electricityonly

Electricityonly is a term used in energy planning to describe a design principle or policy approach in which energy services are provided exclusively through electricity, rather than direct use of other fuels such as natural gas or oil. In practice, electricityonly strategies aim to electrify end-use sectors and equipment so that all energy consumption is drawn from the electric grid, ideally powered by low-carbon or renewable sources.

This approach can apply to heating with electric heat pumps, cooking with electric stoves, hot water, and industrial processes that can be electrified with electric furnaces or motors, as well as transportation through electric vehicles. Electrification is central to decarbonization strategies in many regions, aligning energy demand with opportunities for renewable generation and storage.

Benefits of electricityonly include potential reductions in direct fossil fuel combustion, easier integration with renewable energy, and simplified fuel switching. Challenges include ensuring grid reliability during peak demand, the need for infrastructure upgrades, electricity price exposure, and the potential for higher electricity costs if supply is constrained. Energy efficiency and load management become important components of any electricityonly strategy.

Implementation considerations involve building codes, incentives for heat pumps and electric appliances, investment in grid modernization and storage, and planning for demand growth. The term is used variably and may refer to policy goals, technological choices, or design constraints associated with electrifying end uses.

See also: electrification, decarbonization, grid modernization.