Earth In Crisis: Milestones To Celebrate
The Giddiness Of Converting To 100% Electric Was Soured Only Somewhat With A Few ‘Little Lady’ Moments
By Tracey MacDermott
For the GPHN
Many of you who read this monthly column are not surprised by my passion about bringing our city and state closer to eliminating carbon sources and reaching 100 percent renewables for our electricity, heating, and cooling. In fact, I get a bit giddy when I hear of people making the switch. These are moments I love to celebrate!
In 2020 Denver voters passed the 2A climate tax, which generates approximately $40 million a year to mitigate climate change. As listed on Denver’s website, the money generated, has already contributed to:
• $18 million in community solar with 30 percent of power generated going to Denver Public Schools families with lower incomes;
• 1,000 paid positions in workforce development, providing underresourced residents a clear pathway to quality jobs;
• Planting more than 2,000 trees in climate vulnerable neighborhoods;
• Improving transportation in the Montbello neighborhood with a free on-demand micro shuttle to help connect neighbors to transit.
What is there not to like about this program? To highlight just one example, Greater Park Hill Community’s building at 28th and Fairfax utilized 2A funds and will now produce more electricity than it needs.
Unfortunately, when our household made the decision to convert our Park Hill home to 100 percent electric we were met with some resistance along the way.
Our home is a quaint 1937 brick bungalow. There is not a lot of room, but it provides everything we need. A sassy orange tabby seems to take up more room than what her mere seven pounds should, but we wouldn’t get a good laugh daily without her. When the 2A funds became available to help homeowners lower their carbon usage we jumped on the opportunity.
This last summer has been a bit of a construction zone at home, but we felt great about eliminating carbon pollution. We do have one of those older homes which still had the gas meter inside the house. Prior to refinishing our basement years ago, we had inquired with Xcel about removing the internal gas meter. They were not interested. This summer one of Xcel’s contracting companies notified us that the meter must be removed to bring the house up to code. Although, I would have preferred this be removed prior to finishing the basement, the timing was still good as we were about to switch to all-electric. When we initially met with the team to remove the meter, I let them know I did not want it re-installed on the outside of the house as we would not be needing it. The contractor was stunned by my request and soon followed with a tone that resembled, “well, little lady,” you don’t want to do that. He did his best to strike fear in us for such a terrible decision. We didn’t fall for it.
After our home was converted with an air-source heat pump, electric heat, heat pump electric heater and an electric vehicle charger, it was time to schedule the day to remove the gas meter. It was July 29 — a day to circle on the calendar to celebrate.
My giddiness soon turned to frustration when the company first told me that I had to have the gas meter re-installed. If you have reviewed your Xcel bill, you know that you pay a monthly charge for just the gas meter. Why should we keep paying for something we will never use? We refused the re-install, but the contracting company and Xcel were adamant that at minimum a gas line had to be run to the house. Their rationale was that if I sell the house someone else might want gas. I had made no mention of selling and felt confident that my no-carbon home would be a selling benefit. Still, the street was shut down to traffic and a huge hole was dug in the middle of the street. Fourteen hours later the gas meter was gone, and a useless gas line was installed. I wonder how costs of that day will be shared with other ratepayers.
No major home project comes without multiple inspections. When the city inspector arrived, I assumed it would be quick. It was, but not without another “little lady” moment. The inspector wanted to know why I would change my home to all-electric. He went on to tell me that he has spoken to many homeowners who have done this, and they are not happy with their bills. I was surprised he missed the solar panels on our home during his inspection.
Change is often met with resistance, however we need our major energy supplier and city employees to get on board. We don’t have time for yesterday’s thought processes to rule the day. Our only home is in trouble, and we simply don’t have time for naysayers. We have a planet to save.
Tracey MacDermott is an at-large member of the board of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., and immediate past chair. She was trained as a Climate Reality Leader in 2017, and is currently the Statewide Co-Chair of the Climate Reality Project for the 100% Committed Campaign. Contact MacDermott at traceymacdermott@gmail.com.