Buildings account for a significant portion of energy-related emissions in the U.S., and transitioning to electric building technologies powered by sustainable energy sources is crucial for achieving a net-zero-emissions economy. Recognizing the challenges of home electrification, particularly in low-income communities and older homes, the Equitable and Affordable Solutions to Electrification (EAS-E) Prize was launched to accelerate the development and deployment of easy, affordable, and equitable electrification approaches. After receiving submissions during Phase 1, six teams have been named finalists. These teams will receive funding, technical assistance, and access to national laboratories and the American-Made Network Connectors to advance their electrification solutions in preparation for the final demonstration phase.
The finalist teams include NeoCharge and Redwood Energy, who aim to electrify all major gas appliances with 120-volt alternatives, Aris Hydronics Inc., developing a modular air-to-water heat pump system for multifamily housing, Hydronic Shell Technologies, prototyping an HVAC-integrated façade panel system for noninvasive building electrification, QuitCarbon Inc., developing software to streamline electrification retrofits, Dayton Energy Collaborative, implementing community-level cold-climate electrification retrofits for low-income households, and B&B Technology Solutions and SimpleSwitch, using smart circuit switching for efficient electric end uses. These innovative solutions will not only transition residential building stock towards sustainability but also benefit the broader housing retrofit market. They play a crucial role in achieving an equitable and decarbonized energy system by 2050.
The EAS-E Prize, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Office and administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, aims to support the development of solutions that make home electrification simpler, more affordable, and accessible to all homeowners. By promoting innovation in building electrification, the prize contributes to the broader goals of reducing energy-related emissions and transitioning to a clean energy future. The six finalist teams will now have the opportunity to showcase their concepts in the final demonstration phase and bring their ideas to life.
