improving overall building 

efficiency. 

Renter displacement. As property owners upgrade homes and buildings with more efficient and 

reliable space and water heating appliances, they are likely to recoup those upgrade costs and/or 

see an opportunity to leverage a higher quality asset by increasing the rent. Increased rent could lead 

to displacement of current tenants and fewer affordable options in the community. Some impacts 

should be offset by linking incentives and subsidies to landlord rent commitments, requiring them to 

maintain rent prices for a set period of time. 

Higher grid infrastructure costs. As customers add electric load to their properties from building 

electrification and EV charging, LPC will need to analyze the maximum electric load that it can 

accommodate with existing equipment and determine cost-effective approaches for improvements. 

SOCIAL: Increase Awareness 

Understanding what building electrification is, why it is important, how to do it effectively, 

and what resources are available will help dispel misinformation and address general lack 

of awareness about heat pump and other technologies. 

Lack of awareness among consumers. Heat pumps are not common in Colorado’s climate: to date, 

70 percent of Colorado homes use gas as their primary heating source 32 and when faced with an 

emergency replacement, consumers tend to replace with like-for-like (familiar) equipment. Lack of 

familiarity with proper heat pump operations (different from common practices with gas furnaces) 

combined with memories of poor ASHP performance from years ago have contributed to the myth 

that ASHP are not suitable for Colorado’s climate. Reluctance extends to cooking, where gas cooking 

is preferred by many residents and the restaurant industry, while electric induction technology is more 

expensive and not widely available or understood. Creating fact-based information and easy to 

understand, culturally appropriate education to help consumers make the best choices about their 

appliances and building systems before they are in an emergency replacement situation will enable 

better outcomes. 

32 

US Energy Information Administration, Colorado State Profile and Energy Estimates, 2022. 

| 26

Reluctance and lack of awareness among residential 

retrofit contractors. As with consumers, some residential 

retrofit heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) 

contractors are less familiar with ASHP technology and 

subscribe to the myth that ASHP have poor heating 

performance when it is cold or are reluctant to promote 

equipment that is more expensive and operationally 

different from gas heating equipment. Consumers heavily 

rely on contractors for advice when installing home and 

building appliances, especially when something is new, and 

contractor support and promotion can greatly influence 

the market adoption of new technologies. Engaging with 

contractors and arming them with reliable information and 

resources will support their businesses and encourage higher 

electrification adoption. 

“Some contractors 

talk customers out of 

installing heat pumps.” 

- FEASIBILITY COMMITTEE 

MEMBER’S FEEDBACK ON 

ELECTRIFICATION CHALLENGES. 

Few training opportunities for contractors. Training and education opportunities exist for 

contractors but are limited and, at times, not affordable. Some contractors report difficulties in 

incentivizing staff or allocating time away from busy project schedules to attend trainings. 

Creating informative, practical training supported by stipends or incentives would make training 

more palatable for contractor staff. 

TECHNOLOGY & INFRASTRUCTURE: Tackle the Technical Details 

Capacity constraints. It can be difficult to install ASHP and HPWH in some existing buildings, given 

insufficient duct capacity, space constraints, and inadequate electric service capacity (electric 

panel and secondary wiring). There are additional capacity challenges in the design of centralized 

water heating systems in existing multifamily buildings and hotels. While these limitations will not 

necessarily prevent a project from being viable, they may lead to increased costs and additional work 

to update the existing building infrastructure to support heat pumps. Each building will have its own 

set of challenges, which means there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Providing clear information about 

building types, system configurations and controls, costs and available options will enable customers 

and their contractors determine if an ASHP is the best choice for their spaces. 

Building envelope issues. Replacing gas equipment with electric equipment in older buildings 

that have an inefficient or leaky envelope often results in higher operating costs (based on current 

gas and electric prices). It is important to incorporate building envelope efficiency improvements 

along with (or ahead of) electrification measures to ensure the replacement electric equipment can 

accommodate the space heating and cooling needs efficiently. 

| 27

Operational behaviors. Shifting consumer behavior 

away from the historic practice of programming 

temperature set points to be different when they are 

at home from when they are away is not effective with 

heat pumps, which are more efficient and cost effective 

if they maintain more consistent settings. Re-educating 

consumers about the proper operation of their heat 

pump equipment will mean the difference between 

a good experience and a bad experience that could 

perpetuate the myths about heat pump performance in 

this region (examples: they don’t get warm enough, they 

aren’t responsive enough, they are too expensive when 

it’s cold outside). 

POLICY AND REGULATORY: Craft Creative Policies and Programs 

Utility incentives do not always encourage electrification. Traditional measures of cost 

effectiveness – such as the Total Resource Cost (TRC) test – used by utilities, program managers, and 

regulators evaluate programs based on cost effectiveness and do not account for the non-monetary 

benefits of electrification. As a result, utility incentives are often not high enough to encourage 

consumers to shift from gas to electric appliances. Using data from recent Apex benefit-cost 

analyses, incentives can be structured to include community benefits and the social cost of carbon, 

which more accurately reflect the benefits of beneficial building electrification, and accommodate 

higher value incentives as a result. 

Lack of coordination among existing programs. Weatherization and energy efficiency programs 

often are not coupled with electrification programs, nor is there much alignment between programs 

that focus on health/safety, efficiency, and energy. Some Federal efficiency programs (incomequalified 

programs, such as Weatherization Assistance Program or the Low-income Home Energy 

Assistance Program, or LIHEAP) require that consumers install the most efficient appliance that 

funding allows, and because heat pumps are more expensive, they may not be entirely covered by 

program funds. 

| 28

ADVANCE EQUITY 

Because equity and housing affordability are community priorities in Longmont, advancing 

equity is a consideration in each Plan strategy. 

Across the United States, discriminatory housing and zoning policies targeting people of 

color have prevented homeownership and affected neighborhood investment. The effects 

from these historical policies persist today, and pervasive inequities result in many frontline 

community members being more likely to live in older homes, be renters, and have less 

access to tree canopies that provide shading. 33 

“For a 15 percent reduction 

in residential gas customers, 

the researchers calculate bill 

increases of roughly $30 per 

year for remaining customers, 

but for a 90 percent reduction 

in customers, bill increases 

are calculated to be around 

$1,500 per year.” 

- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN 

With warming temperatures, space 

cooling is growing in demand and 

becoming a necessity to safeguard 

health and safety, particularly in 

communities that are less likely 

to have natural cooling from tree 

canopies and other green spaces. Yet 

older, rented homes are less likely to 

have air conditioning 34 and are more 

frequently equipped with older, less 

efficient, substandard appliances 

and less efficient building envelopes. 

Older appliances are more likely 

to leak methane, increasing indoor 

air pollutants and exacerbating 

respiratory illnesses that occur more 

frequently for frontline community 

members. 

33 

National Library of Medicine, The Racial/Ethical Distribution of Heat Risk-Related Land Cover in Relation to Residential Segregation, 2013 

and National Geographic, How These 1930s Maps Left Some Neighborhoods with Fewer Trees, 2021. 

34 

University of Southern California, Dornsife, The Climate Gap: Inequalities in How Climate Change Hurts Americans & How to Close the Gap, 2009. 

| 29

As buildings and homes are transitioned to electric equipment, without policies and 

programs to help overcome both cost and social barriers, those left using gas will be 

exposed to the increased costs associated with stranded assets (when the costs to maintain 

gas infrastructure remain the same but are shared among fewer people). Early adopters 

of electrification are typically more affluent and will be shielded from the cost increases 

associated with stranded assets, while those who are last to adopt electrification – especially 

those who cannot afford to make costly changes – will bear the cost burden of maintaining 

stranded assets. 

If projections prove true, in the next 5 to 10 years, those who use electricity for space 

and water heating will realize cost savings over those who rely on gas, and they will see 

increased long-term cost stability and predictability. 35 

Thoughtfully applied building electrification can advance equity if combined with 

weatherization and modernizing buildings with safe and efficient appliances, providing or 

upgrading cooling, and improving indoor air quality. Of course, making these improvements 

to existing buildings without targeted financial support, resources and protective policies 

(such as those that protect renter’s rights) will be expensive and may have unintended 

consequences, such as increased rents, increased utility bills and tenant displacement. 

35 

Calculations based on information from the US Department of Energy, 

www.energy.gov/energysaver/estimating-costs-and-efficiency-storage-demand-and-heat-pump-water-heaters 

| 30

PLAN STRATEGIES 

Selected Plan strategies are based on industry best practices, research, input from 

stakeholders and advisory committee members and consideration of the impacts of policy 

and programs on frontline communities. Advisory committee members evaluated potential 

best practices and strategies and, in conjunction with City staff, vetted them against the 

guiding priorities presented in the Plan Summary and below: 

Environmental 

Impacts: 

(Emissions, Health, 

Safety, Resilience) 

Local Economic 

Benefits 

(Workforce, Market) 

PLAN 

STRATEGIES 

Fair Distribution 

of Benefits/Burdens 

(Equity) 

Electric Grid 

Benefits/Costs 

| 31

Each strategy includes the following components: 

ORGANIZATIONAL CATEGORY: 

POLICIES 

PROGRAMS PARTNERSHIPS FINANCING 

CHALLENGES CONSIDERED: 

Key electrification challenges that this strategy will work to overcome 

ECONOMIC 

SOCIAL & 

INSTITUTIONAL 

TECHNOLOGICAL 

& INFRASTRUCTURE 

POLICY & 

REGULATORY 

WHY WE NEED IT: 

A short description of the strategy and why it is included in the action plan 

IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS: 

Considerations affecting implementation design that may improve effectiveness and increase 

community buy-in 

EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS: 

How the strategy may affect frontline community members 

ACTIONS: 

Activities or initiatives that the City can begin to develop and implement 

IDEAS: 

Potential activities or initiatives that are nascent and require more evaluation and development 

PARTNERS: 

Organizations that have overlapping interests, who are critical to the decision-making process, and 

who may be able to support or hinder the execution of the strategy 

RESOURCES: 

Financial and other resources that may be available to help support implementation 

COSTS: 

Estimated cost ranges to implement a strategy, including first costs, ongoing operational costs, 

and staff and partner time (consumer costs not included except where noted) 

LOW: Under $50,000 MEDIUM: $50,000 - $300,000 HIGH: $300,000+ 

| 32

GHG IMPACT: 

Relative reduction of GHG emissions as a result of strategy activities over time 

LOW: 10% Reduction by 2050 

TIMELINE: 

Some strategy activities can begin right away but will take time to fully 

develop and implement; some will require further evaluation 

SHORT TERM Beginning immediately with implementation by 2025 

MEDIUM TERM With implementation between 2025 and 2030 

LONG TERM May be implemented after 2030 

SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM 

The strategies are presented in order of priority, although several are already underway, 

and some will inevitably happen in parallel. Certain strategies, such as those that address 

workforce development, equity concerns and education, are foundational work that must 

happen, regardless of their prioritization, in order to support a shift from gas to electric 

equipment in buildings. 

Staff and partners will develop more detailed work plans for each strategy using tools such 

as the Beneficial Electrification Toolkit sponsored by the Environmental and Energy Study 

Institute (EESI). As the work to implement these strategies continues, new information may 

emerge that could affect the timing, funding opportunities, potential partners and other 

details of any or all of the strategies. The information contained herein is not intended to 

commit the City and community to any specific approach, but rather to provide information 

that can be used as Longmont continues toward its climate action goals. 

| 33

1. EQUITABLE HOUSING POLICY 


POLICY 


ECONOMIC 

SOCIAL & 

INSTITUTIONAL 


As homes and buildings are improved with 

electrification or energy efficiency measures, 

the cost to rent these spaces could increase. 

Anecdotal data from stakeholder engagement 

have indicated that property owners are likely to 

increase costs to recoup their investments and 

demand higher rents because the spaces 

are seen as more valuable. Increased rent can 

lead to tenant displacement, contributing to 

more housing destabilization and gentrification. 

As the City designs its programs and policies to 

support electrification in the private market, it 

will consider the downstream effects on current 

tenants and lead with equitable housing or antidisplacement 

policies. 


While these policies have yet to gain strong traction with municipalities, a number of utilities and 

program implementers integrate similar policies within their demand-side management offerings. 

Examples the City could evaluate include the following: 

• Energy Outreach Colorado’s Multifamily 

Program contract includes the following 

clauses about maintaining affordability 

once construction work is complete: “(1) 

Property Owner shall not increase the Rent 

amount as a result of the Work, except if (A) 

Property Owner’s property tax increases; 

(B) Property Owner performs improvements 

other than the Work completed on or after 

the date of this Agreement and which 

directly benefit the Tenants; or (C) Property 

Owner’s maintenance and operating expense 

increases, unless such increases result from the 

Work.” And “(3) Property Owner shall maintain 

and operate the completed Work at no cost to 

the tenant.” 

• 

Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Affordable Housing 

Eligibility site says, “the landlord or owner 

must be willing to commit to 12 years of 

affordable housing upon acceptance of 

rebates from Efficiency Nova Scotia, as per the 

Affordable Housing Agreement.” 

• 

California utilities’ (PG&E, SDG&E, SCE, 

and SoCal Gas Affordable Multifamily 

Housing (AMF) program “supports investment 

in energy-saving upgrades for residential 

properties serving lower-income Californians. 

The AMF program serves existing multifamily 

properties of five or more units where at least 

50 percent of the units are income restricted. 

Properties must have a minimum of 5 years 

remaining on the affordability covenant at 

the time of qualification.” See the Affordable 

Multifamily Energy Efficiency Financing 

Program for enforcement details. 

| 34

1. EQUITABLE HOUSING POLICY 

ACTIONS: 

• Review policies in other jurisdictions, 

identify best practices that are applicable 

in Longmont, and develop proposed policy 

language. 

• Engage stakeholders to test proposed policy 

language and gain insight on impacts. 

• Determine pathway for accountability/ 

enforcement. 

• Create list of policy action items and make 

appropriate changes to current City policy. 

• Collaborate with program administrators that 

provide incentives for efficiency and 

electrification to include language in program 

terms and conditions. 

PARTNERS: 

• Boulder County 

• Efficiency Works 

• Energy Outreach Colorado 

FINANCIAL RESOURCES: 

• City operating budget 

COST: 

GHG EMISSIONS IMPACT: 

None 

TIMELINE: 

SHORT TERM 

Begin immediately (2023) to identify and/ 

or develop appropriate language, terms, 

and conditions. 

| 35

2. ELECTRIC GRID EVALUATION, SMART GRID 

MANAGEMENT, CITY DEMONSTRATIONS 


PROGRAMS 


ECONOMIC 

TECHNOLOGICAL 

& INFRASTRUCTURE 


Building and transportation electrification will 

increase LPC’s electric load over time while its 

energy supply from Platte River Power Authority 

becomes more renewable. The City currently is 

collaborating with Platte River and the other 

owner communities (Estes Park, Fort Collins 

and Loveland) to understand potential impacts 

to both electric generation/transmission and 

distribution systems and operations related 

to increased electric demand and integrating 

distributed energy resources. 

Understanding how this increased load and 

integration of distributed energy resources may 

affect grid capacity and energy delivery, as 

well as what opportunities are available when 

integrating customer-owned and utility-operated 

batteries, EV chargers, smart appliances and 

solar generation, is paramount to safely and 

reliably delivering electricity, especially at times 

of peak electric demand in the community. 


• Electric use and consumption data from 

Longmont’s AMI is not yet available but is 

necessary to better understand current and 

projected load levels and patterns. 

• Staff time for engineering, design, equipment 

procurement, and construction related to 

new development and construction often 

take precedence over ongoing and 

preemptive replacement of existing 

infrastructure, especially when that 

infrastructure has historically been reliable. 

• Evaluation of, and upgrades to, existing 

electric distribution grid infrastructure are 

both expensive and time consuming and can 

be disruptive to existing customers. 

• Increases to electric load from beneficial 

electrification of buildings and transportation 

are projections based on adoption curves 

that are nascent, without the benefit of 

directly applicable analogs. 

• Effective modeling should include both 

demand response and energy efficiency 

to optimize outcomes and determine how 

increased demand may affect generation 

(both local and remote) and distribution 

requirements. 

• Because LPC’s electric grid has been built 

over time, challenges exist in older parts 

of the community that, without creative 

planning and tools, may require different 

and potentially more invasive or costly 

upgrades before widespread electrification 

is possible. 

| 36




• The City and LPC must plan and budget 

for investments in electric grid infrastructure 

and tools for managing a less predictable 

(dispatchable) energy supply, while honoring 

LPC’s commitment to reliability, safety and 

cost-effectiveness for customers. Increased 

costs for electricity need to be balanced with 

solutions aimed at limiting the cost burden for 

those who can least afford it. 

• Demand response activities require smart 

technologies that present knowledge 

or access barriers for some residents and small 

businesses, and even opposition over privacy 

concerns. 

• Customers typically bear the expense of 

improvements between LPC’s grid and their 

homes or businesses if they choose to 

add more electric load. 

• Building owners may not be willing to take on 

the expense of added electric load when the 

building occupants are renters, especially if 

they are prohibited from recouping their 

capital costs in increased rent prices. 

ACTIONS: 

• Continue to deploy AMI over the next 2 

years, using data to inform data grid 

management strategies, local load 

projections and priorities for distribution 

grid infrastructure. 

• Support Platte River Power Authority’s 

load modeling efforts to forecast generation 

requirements and incorporate electrification 

adoption projections to determine local 

distribution management strategies. 

• Continue to participate in distributed 

energy resources strategy teams consisting of 

Longmont, Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes 

Park, and Platte River Power Authority 

staff working toward solutions that enable 

individual community and coordinated 

aggregation of customer programs and 

devices, more effective data management 

and more sophisticated utility controls (for 

load shifting and grid management). 

• Use available and forthcoming data to reevaluate 

current electric rate structures 

and to identify potential new structures 

that positively influence customer behaviors 

to assist with load management relative to 

an increasingly dynamic energy supply. 

• Continue to develop and implement 

projects at City-owned facilities. Applying the 

“Show, don’t tell” communication concept 

at a broader, organizational level is an 

effective way to build community trust in both 

the City and the general concept of building 


• Establish timelines for scaling demonstration 

programs into full offerings so that residents 

can plan to participate. 

| 37



PARTNERS: 

• City External Services 

(Facilities, Buildings, Planning) 

• Platte River Power Authority 

• Other owner communities 

• Consulting resources 


• LPC customer electric rates and electric 

community investment fees 

• LPC utility bonds 

• LPC operating budget 

• LPC capital improvement budget 

• State or federal infrastructure funding grants 

COST: 


LOW TO HIGH as electrification adoption grows 

and existing building policies go into effect 

TIMELINE: 

SHORT TERM 

Begin immediately (2023) and build out 

annually for continuous integration and 

improvement through 2030 and beyond. 

| 38

3. CONCERTED OUTREACH AND EDUCATION 


PARTNERSHIPS 


SOCIAL & 

INSTITUTIONAL 


Building electrification is an emerging GHG 

emissions reduction tactic that requires changes 

in technologies, habits and perceptions. Because 

of its relative newness, it is important for the City 

to foster an environment in which electrification 

is as convenient, feasible and accessible as 

possible. To do this, outreach, education, and 

community engagement are critical in all sectors: 

industry, homeowners, renters, building owners 

and workforce. A targeted approach is necessary 

to initiate and maintain conversations about 

what building electrification is, its impacts, and 

how to get it done at a meaningful level and in 

an equitable way. 


• Consumers are most motivated by the 

following: 

o Cost/economics 

o Indoor air quality (public health) 

o Safety 

o Climate change and resiliency 

o Equipment reliability 

o Skilled and trained workforce 

o Accessible installations: freedom to 

choose and ability to purchase 

affordable equipment 

• Talking about electrification early and often 

will dispel myths, create familiarity, and 

provide a forum for questions. 

• Communications should be culturally relevant 

and appropriate. 

• Challenges, especially economic ones, are real 

and require transparency and honesty. 

• There are a number of audiences in the 

community with different concerns and 

priorities; messaging and messengers should 

fit the target audience for greatest impact. 

See the City’s Communication Strategy in Appendix B for more information. 

| 39



• Motivations vary by community groups and 

populations: 

o Better indoor air quality and safety 

o Connection with weatherization - 

a foundational and welcome topic of 

conversation 

o Connection with long-term planning and 

the future 

o Concerns about utility cost variability 

o Higher efficiency at a lower cost 

• The economic impacts (first cost and ongoing 

operational costs) of building electrification 

will be felt most by those that can least afford 

to make the changes. 

• The health and safety benefits, including 

cooling, of building electrification for 

frontline community members may be the 

most apparent and meaningful. 

• It is critical to be transparent about what 

people can expect through the transition 

process and what will happen after the 

equipment is installed. 

• Because many frontline community 

members do not have space cooling in 

their homes, highlighting the benefits of 

ASHP cooling (and heating) will be appealing; 

coupling this with information about 

efficiency to offset added electric costs 

will be important to set expectations. Climate 

risk and vulnerability mapping will inform 

target communities. 

• Using electric equipment and installing ASHP 

cooling are beneficial in eliminating indoor air 

pollutants and mitigating outdoor pollutants 

that may come from wildlife smoke. This 

messaging works particularly well for families 

with young children. 

• Some people are willing to pay more upfront 

for an ASHP if the long-term costs are less. 

ACTIONS: 

• Familiarize the community with the 

term building electrification, its options, 

and its impacts and develop sub-campaigns 

by target technology and/or audience 

highlighting the choices and benefits. 

• Begin working on strategies identified 

earlier and use the tactics outlined in the 

Communications Strategy as appropriate 

to identify and target audiences with helpful 

information, and partner with appropriate 

cultural brokers and networks to encourage 

adoption. 

• Partner with existing programs and entities 

with relationships in the community to do the 

following: 

o Provide electrification 101 education 

(see details in the Communications 

Strategy in Appendix B. 

o Build trust within the community. 

o Create accessible informational 

materials, including resources 

consumers can use to develop a plan 

for replacement before an emergency 

(checklist and/or decision tree outlining 

efficiency steps, types of equipment and 

best applications, potential costs, and 

available financial resources). 

o Leverage existing communication 

channels. 

| 40


PARTNERS: 

• Existing programs and community-based 

organizations 

• Longmont boards and commissions 

• Longmont ECAT 

• Longmont’s City Assistance and Rebate System 

(CAReS) program 

• Front Range Community College 

• St. Vrain Valley School District 

• BELCO - Love Electric 



• Colorado Energy Office 

• Efficiency Colorado 


• City and partner operating budgets 

COST: 


TIMELINE: 

SHORT TERM 

Begin immediately in 2023 with 

ongoing content, collaboration, and 

results through 2030. 

| 41

4. EXISTING PROGRAM COLLABORATION 


PARTNERSHIPS 


SOCIAL & 

INSTITUTIONAL 

POLICY & 

REGULATORY 

ECONOMIC 


While improved building codes continue 

to increase the efficiency of new buildings, 

retrofitting older, less efficient buildings with 

electric equipment has the very real potential 

to increase operating costs as well as electric 

demand on the grid. Fortunately, several 

organizations currently serve Longmont residents 

and businesses with energy efficiency advising 

and rebates, including Efficiency Works, LPC’s 

efficiency rebate administrator through Platte 

River Power Authority. These organizations 

have the programs and processes in place to 

incorporate electrification information/education 

for customers, incentivize the desired equipment, 

and provide training and engagement for 

contractors. 

Partnerships with these organizations have 

several benefits: 

• Expanded community education and 

outreach efforts around electrification 

• Incorporation of electrification technologies in 

midstream and direct-to-customer channels 

• Energy efficiency and electrification project 

bundling 

• Program tracking that provides data and 

analytics for tracking progress 

• Leveraged resources, including staff time 

• Eliminated administrative burden that would 

otherwise fall to the City 

Additional partnerships between the City, 

affordable housing and energy efficiency 

administrators has the potential to further public 

health, housing affordability and progress toward 

climate goals. 


• Envelope improvements to existing buildings 

will be key to successful projects, consumer 

experiences, and widespread adoption. Proper 

building envelope efficiency will improve 

the operational economics of heat pump 

equipment that might otherwise prove to 

be prohibitive for many consumers given 

current gas and electric rates (gas being more 

economical than electric). 

• Funding for energy efficiency program 

administrators may be subject to political 

volatility. 

• Program administrators must have time and 

resources to develop new offerings, education 

materials and processes to accommodate 


• Program administrators measure success 

using traditional cost-effectiveness metrics. 

New metrics tied to non-energy benefits, 

including emissions reductions (carbon), will 

be needed to accurately evaluate the benefits 

of electrification measures since they will not 

reduce electric consumption. 

| 42

4. EXISTING PROGRAM COLLABORATION 


• Ratepayers finance utility incentives, so 

increased incentives will affect utility rates, 

which will add to the energy burden for 

many who cannot afford the increase. 

Ensuring awareness of and access to 

incentives and other income-qualified 

programs will be necessary to spread benefits 

among all ratepayers. 

• Unless additional supplements are offered 

for low- and moderate-income customers 

and effective actions are taken to create 

greater awareness and accessibility, energy 

efficiency programs tend to benefit early 

technology adopters - those who have 

the resources to pay the upfront costs 

before reimbursement and the inclination 

to navigate often complicated program 

processes. 

• Program guidelines should incorporate 

equitable housing policy language. 

ACTIONS: 

• Engage with Efficiency Works and Boulder 

County program staff to develop shared 

and consistent information and resources 

about building electrification, including 

the importance of efficiency first, as well 

as options and best applications of specific 

technologies. 

• Integrate additional building electrification 

options within Efficiency Works, Boulder 

County’s efficiency offerings, and the City’s 

CAReS Program. 

• Bundle efficiency and electrification incentives 

for best results. 

PARTNERS: 



• Contractors 


• Existing City programs, such as Longmont 

CAReS, SOLL, the Sustainable Business 

Program and the Housing Rehabilitation 

Program 


• Efficiency Works budget and supplemental 

funds from LPC 

• Boulder County Sustainability Tax funds 

• Energy Outreach Colorado (multifamily 

Weatherization Assistance Program) 

• Energy Resource Center (single family 


• Other program operating budgets 

COST: 

TIMELINE: 


SHORT TERM 

Begin immediately with program administrators 

in 2022 to have programs coming online in 

2023, 2024, and 2025. 

| 43

5. WORKFORCE OUTREACH AND DEVELOPMENT 


PARTNERSHIPS 


SOCIAL & 

INSTITUTIONAL 

ECONOMIC 


Contractor endorsement is one of the most 

effective ways to advance electrification - when 

purchasing and installing new equipment, home 

and building owners seek and trust contractor 

advice above almost anyone else. 36 If the City 

wants to drive implementation, especially in 

residential buildings, contractors who are aware, 

willing, skilled and have good supply channels will 

be key. 

The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 

HVAC jobs will increase 5 percent by 2030 

based on 2022 data; it should be noted that 

2019 projections (i.e., those made prior to the 

COVID-19 pandemic) showed a 13 percent 

increase in HVAC jobs by 2028, indicating that 

the economic slowdown since the pandemic may 

affect this industry. 37 Colorado is one of the states 

with the largest increases in demand for HVAC 

workers, second only to Utah. With thoughtful 

design, the City can leverage this growing 

industry to advance electrification. 

Workforce and market readiness are 

complementary - both are needed and must 

grow in parallel for a successful transition away 

from gas in buildings. With a supportive and 

engaged workforce, home and building owners 

will have greater access to the resources to install 

new equipment. And, as the City implements the 

other electrification strategies included in this 

action plan, the demand for services will grow. 


• Messaging must be clear. Contractors 

need to trust in long-term opportunities 

for electrification careers, particularly highroad 

construction careers 38 (HRCC). Previous 

experiences with renewable energy did not 

always lead to HRCC and may have created 

distrust among the incumbent workforce. 

• A large part of the workforce is retiring and 

encouraging new workers to see the trades 

as a stable and rewarding career path is 

critical (see the City’s Communication Plan 

for applicable outreach strategies). 

• The City does not have any active labor 

unions, so reaching contractors may be 

piecemeal. 

• Hands-on training and applied skills are 

more beneficial (to workers and their potential 

employers) than theoretical training in the 

classroom, so identifying and developing 

opportunities for on-the-job training is critical. 

36 

Based on anecdotal feedback during stakeholder engagement sessions. 

37 

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 

www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm 

38 

High road construction careers (HRCC) are careers that invest in human capital with competitive wages, opportunities to build generational wealth, 

and competitive benefits and training opportunities. 

| 44

“That’s the biggest thing on our end is training new guys to install them 

[new equipment such as ASHP] properly…make sure that the education is 

there, make sure that they know what they’re doing...callbacks kill us.” 

– Contractor from Apex Analytics’s contractor engagement 


• Workers in the clean energy sector 

are more likely to be white men, while people 

of color (POC) and women are less likely 

to hold management, director and 

president-level positions than White workers. 39 

Regional partnerships with schools, trade 

organizations, and workforce development 

organizations should identify pathways 

to management and leadership for POC 

and women. 

• POC and women are more likely to consider 

HVAC contractor positions if they can visualize 

themselves in the role. 

• Employment opportunities in this field 

provide new opportunities for currently 

un/underemployed or lower skilled 

workers to gain advancement into higherpaying 

jobs. To fully realize the equity 

potential of this market, workforce 

development programs will need to be done in 

partnership with support services that help get 

and keep people into these career tracks while 

they may be dealing with other barriers (e.g., 

citizenship status, disability, childcare, etc.) 

and structural inequities. 

ACTIONS: 

• Initiate discussions with regional partners 

and training and workforce organizations 

to inventory existing training options, 

identify gaps and recommend enhancements, 

including more hands-on and applied training 

(paid, if possible), and outreach to women and 

POC. This could eventually evolve into 

a regional training hub, depending on level of 

partnership and collaboration. 

• Working with Efficiency Works, Boulder 

County, and Xcel Energy, consolidate 

existing lists of participating service providers 

into a single regional resource that has clearly 

stated and confirmed eligibility requirements 

and expectations, training opportunities 

and requirements and portable credentials 

that trained technicians can take with them 

to other companies. Demonstrate benefits of 

being a preferred provider for companies and 

of the portable credentials that individual 

staff/technicians can take with them. 

• Engage the City’s procurement department to 

create and adopt a “first source” policy, where 

recent apprentices can assist or work on Cityled 

electrification projects. 

• Engage with City procurement staff 

to incorporate elements of HRCC in requests 

for proposals or bids for City-funded 

electrification projects. Elements may 

include hiring within a certain distance of City 

limits and requiring that employers provide 

their staff a wage above the state’s minimum, 

benefits, training, etc. 

• Engage Front Range Community College, 

Boulder County and others to encourage trade 

associations, builders and clean energy sector 

partners to attend career fairs and 

demonstrate the benefits of their business 

relative to earning potential, investment 

needed for training, career pathways and how 

this investment and outcomes compare to 

those achieved with a 4-year degree. 

39 

For more information see, “High-Road Workforce Guide for City Climate Action.” 

| 45

5. WORKFORCE OUTREACH AND DEVELOPMENT 

IDEAS: 

• Collaborate with training organizations 

to advance women- and minority-owned 

business enterprise (WMBE) opportunities on 

electrification projects. 

PARTNERS: 

• Front Range Community College 

• St. Vrain Valley School District 

• Contractors’ associations 

• Energy Efficiency Business Coalition 



• Xcel Energy 

• RMI Electrify Cohort communities 


• Program administrator outreach budgets 

• City operating budget 

• Federal or state workforce resources, 

including grants 

COST: 


TIMELINE: 


Begin partner conversations in 2023 

with processes in place by 2030. 

| 46

6. PHASED BUILDING CODES AND AMENDMENTS 


POLICY 


SOCIAL & 

INSTITUTIONAL 

POLICY & 

REGULATORY 


Longmont continues to see steady growth and 

new development, and building codes are a 

universally accepted approach to requiring and 

enforcing consistent measures of performance 

for new residential, mixed-use, and commercial 

construction. High-performance building codes 

level the playing field, ensure any new buildings 

are more efficient and demonstrate designs 

and technologies that improve communities. 

A new building code version is released every 3 

years, and each code version improves upon the 

efficiency of the previous version. In addition, 

jurisdictions can augment their building code 

with amendments for increased building 

performance, including those that affect 

equipment in existing buildings. 

In late 2021, Longmont City Council approved 

adoption of the 2021 International Energy 

Conservation Code (IECC) with amendments 

requiring new homes to be EV and solar ready. 

The City also is collaborating with seven other 

regional communities in considering electricpreferred 

amendments requiring all new 

construction be pre-wired, have available panel 

capacity for potential future electric systems, and 

that gas systems must meet stringent energy 

efficiency standards. 


• Several studies suggest that buildings subject 

to the IECC 2021 with electric-preferred, 

or more aggressive amendments, can 

be built with cost parity or could result in 

a slight increase in cost. 40 These studies 

were completed before the current supply 

chain constraints, and the City should continue 

to evaluate potential cost impacts related to 

amendments. 

• Higher performing buildings generally have 

lower utility/operating costs over time. 

• Education and engagement are necessary 

with any change to building code; however, 

some changes may have more significant 

impacts on the development community 

than others. 

40 

2020; New Buildings Institute, Cost Study of the Building Decarbonization Code, 2022. 

| 47



• Successful all-electric affordable housing 

developments offer valuable lessons and 

insights for how to build all-electric well and 

economically (for example, St. Vrain Valley 

Habitat for Humanity is building all-electric 

homes in Longmont). 

• Requirements for electrifying replacement 

equipment at end of life will be expensive 

in many homes and businesses and should 

be paired with envelop improvements to offset 

potential increases in operating costs. 

• Increased costs or the ability for housing 

developers to charge a premium for 

sustainability features could drive up 

home purchase and rental prices, 

exacerbating concerns of housing affordability. 

ACTIONS: 

• Conduct study looking at life-cycle and lost 

opportunity costs that includes comparisons 

between buildings built to standard code 

versus electric preferred and/or all electric 

requirements. 

• Continue to adopt each new edition of the 

IECC as it is issued. 

• Follow Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)- 

sponsored Regional Code Cohort 

recommendations for adopting electrification 

amendments, starting with electric-preferred 

(next phases are not yet determined). 

• Adopt electric-preferred amendments in 2023 

for implementation starting in 2024. 

• Tentatively adopt all-electric amendments 

in the 2027 code cycle for implementation 

starting in 2028. 

• Consider adopting existing building 

equipment replacement requirements by 

2030 for air conditioning, gas space heating, 

and gas water heating upon failure (gas to 

electric). 

| 48


PARTNERS: 

• City Planning and Development 

Services Department 

• Developers and builders 

• City Council 

• Longmont Housing Authority 


• DOLA Regional Code Cohort 


• City Planning and Development 

Services Department operating budget 

• City Sustainability budget 

COST: 


(Includes customer costs.) 

LOW TO HIGH as codes are improved 

and begin to influence new construction 

as well as existing buildings 

TIMELINE: 

SHORT - 

Begin in 2023 and continue with 

each successive version of IECC. 

LONG 

| 49

7. AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS 


PARTNERSHIPS 


SOCIAL & 

INSTITUTIONAL 

POLICY & 

REGULATORY 


Leveraging partnerships with affordable 

housing organizations can help ensure 

building electrification is implemented with a 

people-centered focus and that electrification 

technologies are deployed for frontline 

community members and populations beyond 

early adopters. 

Extensive applications and income-qualification 

processes can hinder engagement with incomequalified 

residents and businesses. Affordable 

housing organizations already have processes 

in place, their own properties, lists of properties 

and/or residents that they work with and most 

importantly, the trust of these residents. Distrust 

between frontline community members and local 

governments can deter residents from engaging 

in City-sponsored efforts and from taking 

advantage of City-provided incentives. 

Many affordable housing organizations already 

focus on weatherization services. Expanding 

their purview to address additional health and 

safety concerns — frontline communities have 

a greater risk of asthma and other respiratory 

illnesses — will provide greater value to the 

residents they serve. Electrification improves 

indoor air quality, which alleviates respiratory 

illness and improves safety. Electrification also 

can be a means of installing cooling, which is 

becoming more important for public health as 

temperatures continue to increase. From a public 

health and climate perspective, electrification is 

a win-win. 


• Expansion of electrification efforts may 

place financial strain on affordable housing 

organizations. 

• Not all affordable housing properties are 

good early fits for electrification, depending 

on their mechanical infrastructure and layout. 


• New all-electric affordable housing 

projects could have upfront and 

operational cost benefits. Recent projects 

implemented in Basalt, Telluride and Gunnison 

and El Paso Counties showed that all-electric 

affordable units resulted in lower utility costs 

than if those units had been connected to gas. 41 

• All-electric retrofits for existing homes and 

apartments could result in increased upfront 

costs and additional energy cost burden, 

especially if not done in conjunction with 

energy efficiency measures. 

• Electrification messaging must be culturally 

relevant and targeted to communicate the 

benefits to affected community members. 

See the City’s Communication Strategy in 

Appendix B. 

41 

Holy Cross, Basalt Vista Affordable Housing Project; The Colorado Sun, This is the first net-zero affordable housing project in Colorado’s high country. 

It certainly won’t be the last, 2022; and Habitat for Humanity of the Gunnison Valley, HHGV is in the process of developing its Net Positive Home & Solar 

Programs. 

| 50

7. AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS 

ACTIONS: 

• Implement an electrification project for one 

or more homes through the City’s housing 

rehabilitation programs. Collect the 

project data and share with other affordable 

housing organizations to provide proof of 

concept. 

• Leverage the relationship with the Longmont 

Housing Authority to identify an upcoming 

renovation project where high-efficiency 

electric equipment could be installed, along 

with efficiency improvements, and 

potentially on-site solar to improve health and 

safety and lower utility costs for residents and 

the Housing Authority. 

IDEAS: 

• Learn from local developers that are building 

all-electric affordable housing (Habitat 

for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley and 

Thistle) through direct engagement and 

partnership. 

• Work with affordable housing partners to 

encourage them to electrify housing and to 

secure additional funding for future projects. 

• To avoid excess spending, both the City 

and the organization should work with 

developers who have previously 

completed energy efficiency and 

electrification projects for advice and lessons 

learned and help manage the cost of building. 

PARTNERS: 


• City of Longmont Community Investment 

• Colorado Energy Office (Weatherization 

Assistance Program) 

• Energy Outreach Colorado (multifamily 


• Energy Resource Center (single-family 


• Thistle Communities 

• Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley 

• Longmont CAReS Program 


• City Housing Rehabilitation Program funds 

• State Weatherization Assistance Program funds 

• Grant funding for larger Longmont Housing 

Authority projects 

• Boulder County Sustainability Tax fund 

TIMELINE: 

COST: 

SHORT 

- 

MEDIUM 

Start by exploring potential projects in 2023, 

followed by identifying funding, and then applying 

funding to specific projects (2025 and beyond). 


| 51

8. NEIGHBORHOOD & TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS 


PROGRAMS 


SOCIAL & 

INSTITUTIONAL 


Building electrification is a relatively new concept 

in this region. Publicly demonstrating the benefits 

of building electrification technologies, as well as 

their functionality, will help build enthusiasm in 

the community. 

Seeing and experiencing how ASHP and HPWH 

function can help dispel myths that consumers 

have about the technology and allow contractors 

to gain exposure to the new equipment. Similarly, 

the opportunity to try induction 

cooking equipment can shift consumer thinking 

about gas cooking equipment. A recent study 

by Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) 

showed that only 21 percent of a survey sample 

had a positive impression of electric induction 

cooking; however, 91 percent had a positive 

impression after using an induction cooktop 

through a hands-on demonstration initiative. 42 


• Demonstrations should be designed for target 

audiences and should be taken to community 

members through events and neighborhood 

activities, when possible. 


• Work with community-based partners to 

design and deliver demonstrations for 

a variety of audiences, particularly frontline 

communities. 

• Ensure building electrification is 

communicated as a strategy with a peoplefirst 

approach: better indoor air quality, a tool 

for resilience, a way to reduce costs, etc. 

42 

SMUD, Induction: SMUD’s Cooking Now, 2019. 

| 52

8. NEIGHBORHOOD & TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS 

ACTIONS: 

• Build a demonstration kitchen showcasing 

all-electric, high-efficiency appliances, 

including induction cooking. 

• Make portable induction cooktop hubs 

available for check-out and demonstrate 

the technology at public and neighborhood 

events. 

• Design and implement an equity-first 

demonstration project at a local mobile 

home park or neighborhood identified through 

the Climate Risk and Vulnerability mapping 

work that bundles efficiency, weatherization 

and electrification (including added air 

conditioning). 

IDEAS: 

• Collaborate with a technology organization 

and local affordable housing property 

owner to explore the potential efficacy and 

economics of a central shared geothermal 

heating/cooling system that serves multiple 

units for greater cost effectiveness. 

PARTNERS: 





• Longmont CAReS program 

• BELCO 


• Grants 

• Equipment incentives 

• Colorado Energy Office Weatherization 

Assistance Program funding 

• Boulder County Sustainability Tax 

COST: 

TIMELINE: 



Start immediately in 2023 with small-scale 

demonstrations; work to identify neighborhoods, 

partners, and funding for larger demonstrations 

over time (2025-2030). 

| 53

9. CITY-LED INCENTIVES 


FINANCING 


ECONOMIC 

POLICY & 

REGULATORY 

SOCIAL & 

INSTITUTIONAL 


Today, electrification technologies are more 

expensive to purchase and install than their 

gas counterparts and may be more expensive 

to operate. While equipment costs are more 

predictable, labor costs will vary as a function 

of contractor familiarity with and enthusiasm 

for installing and maintaining ASHP and HPWH. 

Installation costs will also vary widely depending 

on building age, existing system types, panel 

capacities, ductwork, and space for mechanical 

equipment. The combined upfront expense of 

higher equipment and installation costs and 

potentially higher operating costs is considerable. 

A City-run incentive program, especially one with 

levels that target both market-rate and incomequalified 

populations may encourage higher 

levels of adoption. 

Opportunities for incentive layering or stacking, 

where incentives from Efficiency Works, Boulder 

County or CAReS can be combined for a single 

project will continue. Any new City incentives also 

should be stackable to help reduce upfront costs. 

| 54



• Electrifying existing buildings through 

end-of-life equipment replacements is 

more difficult than constructing all electric 

new buildings. When an existing space 

or water heating system has reached 

the end of its useful life, new dual-fuel 

or all electric space and water heating 

systems can be installed rather 

than like-for-like systems, but proper 

consideration must be given to any 

necessary infrastructure upgrades. These 

could include increasing panel size 

and electric service, improving 

ductwork for greater airflow, and even 

upgrading distribution infrastructure to 

accommodate more demand on older and 

smaller capacity transformers. 

• Added incentives for infrastructure 

improvements (panel upgrades, etc.) will 

benefit the contractor market (electricians, 

plumbers, general handy workers), but 

will require broader education about 

electrification, as well as coordination and 

incentive review, depending on the nature 

of projects. 

• Incentives will help offset the increased 

upfront cost, but they will not account for any 

potential increase in operating costs. 

• Many incentive programs require customers 

to pay the full cost upfront and then submit 

an application to be reimbursed. An incentive 

program designed to pay direct to contractors 

would eliminate some of the upfront cost 

burden to the customer, but only if contractors 

are required to show they passed along the 

incentive savings to their customer. 

• Contractors are often the most effective 

on-the-ground sales people of emerging 

technologies. Targeting HVAC contractors 

active in Longmont with accurate information 

about technologies and details on all 

available incentives will be key to driving 

community adoption. 

• Assuming that upfront costs for ASHP and 

HPWH are higher today than in future years 

and that the typical product adoption curve 44 

applies—where the initial round of adopters 

is voluntary and motivated by financial 

incentives—the first round of incentives should 

be highest. Incentives should then gradually 

decrease over time as the cost differential 

between technologies narrows or there is 

cost parity. 

• According to Group14’s building stock analysis, 

approximately 35 percent of Longmont homes 

do not have air conditioning. Access to cooling 

provides important public health benefits, 

particularly to vulnerable populations, such as 

the elderly and children, those with respiratory 

illness and those with compromised immune 

systems. 

44 

Wikipedia, The Technology Adoption Life Cycle, 2022. 

| 55


Figure 8. Illustration of Customized Solutions for Different Community Groups 


• Unless most or all the costs of retrofit projects 

are incentivized, many community members 

will not be able to afford the upfront cost of 

equipment and/or infrastructure upgrades. 

• In order to address equity concerns, it may 

be necessary to allow income-qualified 

incentives to remain at a higher level as others 

taper off. 

• While potentially benefitting from equipment 

and installation incentives, low- to mediumincome 

community members cannot afford 

increased operating costs or utility rate 

increases, and they cannot cover the cost of 

equipment while waiting to be reimbursed 

from a rebate. Increased operating costs could 

come from full or even partial electrification 

if the ratio of gas to electric prices remains 

as it is today. Pairing or requiring energy 

efficiency measures along with electrification 

is important to help mitigate increased 

operating costs. 

• Possible funding sources for incentives include 

increased utility rates and/or a climate tax, 

both of which will disproportionately affect 

Longmont’s low-income populations unless 

rates are structured such that incomequalified 

customers get assistance or are 

charged at a lower rate (i.e., a sliding income 

scale rate). 

• Income qualification processes (verification, 

tracking) can be burdensome for both 

program administrators and participants. 

Simplified and streamlined methods — for 

example qualifying whole neighborhoods 

where most households are low-income— 

could alleviate those burdens 

• Principles of targeted universalism should 

be applied — those who make less receive 

higher incentives amounts so that all 

community members may achieve the same 

goal of electrifying space and water heating 

(see Figure 8). Market rate customers should 

still pay for a portion of the equipment and 

installation costs, but to the greatest degree 

possible, income-based incentives should 

cover close to 100 percent of the equipment 

and installation costs for those that earn 

the least. 

| 56


ACTIONS: 

• Raise awareness about recently passed 

Colorado legislation aimed at encouraging 

energy efficiency and electrification and 

promote benefits to residents and businesses. 

Senate Bill 22-051: Policies to Reduce 

Emissions from Built Environment (tax 

incentives to advance adoption of heat pump 

technologies) and House Bill 21-1303: 

Warming Potential for Public Project Materials. 

• Monitor the progress of Federal legislation, 

especially components of the Biden 

administration’s Build Back Better plan that 

could pass individually and could include 

Hope for Homes, a measure to provide rebates 

for energy-efficient products and training for 

those in the energy-efficiency workforce. 

• Evaluate the economics and benefits of a 

“quality of life” or “public health” incentive 

that focuses on providing cooling for residents 

to mitigate some of the health effects from 

high summer temperatures and more frequent 

fire season smoke. 

• Research a potential stand-alone City tax 

incentive that rewards commercial building 

owners and tenants that install electrification 

measures (incentive levels based on value of 

investment, potential impacts, etc.). 

• Evaluate potential incentives for contractors 

that support Longmont’s existing CAReS 

program to leverage existing incomequalification 

processes. 

• During the next utility rate study, consider 

different approaches for funding incentives 

through rates that take into account 

differences in income, building size or other 

variables. 

• Consider leveraging an existing bill assistance 

program supported by other LPC customers 

(COPE) who have elected to pay extra each 

month to help cover past due payments or 

designing similar programs to help offset the 

costs of electrification projects for qualified 

customers. 

• Develop a complementary City tax incentive 

for local businesses that meet the 

requirements of the federal 179D Commercial 

Buildings Energy-Efficiency Tax Deduction 

for projects that result in reduced energy 

cost of interior lighting, HVAC, and service 

hot water systems by 50 percent or more 

compared to minimum requirements set by 

ASHRAE Standard 90.1 (modeling required). 

| 57


PARTNERS: 

• Local contractors 

• Elected officials 

• Longmont’s CAReS Program 


• Community-based organizations and 

other service providers that support 

low-income households 


• LPC rate-payers 

• City Climate Action Fund 

• Federal infrastructure bill 


• Grants 

COST: 


TIMELINE: 


Begin development in 2023, with 

implementation starting in 2024. 

| 58

10. NO- TO LOW-INTEREST FINANCING 


FINANCING 


ECONOMIC 

POLICY & 

REGULATORY 

SOCIAL & 

INSTITUTIONAL 


Some lower-interest financing options exist 

already for energy-related improvements. For 

example, the Colorado Energy Office sponsors 

a statewide residential loan program (Colorado 

Clean Energy Fund – formerly RENU) with several 

lenders offering low-interest financing (with 

no money down) for efficiency and renewable 

energy projects in Colorado. However, these 

options require an applicant to be credit worthy 

and therefore are not accessible or available 

to all. 

Accessible financing, which does not rely on 

credit worthiness, 46 is essential to ensure that 

all community members, particularly frontline 

community members, can purchase new 

equipment while managing the higher capital 

costs associated with electrification purchases. 

Readily available financing is also needed for 

emergency replacements when home and 

business owners need to install space and/or 

hot water heating equipment quickly and often 

without notice. 


• Establishing a new financing program will incur 

administrative burdens, and in the beginning, 

those burdens could be significant. 

• Not requiring a down payment or collateral 

broadens loan participation. 

• Disbursing loans at project milestones, 

rather than a single full payout, enables 

project elements to be completed and paid 

for independently, where one is not dependent 

on the completion of another. 


• Financing that considers utility bill payment 

history or employment status rather than a 

FICO score creates greater access. 

• Partnering with local lenders and integrating 

renter protections into programs can support 

community development. 

46 

Credit worthiness is frequently referenced when administering loans and is the degree of trust that a lender has in the recipient repaying debt. It is not a 

reflection of a person’s worthiness to receive a loan and may be considered an antiquated term that the City chooses to move away from. 

| 59

10. NO- TO LOW-INTEREST FINANCING 

ACTIONS: 

• Actively promote existing Colorado Clean 

Energy Fund loan partner programs to 

residents and businesses in Longmont. 

• Pursue a funding source to start and sustain 

a City-run revolving loan fund program that 

requires no down payment, offers no- to lowinterest 

and short loan terms, 

and is specifically to finance weatherization 

and electrification projects. 

• Evaluate the potential and quantify 

the resources required to provide City on-bill 

financing for energy efficiency, weatherization, 

and electrification projects. 

PARTNERS: 


• Efficiency Works advisors 

• City of Fort Collins and other municipalities 

with on-bill financing programs 

• Existing programs that work directly with 

frontline community members 


• Colorado Clean Energy Fund 


• Grants 

• RENU program 

• Federal infrastructure bill 

COST: 


LOW - MEDIUM depending on uptake 

TIMELINE: 


Begin promoting existing programs 

immediately in 2022; evaluate local 

options in 2023, and establish fund/ 

programs by 2030. 

| 60

11. BUILDING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 


POLICY 


SOCIAL & 

INSTITUTIONAL 

POLICY & 

REGULATORY 


A building performance standard (BPS) provides 

an energy baseline that buildings must achieve 

to meet a threshold of energy performance, while 

allowing the building developer and/or owner 

flexibility in how they achieve it. A BPS can also 

apply to existing buildings that must benchmark 

their energy use and make improvements to 

achieve a certain level of performance. Options 

may include a minimum energy use index (EUI) 

and/or energy targets by building type. A BPS 

may be supported by benchmarking, which is the 

transparent reporting of building performance, 

typically as an EUI metric. 

A BPS could be an option to more assertive 

buildings code amendments in the near term 

or to align with Colorado state benchmarking 

performance requirements coming in the next 

few years. 


• The Colorado Energy Office is currently 

working on a statewide BPS for buildings 

equal to or greater than 50,000 square feet. 

• In the long-term, after 5 or 10 years, new 

buildings and homes that are built today may 

need to be assessed to ensure that they are 

still complying with the latest BPS. 


• Achieving a baseline BPS may increase costs, 

which would likely be absorbed by those 

leasing or renting the spaces, creating 

hardship for some. 

| 61

11. BUILDING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 

ACTIONS: 

• Support compliance with the state’s upcoming 

BPS for buildings greater than 50,000 square 

feet, of which there are 112 buildings totaling 

11,849,427 square feet in Longmont 

(see Appendix C). 

• Collaborate with Efficiency Works to consider a 

new construction incentive for commercial 

buildings based on building performance 

modeling. 

IDEAS: 

• Consider a local BPS for buildings smaller 

than 50,000, including accountability and 

enforcement. 

• Consider a residential rating system that 

includes efficiency, emissions, or other 

standards, including accountability and 

enforcement. 

PARTNERS: 


• City Benchmarking program 


• Resident stakeholders and representatives 

• Building owners and property managers 

• Major commercial employers 



• LPC operating budget (benchmarking) 

• Colorado Energy Office programs 

• Efficiency Works programs 

COST: 


TIMELINE: 


Monitor State of Colorado process on benchmarking 

and BPS that are scheduled to be determined by 

October 2022 for commercial buildings. Determine 

how BPS interact with building code efforts for future 

alignment (following code cycle). 

| 62

12. THIRD-PARTY OWNERSHIP MODELS 


FINANCING 

PROGRAMS 


ECONOMIC 

SOCIAL & 

INSTITUTIONAL 


Beyond local efforts, market innovation is 

helping to advance electrification with new 

implementation and financing mechanisms. 

One popular model being offered through 

BlocPower, a New York-based company 

offering electric space and water heating 

primarily in the multifamily building sector, is 

a type of performance contracting where the 

third party provides building analysis, project 

recommendations, project management, 

equipment leasing and maintenance, and 

financing. Another organization called Sealed 

targets single-family homes with similar services. 

These types of approaches are catching on 

across the country and will grow in Colorado, 

especially if supported by local jurisdictions. 

The City can provide support through 

partnerships and/or outreach and education. 

This will help jumpstart the proof of performance 

concept and get electrification into consumer 

hands in a different format than what may come 

from the City and its program partners. 


• Providing support to and partnering with a 

private organization requires careful vetting. 

• A regional approach, working with other local 

jurisdictions, could attract third-party vendors 

to the area. 


• Retrofitting existing homes and multi-family 

buildings is challenging, and when the units 

are occupied by income-qualified residents, 

economic challenges are compounded. 

• Electrification offerings designed specifically 

to accommodate income-qualified residents 

are available and could inspire new equity 

models for the City to consider. 

| 63

12. THIRD-PARTY OWNERSHIP MODELS 

ACTIONS: 

• Reach out to other Front Range jurisdictions 

to gauge interest in and level of support for an 

option that includes partnership with a thirdparty 

vendor. 

• Identify organizations offering thirdparty 

models, compare benefits/costs, 

evaluate potential applicability in 

Longmont, establish criteria and priorities 

for partnerships, and assign resources to 

further development. 

PARTNERS: 


• City of Boulder 

• Louisville 

• Lafayette 

• Loveland 

• Fort Collins 


None 

COST: 


LOW - MEDIUM depending on uptake 

TIMELINE: 

MEDIUM 

Begin exploration in 2023; uncertain and 

depends on regional appetite or local initiative. 

| 64

13. BULK PURCHASES 


FINANCING 


ECONOMIC 

SOCIAL & 

INSTITUTIONAL 


Successful electrification will require innovative 

ways to overcome cost barriers. Bulk purchasing 

is one model that emphasizes community 

engagement and fosters community 

empowerment. Purchasing equipment in larger 

quantities takes advantage of economies of scale 

and allows for a lower per unit price. 


• Bulk purchasing programs must be designed 

carefully to account for other necessary 

infrastructure upgrades. 

• Education and outreach efforts must expand 

to make a community bulk purchasing 

program successful. 

• Deadlines are helpful in motivating consumers 

to purchase the equipment. 


• Extra incentives and rebates should be made 

available for income-qualified residents. 

• Messaging and communication should be 

accessible for all audiences. 

• Targeted outreach should be carried to 

frontline communities to ensure awareness 

of the opportunity. 

• Costs of bulk purchasing programs must be 

transparent. 

| 65

13. BULK PURCHASES 

IDEAS: 

• Evaluate opportunities for group-buy models 

similar to group solar purchasing programs 

(such as Solar United Neighbors in Colorado or 

the Solarize program in California). 

• Work with community-based partners, 

as appropriate, for economies of scale on 

electrification equipment and installation that 

are accessible to frontline communities. 

PARTNERS: 



• Local contractors 

• Local home equipment supply stores, 

such as The Home Depot and Lowe’s 

• BELCO 

• Existing programs and community-based 

organizations 


• Grants 



COST: 


TIMELINE: 

MEDIUM 

| 66

IMPACTS 

Potential Emissions Reductions 

Based on results using Group14’s emissions modeling tool for this planning process 

(Appendix C.), implementing voluntary and incentive strategies has the potential to 

reduce GHG emissions by about 2 percent by 2050 from the 2016 baseline. While the direct 

emissions impacts are low, the importance of voluntary strategies is critical in laying the 

early groundwork for a successful transition that includes an educated community with the 

tools and resources they need to make needed changes. 

The voluntary strategies include the following: 

Concerted Outreach And Education 

Existing Program Collaboration 

Workforce Outreach And Development 

Affordable Housing Partnership 

Demonstration Projects 

Incentives 

Financing Mechanisms 

Policy-related strategies will have a more pronounced effect on emissions. Modeling of 

several scenarios related to building codes and requirements produced the following 

estimated GHG emissions reductions from the 2016 baseline: 

• Adopting new construction electric-preferred building code amendments in 

2023 for implementation starting in 2024: 1 to 2 percent reduction 

• Adopting new construction all-electric building code amendments with the 

IECC 2027 code cycle for implementation starting in 2028: 4 to 5 percent reduction 

• Adopting existing building partial electrification for space heating and full electrification for 

water heating at equipment end-of-life with the IECC 2030 code cycle for implementation 

starting in 2031: 15 percent reduction 

• Combining electric-preferred amendments starting in 2024, all-electric amendments starting 

in 2028, existing building requirements starting in 2031, and a medium adoption level of 

voluntary strategies starting in 2023: 20 percent reduction 

City staff currently are updating the total GHG emissions modeling for the community 

with improved assumptions and more accurate data, including the estimated emissions 

reductions for the strategies in this Plan as well as from the updated Zero Waste Resolution. 

Once the modeling is updated, City staff will revise total potential GHG emissions reductions 

from all City climate mitigation efforts compared to the 2016 baseline. 

| 67

Costs 

Cost ranges for each strategy are estimated, will be more completely defined, and are 

expected to include the need for additional staff and financial allocation. The costs presented 

below specifically address cost to consumers for building code improvements associated 

with strategy 6. Phased Building Codes and Amendments. 

NEW CONSTRUCTION 

Several available studies produced in recent years consider costs for building electric-ready 

and all-electric new construction. According to the New Buildings Institute, electric-ready 

single-family homes have an incremental first cost of $1,000 to $1,800, while all-electric 

single-family homes may be cheaper to construct than baseline code homes by more than 

$7,500 47 . The Southwest Energy Project (SWEEP) produced a builder survey of costs in 2021 

that found close to cost parity in construction costs for high-efficiency, dual-fuel homes 

and all-electric homes with CCHP 48 . Lotus Engineering & Sustainability provided cost 

information as part of the regional Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Code Cohort work; 

this research indicates that electric-ready first costs are on the order of $1,000, while electricpreferred 

first costs are on the order of $1,500 for single-family new construction 49 . 

As expected, first and ongoing costs are variable depending on geography, home type and 

efficiency, utility rates (electricity and gas) and market variables (supply chain, labor, etc.). 

EXISTING BUILDING RETROFITS 

Costs are a much greater barrier in the retrofit market as recommended electric technology 

replacements are likely to result in cost increases over traditional gas equipment. See Table 

2 for estimated cost differences developed for The Energize Denver Renewable Heating and 

Cooling Plan and included in Appendix C. These estimates consider equipment costs only and 

do not include associated labor and other infrastructure upgrades, such as electric panels 

and ductwork. Cost differentials are expected to decrease over the next 5 to 7 years, making 

electrification appliances more affordable and in line with gas appliances. Local estimated 

costs for new equipment, panel upgrades and ductwork improvements range between 

$4,000 and $15,000. Weatherization and air sealing add more costs (on the order of $5,900 

per unit 50 ) that often are coupled with non-energy health and safety improvements. Data 

from the Vermont Department of Health indicate these can combine for as much as $8,500 

per home . 

47 

New Buildings Institute, Cost Study of the Building Decarbonization Code, 2022. 

48 

SWEEP, All-electric New Homes & Buildings In Colorado: A 2020-2021 Builder Survey of Costs, Technologies, and Trends, 2021. 

49 

Lotus Engineering & Sustainability, DOLA Code Cohort: Overview of Code Supporting Amendment Options for IECC 2021. 

50 

Colorado Energy Office Budget Summary, Weatherization Assistance Program 2019-2021. 

51 

Vermont Department of Health, Weatherization + Health: Health and Climate Change Co-Benefits of Home Weatherization in Vermont, 2018. 

| 68

TABLE 2: Estimated Cost Differentials Between Natural Gas and Electric Equipment 

Conventional 

System 

Partial 


System 

Difference In 

Capital Cost 

Difference In 

Utility Cost 

Gas Furnace 

Ducted Heat Pump 

with Gas Backup 

+5 - 18% 

0% 

Roof-top Unit (RTU) 

Heat Pump RTU 

with Gas Backup 

+0 - 12% 

0% 

Conventional 

System 

Full 


System 

Difference In 

Capital Cost 

Difference In 

Utility Cost 

Gas Furnace 

Ductless Mini-Split 

+15 - 30% 

0% 

Gas Furnace 

Ducted Heat Pump 

with Electric 

Resistance Backup 

+35 - 60% 

5% 

RTU 

Heat Pump RTU 

with Electric 


+50 - 72% 

-5% 

Packaged Terminal 

Air Conditioner 

(PTAC) 

PTAC With Electric 


+97% 

12% 

Boiler 

Electric Boiler 

+66% 

19% 

Individual Tank Hot 

Water Heater 

Heat Pump 

Water Heater 

+0 - 48% 

1% 

Central System 

With Tank 

Central Heat Pump 

Water Heater 

+7 - 20% 

4% 

Gas Point of Use 

Electric Point of Use 

+30 - 45% 

5% 

| 69

LPC’s Electric Grid 

Priorities for the City of Longmont and LPC include increased efficiency; 100% renewable 

electric energy by 2030; increased electrification in transportation and buildings; and an 

optimized, flexible, and resilient electric distribution grid. To these ends, LPC is strategically 

assessing existing systems and infrastructure, coordinating new and existing data sources, 

evaluating opportunities for optimization and integration, determining economic impacts of 

increased load and dynamic supply, and assessing the impacts of activities and investments 

on the utility and its ratepayers. In preparing for the increased electric load, LPC is working 

to develop systems that integrate demand response, load shifting and behind-the-meter 

solar and storage technologies and leverage the forthcoming AMI data to evaluate risk, 

identify areas for investment and incorporate additional resilience. LPC also is continually 

reviewing and evaluating current municipal code, supply agreements with Platte River 

Power Authority and the role that behind-the-meter solar and storage may play in helping 

to balance demand in the future and to mitigate the costs of expanded infrastructure to 

accommodate anticipated increased loads. 

At the generation and 

transmission level, Platte River 

has capacity for electrification 

equipment adoption over the short 

term and is planning for levels of 

adoption that could shift the utility 

from summer to winter peaking, 

assuming similar adoption 

curves for technologies, such as 

air conditioning. At the electric 

distribution system level, LPC can 

accommodate new development 

by budgeting to improve existing 

infrastructure as more electric 

equipment comes online in all 

areas of the city. 

| 70

The keys to meeting electric grid challenges include the following: 

• Leveraging new data available through the City’s AMI to more clearly delineate distribution 

grid needs, user load profiles and potential rate structures 

• Exploring impacts and opportunities from grid-interactive devices (working with third-party 

vendors, aggregators, and device owners) 

• Identifying and/or developing tools to control grid-interactive devices for optimal 

demand flexibility 

• Integrating all these disparate components into a coordinated system that is responsive 

to an increasingly dynamic supply 

Work on all these fronts is underway and will enable LPC and Platte River Power Authority 

to accommodate the increasing load while Platte River continues to add renewable 

generation to its portfolio. 

| 71

design by

7815870b3822868569528c95924c72af_Longmont_Electrification_Plan

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template ?