As energy prices rise and the effects of climate change intensify, more Mendocino County residents are exploring how to cut carbon emissions—and their utility bills—by going electric. This weekend, they’ll have a chance to see what that transition looks like in action.
Climate Action Mendocino is hosting a self-guided electric home tour in Ukiah on Saturday, April 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. The tour features seven local residences equipped with solar panels, backup batteries, induction stoves, heat pump water heaters and more. Homeowners and installers will be on hand to answer questions.
“It offers people an opportunity to see what others in the area have done,” said Eileen Mitro, coordinator for Climate Action Mendocino. “There will be a lot of information on energy efficiency and lower energy costs.”
One of the featured homeowners is Mike Cannon, who began converting his home nearly a decade ago after deciding to remodel his outdated kitchen.
“I thought if I’m going to do a major remodel, I should look into converting the house to electric—just because it’s so much more efficient,” Cannon said. He also wanted to install solar, and realized electric appliances would make the most of that investment.
Cannon started in 2016 with an induction stove, electric oven, solar panels, and a heat pump water heater. By 2022, his home was fully electric—and his gas line was shut off at the main.
“Since I put the solar in, it’s produced enough electricity to cover all of my electrical costs,” he said.
That includes his car. Cannon drives a Chevy Bolt, which he charges at home using solar power. “I basically don’t have a gasoline bill and I don’t have a natural gas bill. Both of which is a nice situation,” he said.
Though he says the transition ultimately saved him money, Cannon recommends taking it one step at a time by replacing appliances as they wear out. His favorite? The induction stove.
“It’s better than gas,” he said. “It’s so adjustable and so fast. I mean, it boils water before you can turn around and get the pasta out of the cupboard.”
While Cannon uses a GE Monogram model, he says there are now many induction stove options on the market, with prices coming down. Though the initial investment is higher, he believes the long-term payoff is worth it.
And full electrification isn’t required to reduce a household’s carbon footprint. Residents of Ukiah can opt to receive all their electricity from renewable sources through the city’s utility. Outside the city, customers can sign up with Sonoma Clean Power, which also provides energy from cleaner sources.
For more information about the tour, visit Climate Action Mendocino’s website or follow them on social media.
