Electric Ready Homes: A Clean Air Innovation for Utah

Utah is the fastest growing state in the country and decisions we make today about new housing can promote smarter growth, affordability and clean air.

Utah has an opportunity to level the playing field for housing developers while enhancing access to clean and affordable technologies for Utah families. Efficient, electric appliances and vehicles have improved dramatically in recent years and can now offer best-in-class comfort, reliability and affordability to homeowners and renters. 

 This includes providing for everyday needs such as space heating, water heating, and cooking and also extends to vehicles and cutting emissions from our commutes. Ensuring homes in Utah are constructed to be Electric Ready will enhance choice for households and better position the state to advance its clean air goals. 

A new proposal was recently approved by the Utah Uniform Building Code Commission’s (UBCC) Mechanical Advisory Committee would require new homes to be built “electric ready.”  This is the first time an electric ready code has been considered by the State of Utah. If adopted, the change would improve access to technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) and efficient electric heat pumps that reduce air pollution while increasing energy affordability for households.

The UBCC only reviews the residential building code once every six years—so the timing of this issue is critical!