Chicago makes it easier for some homes to ditch gas, switch to electric
In this May 2, 2004, file photo, a woman inspects a giant replica of a cooking stove, the real one is sold for 257,250 yen (US$2,330), on which iron pots and pans generate heat by electromagnetic induction on display at a promotion of latest electric appliances in the Ginza shopping district of Tokyo. The electromagnetic stove is still expensive as compared with conventional gas stoves but it is becoming popular because of safety and no exhaust. The California Energy Commission released a draft building standards code on Thursday, May 6, 2021, that would require new homes to be equipped with circuits and panels that support all-electric appliances for heating, cooking and drying clothes. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, File) Associated Press
Chicago makes it easier for some homes to ditch gas, switch to electric

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons

Chicago makes it easier for some homes to ditch gas, switch to electric

Homes and small businesses are responsible for 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.

In this May 2, 2004, file photo, a woman inspects a giant replica of a cooking stove, the real one is sold for 257,250 yen (US$2,330), on which iron pots and pans generate heat by electromagnetic induction on display at a promotion of latest electric appliances in the Ginza shopping district of Tokyo. The electromagnetic stove is still expensive as compared with conventional gas stoves but it is becoming popular because of safety and no exhaust. The California Energy Commission released a draft building standards code on Thursday, May 6, 2021, that would require new homes to be equipped with circuits and panels that support all-electric appliances for heating, cooking and drying clothes. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, File) Associated Press
By Lynnea Domienik

Cities like New York and Los Angeles have banned gas-powered stoves and heating in new construction.

Chicago is taking a different approach. A new ordinance requires new homes to be “electric ready” and be wired for electric appliances. Advocates say it’s an important step in lowering emissions, and decreasing the cost for homeowners. But how can people who can’t afford to buy a new home be part of this transition?

Reset finds out more about electrification, and checks in with an advocate to learn more about these efforts.

GUESTS: Courtney Hanson, Deputy Director People for Community Recovery

Wayne Beals, real estate broker who sells efficient homes

Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility

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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons

Chicago makes it easier for some homes to ditch gas, switch to electric
In this May 2, 2004, file photo, a woman inspects a giant replica of a cooking stove, the real one is sold for 257,250 yen (US$2,330), on which iron pots and pans generate heat by electromagnetic induction on display at a promotion of latest electric appliances in the Ginza shopping district of Tokyo. The electromagnetic stove is still expensive as compared with conventional gas stoves but it is becoming popular because of safety and no exhaust. The California Energy Commission released a draft building standards code on Thursday, May 6, 2021, that would require new homes to be equipped with circuits and panels that support all-electric appliances for heating, cooking and drying clothes. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, File) Associated Press
Chicago makes it easier for some homes to ditch gas, switch to electric

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons

Chicago makes it easier for some homes to ditch gas, switch to electric

Homes and small businesses are responsible for 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.

In this May 2, 2004, file photo, a woman inspects a giant replica of a cooking stove, the real one is sold for 257,250 yen (US$2,330), on which iron pots and pans generate heat by electromagnetic induction on display at a promotion of latest electric appliances in the Ginza shopping district of Tokyo. The electromagnetic stove is still expensive as compared with conventional gas stoves but it is becoming popular because of safety and no exhaust. The California Energy Commission released a draft building standards code on Thursday, May 6, 2021, that would require new homes to be equipped with circuits and panels that support all-electric appliances for heating, cooking and drying clothes. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, File) Associated Press
By Lynnea Domienik

Cities like New York and Los Angeles have banned gas-powered stoves and heating in new construction.

Chicago is taking a different approach. A new ordinance requires new homes to be “electric ready” and be wired for electric appliances. Advocates say it’s an important step in lowering emissions, and decreasing the cost for homeowners. But how can people who can’t afford to buy a new home be part of this transition?

Reset finds out more about electrification, and checks in with an advocate to learn more about these efforts.

GUESTS: Courtney Hanson, Deputy Director People for Community Recovery

Wayne Beals, real estate broker who sells efficient homes

Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility

More From

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons