Simplifying Home Electrification Prize

Lead Performer: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory – Berkeley, CA
Partner: National Renewable Energy Laboratory – Golden, CO
DOE Total Funding: $125,000
Project Term: June 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023
Funding Type: AOP Project (Direct-Funded Lab Project)

Project Objective

This project’s objective is to support the development of the “Easy Electrification Prize” (Equitable and Affordable Solutions to Electrification [EAS-E prize]) administered by the Building Technologies Office (BTO). The EAS-E prize is focused on developing technology solutions to make home electrification and decarbonization easy. “Easy” means faster, cheaper, less stressful for homeowners, and more profitable for solution providers. The focus of this effort is on “hard to electrify” homes, such as homes in cold and very cold climates, homes with inadequate electrical infrastructure (e.g., 100-amp electrical panels, knob and tube wiring), or rental housing. Technology solutions are required that support low-power electrification that limits electric panel, service and grid upgrades in existing homes/neighborhoods, and that ease the transition to electric space/water heating, cooking and laundry. Solutions are particularly required that are tailored to low- and middle-income households and rental households. LBNL will help develop the background information and prize rules, assist with judging applications for the prize, and provide technical information to clarify the program requirements, as needed. LBNL will coordinate this effort with NREL, which will administer the prize.

Project Impact

This project has the aim of simplifying home electrification. The project will develop a set of prize rules, supporting information, and implementation of the prize competition through two phases of applications and awards.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Wyatt Merrill
Lead Performer: Iain Walker, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory