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1. What are the benefits of adopting an all-electric new construction ordinance?

• Reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced in Contra Costa County and will contribute to reducing the overall and local impact of climate change and associated risks  
• Reduce new building construction costs since natural gas infrastructure (plumbing, metering, and venting) are not needed
• Help meet the County’s Climate Action Plan greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals
• Carry out the County Board of Supervisor’s Climate Emergency Resolutions (Resolution No. 2020/256)
• Improve indoor air quality and safety 

2. What building types would the ordinance apply to?

This ordinance requires new construction of the following building types to be an all-electric building:

• All residential buildings (including single-family and multi-family buildings)
• Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
• Hotel
• Office
• Retail

3. What is an all-electric building?

The Ordinance defines an all-electric building as a building that has no natural gas or propane plumbing installed within the building, and that uses electricity as the sole source of energy for its space heating (including heating of all indoor and outdoor spaces of the building), water heating (including heating of indoor and outdoor pools and spas), cooking appliances, and clothes drying appliances. An all-electric building may utilize solar thermal pool heating.

4. Do all-electric buildings cost more?

Generally, for most building types, all-electric buildings are less costly to build. The service and piping for natural gas infrastructure is often more expensive than installing a building with all-electric equipment.

The California Statewide Reach Code Program has prepared cost effectiveness reports. View the reports on the California Reach Code website

5. Is Contra Costa County the only jurisdiction that’s adopted an all-electric building ordinance like this?

No, Contra Costa County is part of an ever-growing list of over 50 jurisdictions across that State that have adopted similar ordinances to phase out fossil fuels from new buildings.

6. Is there enough electricity supply to support new all-electric buildings?

State policy already indicates a shifting away from fossil fuels as a source of power towards greater use of renewable energy. While County staff are not involved in managing the State’s energy supply or grid infrastructure, multiple State agencies are deeply involved in planning for the State’s future energy needs. These agencies are dedicating tremendous resources and attention to address these concerns. 

7. Won’t all-electric buildings be more vulnerable to Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events?

The State continues to work with utilities to reduce the need for PSPS events. However, such events will likely occur again in the future, subject to weather conditions. Property owners can mitigate their risk of losing power during PSPS events by installing a source of backup power, such as a generator or battery storage.