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Local climate advocates urge committee to back electrification as housing affordability tool
Summary
Three public commenters told the City of Bend Affordable Housing Advisory Committee that all‑electric homes reduce construction and operating costs and protect residents' health, urging the committee to support council electrification proposals.
Three members of the public urged the City of Bend Affordable Housing Advisory Committee on January during the public‑comment period to support electrification policies as a way to improve housing affordability and health.
Brandon Breen, a Bend resident and organizer with Energize Bend and Deschutes Youth Climate Coalition, told the committee that ‘‘heating and cooling our homes using all‑electric appliances is more affordable than their fossil fuel alternatives’’ and noted that electric appliances are more efficient as the electrical grid gets cleaner with more renewable generation.
Freddie (Freddy) F. Gervais, a 22‑year‑old Bend resident, student and climate activist with the Deschutes Youth Climate Coalition, said he supported the committee recommending ‘‘bold, strong electrification action’’ to City Council. Gervais cited research from RMI saying adding gas piping to a new single‑family home in Oregon raises construction costs by about $2,800 and that homes using gas have roughly $390 per year higher utility costs compared with all‑electric homes. He also cited RMI projections — discussed in his remarks — that gas prices could rise substantially over time as governments transition off methane gas.
Mike Lee, a Bend resident with a background in corporate accounting and clinical medical work, urged the committee not to use public dollars to support natural gas in affordable housing. Lee said studies link natural‑gas appliances to respiratory problems in children and argued that using gas in taxpayer‑supported affordable housing would harm residents’ health.
Commenters framed electrification as both an upfront cost‑saving for new construction and a longer‑term protective measure against price volatility in fossil fuels. None of the public comments called for a specific ordinance or motion; they asked the advisory committee to convey support for electrification to the City Council as that body considers related policy options.
The committee proceeded to its agenda after public comment.
