Building electrification is a crucial strategy to decarbonize our society. Each presenter will describe how they went about retrofitting their home with electric heating systems and appliances, what kind of problems they had to solve (panel upgrade, finding the right contractor, etc), how much the retrofits cost, and any financing programs used.

We will also cover ways to finance the retrofit including PACE loans, utility company rebates, and other incentives. We will discuss the importance of these programs to ensure equitable access to the benefits of building electrification.

We will present the no-cost SDBEC technical assistance program for both homeowners and contractors and go through the process of filling out the request form. After the presentation, SDBEC technical assistance volunteers will be available to discuss your individual projects.

If you'd like to submit technical assistance questions ahead of time, you may do so at bit.ly/HelpMeElectrify.

Zoom link

Presenters:

Tom Abram

Tom Abram is an Energy Engineer and Project Developer with Mesa Energy Systems/EMCOR where he helps commercial and institutional customers reduce their energy costs and become more sustainable. He is on the Board of Directors for the San Diego Green Building Council and involved in the San Diego Building Electrification Coalition. Tom is also a part time lecturer at San Diego State University. He is passionate about electrification and recently converted his home to be all electric and powered by the sun. Tom's credentials include Professional Mechanical Engineer, Certified Energy Manager, LEED AP, and WELL AP. Tom holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois and an MS in Sustainable Design and Construction from Stanford University.

Tara Hammond

While studying at San Diego State University, Tara’s passion for climate advocacy was born. It led to her first job, which turned into a 9-year career with a San Diego-based clean energy firm where she held a top leadership role for several years. In February 2020, Tara and her husband Justin co-founded Hammond Climate Solutions with a mission of expediting positive change for a just, livable future. The organization focuses on climate project management, policy and advocacy. One of Tara’s favorite initiatives that Hammond Climate Solutions manages is the Solar Moonshot Program, which helps nonprofits across the country afford the switch to solar power.

Tara is a NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales Professional™ and the chair of the California Solar+Storage Association, San Diego chapter. Tara is the Vice Chair of the San Diego Community Power Community Advisory Committee, Steering Committee Member of the San Diego Green New Deal Alliance, Executive Committee Member of Surfrider San Diego, Board Member of Climate Defenders Action Fund and Board President Emeritus and Board Member of GRID Alternatives San Diego. Tara is the Manager of the San Diego Climate Hub and is involved in various coalitions that advocate for environmental and climate justice.

Wendy Mihalic

Wendy Mihalic, a La Mesa resident, will be sharing the journey of her path of electrifying her home. Now retired, Wendy is an active volunteer with SD350 and a believer in the benefits of building electrification.