City utilities to launch turnkey single-family home electrification program with Franklin Energy

Brad Eggleston, Director of Public Works, provided a verbal update that Palo Alto utilities will launch a direct-installation single-family home electrification program in 2026 under a turnkey model offered through Franklin Energy.

Eggleston said the program will provide a fixed-price, full-service offering covering heating, water heating, cooking, clothes drying and other home gas uses. He noted customers will retain choice: "They can essentially work with us and the contractor and select whichever appliances they'd like to do. They could also work with us to develop a plan that may involve replacing appliances over time rather than all at once," Eggleston said.

Staff framed the new direct-installation service as complementary to the city's existing home electrification rebate, technical assistance and Go Green financing programs, which support residents who prefer to select their own contractors and manage installations themselves. The turnkey model aims to lower barriers to electrification by offering end-to-end assistance and predictable pricing.

Staff did not provide contract details, program budget or an exact start date beyond 2026 at the meeting; those implementation details and costs will be developed and presented as the program is finalized.