Residential Electrical Service Upgrade Decision Tool

Electrification of California's residential housing stock is essential to meet the state's climate and clean air objectives. However, a common misconception is that electrification necessitates electrical panel and service upgrades for all homes with less than 200-amp capacity, potentially leading to costly investments and significant grid infrastructure enhancements. To address this challenge, our project aimed to develop a "Residential Service Upgrade Decision Tool" tailored to both individual homeowners and utilities. The tool guides contractors and homeowners in determining whether existing electrical panels can support electrification goals without upgrades, while also providing utilities with data to inform broader investment strategies. The tool was developed through extensive research, stakeholder engagement, and analysis of existing tools. The homeowner-focused version assists in optimizing panel capacity based on specific electrification priorities, while the utility version offers insights into the potential impact of electrification across building portfolios. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using these tools to minimize the need for expensive panel upgrades, offering a practical approach to achieving widespread residential electrification. Future recommendations include expanding the tool's functionality, ensuring it remains up-to-date with evolving codes and technologies, and making it publicly accessible. These efforts will support a cost-effective transition to electrification, reducing the burden on homeowners and utilities alike.