A popular term today, electrification is the process of powering homes and businesses with electricity rather than fossil fuels.
Energy resilience, or the ability to provide reliable energy and ensure recovery from disruptions, is essential to the safe adoption of ever-changing technological needs and electrification. Emerging technologies — including energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and solar panels — can assist with these needs. These also help to reduce your environmental impact, reduce carbon emissions, and provide domestically produced energy.
Energy storage systems
Energy storage systems can help increase energy efficiency by storing energy from the electrical grid to be used at a later time. These devices help you to become less dependent on the energy grid. Energy storage systems combined with solar panels can generate energy, charge batteries, and sell extra power back to the electrical grid. Energy storage systems also allow you to run on battery power and use off-peak energy from the electrical grid to recharge. This can keep your essential devices powered during natural disasters or other unplanned power outages. These devices must be installed by a qualified electrician.
Electric vehicles
According to the International Energy Agency, there were 10 million electric cars on the road at the end of 2020. Electric vehicles can reduce your environmental impact, and they also cost less to operate than traditional gas-powered cars. They also require no oil changes and less frequent brake replacements. Electric utilities may offer incentives and rebates for electric vehicle charging for residential and non-residential customers, including special charging rates during off-peak hours. Before purchasing an electric vehicle, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind. First, have a qualified electrician inspect your home to ensure your electrical system can handle charging. They can also install a charging station and a dedicated circuit required for residential charging.
Smart devices
You can further improve your energy resilience through smart devices which monitor energy use and reduce energy waste. High-performance windows, doors, insulation, and air sealing provide better weatherization, ventilation, comfort, and energy efficiency. You can cut energy use with energy-efficient lighting and Energy Star appliances. Ensure your HVAC systems operate safely and efficiently with proper yearly maintenance. Installing solar water heaters and efficient water management systems can help reduce energy costs. Surge protective devices help protect your sensitive electronics against power surges and help maintain their lifespan.
As more aspects of our lives become electrified, it’s becoming increasingly important to adopt emerging technologies to adapt to today’s electrical demands. These technologies can also make your home and business safer and more energy resilient. To learn more about emerging technology or for free materials about electrical safety that you can share throughout your community, visit esfi.org.