California’s Gas Transition Pilot Projects Law

California’s SB 1221 will allow some neighborhoods in need of new gas lines to go all-electric instead — with new electric appliances provided at no cost to residents. The new law will spur up to 30 neighborhood-scale building electrification and decarbonization pilot projects, by directing the state’s major investor-owned utilities to identify where it’s cost-effective for utilities to end gas service and transition customers to electric appliances. As long as two-thirds of neighbors agree to the project, the entire community would get free electric appliances to replace those formerly powered by gas. The gas utility would be relieved of providing gas service in this area and would not replace the grid of gas lines underground.  The pilots will roll out over four years, beginning in 2026.