To: City Council of Menlo Park

From: Linda Sadunas and Deborah Melmon - Buckthorn Way

RE: To electrify 95% of existing buildings in Menlo Park

We oppose replacing gas with electricity in existing buildings at the this time. Below we highlight several points for your review.

1. The power grid in California currently is not adequate to provide continuous electric energy. Rolling blackouts underscore it's vulnerability due to increasing high temperatures and wildfires. The 2030 date to electrify 95% is overly ambitious and other cities are proposing 2045. A regional approach seems practical rather than Menlo Park being a guinea pig.

2. The cost of replacing gas with electricity in existing buildings is unknown and will vary depending on the building. Many people including people on a fixed income can not afford new equipment and retrofitting costs. We don’t know if the cost will be $5K, $25K or more.

3. When a water heater or furnace needs replacement, it is usually not planned, it is an emergency. Both are necessities and it takes time to research new equipment, retrofit contractors, scheduling, installing and permitting. Currently contractors are not educated on the retrofit process. This could take days, weeks or months. It unacceptable that someone should be without water and/or heat.

4. A detailed practical plan is needed prior to an ordinance. Cost is a key component of the plan. Who is going to pay for it? The City of Menlo Park, the building owner, a shared cost? There should be more outreach to the community, continued discussion and more planning, not a ready, fire, aim decision.

Thank you for your consideration.