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The BPA National Conference – How Was Nashville?

By Charley Cormany | April 29, 2022
Nashville sign

In April 2022, the Building Performance Association held its annual National Conference. For the past few years, the planners had to build a contingency for providing the content virtually due to travel restrictions and the global pandemic. This year was no exception, as travel restrictions threatened to make this yet another online event. The good news is this year, the conference was held in person for the first time since 2019.

We attended the conference in Nashville, our first in-person industry gathering, in quite some time. The following blog provides a perspective on attendance, the conference and educational sessions, and Nashville.

We attended the conference in Nashville, our first in-person industry gathering, in quite some time. The following blog provides a perspective on attendance, the conference and educational sessions, and Nashville.

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Still Think Gas Stoves Are Best for Cooking? Think Again

By Charley Cormany | March 31, 2022
Side view, close-up gas stove flame

Still Think Gas Stoves Are Best for Cooking? Think Again For years, professional chefs have touted the benefits of natural gas stovetops for cooking. Gas burns clean, burners heat up instantly, and temperature is easy to regulate. High-end kitchens have been combining gas cooktops with electric ovens for years. Lately, though, a plethora of studies…

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A Perspective on TECH Clean California Incentives

By Charley Cormany | February 24, 2022
Computer Keyboard with Apply Now key

A Perspective on TECH Clean California Incentives If you are a contractor in California, you have likely heard about the new Technology and Equipment for Clean Heating (TECH) incentive program. Funded by proceeds from gas corporations’ greenhouse gas allowances (cap and trade revenues), TECH aims to promote the adoption of near-zero-emissions space and water heating…

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Do You Really Need to Upgrade Your Service Panel to Electrify Your Home?

By Charley Cormany | January 27, 2022

Picture a common scenario you have likely encountered in home electrification retrofits…a homeowner considering the switch to an electric heat pump water heater or space heater and faced with the likelihood of an expensive panel upgrade. 

The one hundred amps capability found in most older homes generally isn’t enough power to support an all-electric home. But replacing the electric service panel can cost $3,500 to $6,000. And potential costs can skyrocket if electricity is delivered underground to the home. 

But this expensive panel upgrade may not be needed. Here are some alternatives you may not have considered…

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Is there a better way to access clean electricity than through the existing grid?

By Charley Cormany | December 23, 2021
renewable energy

Electrification continues to get traction nationwide. Many are concerned about the impacts of adding electrical devices, like electric cars, to the grid. Naysayers claim this will only lead to more blackouts and wildfires. In the short term, there might be some truth to this.
Often people fail to recognize that as we move to an electric future, the electrical distribution grid will need to change. As more renewable generation sources come online, managing loads and storage will be crucial. Perhaps it’s time to consider the structure of the distribution grid itself. Is there be a better way to distribute and share electricity?

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