The path to clean and affordable energy

We can all agree that energy is critical for our quality of life, and that societies prosper where energy is accessible and affordable.

Responding to increasing needs, the US produced a record level of electricity in 2024. More than 90% of new generation added that year was from renewable energy, because it is the least expensive source of new energy generation. The cost of utility-scale solar power fell by over 88% between 2010 and 2022. The cost of batteries decreased by 80% in the last 5 years. Expect electricity generated by renewable sources to increase exponentially over the next decades for purely economic reasons.

This is really good news, because, as we are all aware, fossil fuels are the leading contributor to carbon emissions, which are driving global warming and climate change.

New Mexico cities have set reasonable goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Among several strategies is the proposal to transition from gas furnaces, water heaters, stoves, dryers, etc. to electric appliances.

An opinion piece recently published in our local papers argued that this strategy is expensive and would not reduce carbon emissions because much of our electricity is generated from natural gas. Actually, over 50% of electricity generated in New Mexico today is carbon free, and electric utilities are mandated by the State to reach 100% carbon free by 2045. For New Mexicans, this means that as people swap out their gas appliances for electric ones, they will be switching to an energy source that is increasingly carbon free, reaching 100% by 2045.

What about cost? For new construction, it is simple to build in all electric appliances, and it can actually save money in construction costs by not having to put in the gas lines. Many of the new homes constructed in the Las Cruces area today are all electric, and it seems to be a model that is working out very well for builders and new homeowners alike.

For existing homes, it can be more challenging, possibly requiring the addition of 240-volt outlets for some electric appliances. In response to concerns about electrifying homes with only 100-amp service, the experts have demonstrated that technology advances in the last few years make it possible to fully electrify without service upgrades. These advances include low-power 120-volt heat-pump water heaters, variable speed heat pumps, 120-volt heat pump dryers, and smart electrical panels that automatically flatten demand peaks by pausing nonessential loads.

It doesn’t make sense for everyone to be required to switch at once, but rather for homeowners to choose to switch when their existing equipment at the end of its useful life. Why would they do that? Ask the many New Mexicans who have already made that choice. Greater efficiency, improved comfort, indoor air quality, quieter operation, and cost savings have made electric appliances increasingly attractive compared to their gas counterparts.

A heat pump, which does both heating and cooling, is 2 to 5 times as efficient than a gas furnace. Induction cooktops are twice as efficient as gas, and provide unbeatable a temperature control. And they don’t heat up the kitchen. Heat pump water heaters use 60% less energy than gas tank and offer significant return on investment. These cost savings make electric appliances a more economical choice.

Fossil fuels were a cornerstone of our development and our quality of life in the 20th century. But today, our quality of life has deteriorated with greater climate and health risks created by burning fossil fuels. The solution is to adopt technology of the 21st century that provides us with clean, carbon free, and affordable energy.