Hello Council -
Just a short note to ask that you do NOT adopt an ordinance requiring that all buildings and homes move to all-electric energy for new, as well as when we go about changing out our
existing appliances.
For the record, I am not a climate change denier. We have two 100% electric cars in our family, solar panels for the pool/heat and currently considering solar for our home.
However, I am continually concerned about the following:
- Being held hostage to PG&E and it’s out of control increased pricing.
- Concerns that as it is, can PG&E manage an even greater need for more electricity?
- Having to possibly upgrade wiring, junction boxes and/or circuit breakers to add electric appliances. This could cost my family thousands.
- What many supporters fail to mention, cooking with gas is MUCH better than electric - yes, this is a somewhat inconsequential factor, but it is something my family likes.
- Home appreciation. None of us know if this will damage MP’s real estate market. MP is compared with Palo Alto and other higher priced neighborhoods, the lack of a
bustling vibrant downtown community already concerns new home buyers.(anecdotle, from neighborhood conversations). I do not believe forcing home owners/buyers
to only buy electric appliances is a benefit.
- Let’s be honest, changing this for a town with 30K or so residents, is going to do absolutely nothing for the concern. This should be debated in a much larger forum,
not little ol’ Menlo Park. As for “we need to be the leaders”, or “we need to take a stand so others follow”, I do not buy that. I don’t think this will happen, I believe it will
be the reverse. I’ve already seen the many NextDoor negative comments about the consideration for a change, we do not need this publicity for our town.
Thanks for reading, I appreciate the opportunity to offer my opinion.
W. Scott Lohmann
Menlo Park Resident for 20+ years
1815 Doris Drive
Menlo Park
mc3468@gmail.com
650-796-9433 (c)
