Dear councilmembers: in the ongoing debate about whether or not to require residents and building owners to convert their buildings/homes to all electric appliances, the issue of cost has not been properly addressed. I know that the city has, through its sustainability office and their consultants TRC, estimated the per month cost of having electrical appliances. I am not aware of the minute details of this report but I somehow doubt that the cost estimates include the installation of the electrical powerlines and updating of the electrical infrastructure in many older homes such as mine. Many homes in my area were built in the 1930s-1950 and the electrical backbone of the home would require extensive updating should natural gas no longer be allowed for replacement of existing stoves or water heaters when these appliances need replacement. Additionally, many of the homes in my area are surrounded on many sides by trees and the installation of solar collectors/solar panels is not possible. I do agree that in new construction, either homes or apartments, that the installation of all electric appliances is a worthwhile goal, but do not think an ordinance should be adopted that requires a homeowner to change from natural gas to electric if a preexisting natural gas device needs replacement. Barry Robbins, robbinsbarry@hotmail.com. 1340 San Mateo Drive, Menlo Park
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