It’s time to talk about another weird electric phrase: “building electrification.”

Sounds obvious in a way, doesn’t it? I mean, isn’t everybody’s building electrified? That’s what lets you turn on the lights, power up the computer and watch the Broncos fall apart on TV, right?

But if you check out our new building electrification web page, you’ll see it goes a lot farther than that, and could make a big difference for your home and community.

You see, in this case, the phrase goes a little farther. Building electrification means taking systems and appliances that run on fossil fuel and shifting them to electric power instead. Like the hot water heater. Or the oven. Or the furnace.

That’s unfamiliar territory for a lot of people, which is one reason we launched the new page. Over there, you’ll find:

• Why electrification can be good for your health, reduce greenhouse gases and even be part of making your home or business more energy efficient.
• What an electric heat pump is and how it can keep things comfortable, even in baking summers or freezing winters.
• Information on electric cooking (including a link to Boulder County’s portable induction cooktop lending program if you want to try one out).
• How to get started and what rebates and tax credits are available to make it happen more easily.
• Lots of links to help you follow up and learn more!

As you can see, it’s a subject that covers a lot of ground. We’ll be revisiting it every so often here to explore a particular topic in more detail. We’ll also be updating the web page periodically with more information and opportunities, so stay plugged in.

Meanwhile, check out the page. See why electrification means so much more than just keeping the lights on.

You may just find it illuminating.