Electrification Community Toolkit

Electrification Community Toolkit

Purpose

This toolkit makes it easy for Palo Alto residents, community organizations, and local partners to find, share, and act on information about the City’s sustainability and electrification programs.

You can use it as:

A Resource Hub

Ready-to-use materials you can share online or in person.

A Practical Guide

Clear steps that explain what actions you can take and how to get started.

Looking for Materials to Share?

Download graphics, videos, flyers, QR codes, and ready-to-use messages to share at meetings, workshops, and community events.

Go to Communications Resources

Why It Matters

Together, we’re on a path to reduce climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions by 80% and protect our quality of life. Electrification is one of the most effective ways to get there. It cuts emissions, improves local air quality, and helps build a healthier community.

The Climate Challenge

Homes and buildings are one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in our community. Switching to clean, electric technology is a key step toward lowering these emissions and improving local air quality.

City Goals and Commitment

Through the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP), the City is working to:

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Support community-wide electrification
  • Create a healthier, more sustainable future

Why Electrify?

Switching to electric appliances and systems can:

  • Improve indoor air quality
  • Increase energy efficiency
  • Reduce reliance on fossil fuels
  • Support long-term climate goals

Programs and Support

Electrify My Home

A full-service program that makes it simple for residents to switch to electric appliances.

Support includes:

  • Project management for your home upgrade
  • Help finding and coordinating a contractor
  • Getting permits
  • Full installation

Sign Up for Electrify My Home

Incentives and Rebates

Rebates and incentives can help lower your upfront costs.

  • Rebates for electric appliances, including heat pump water heaters, heat pump heating and cooling (HVAC), and induction cooktops
  • Rebates for disconnecting your gas meter
  • Rebates for other electrification and energy efficiency upgrades

Learn About Available Rebates

Ways to Get Started

  • Explore available rebates and incentives
  • Learn which options work for your home or building
  • Start with one upgrade, like a water heater or cooktop
  • Talk to a Home Electrification Advisor
  • Share what you learn with your community

Communications Resources

Social Media Graphics

Ready-to-use graphics to share on social media. Click an image to preview it.

Preview the Sustaining Our Future graphic: We’re on a Mission to Reduce Emissions(PNG, 338KB)

Sustaining Our Future

Share Palo Alto’s mission to reduce emissions and protect our quality of life.

Download graphics(ZIP, 27MB)

Preview the Electrify My Home graphic(PNG, 402KB)

Electrify My Home

Introduce neighbors to the program and the support it offers.

Download graphics(ZIP, 400KB)

Preview the water heater age graphic(PNG, 229KB)

How Old Is Your Water Heater?

Help residents check their water heater’s age and plan ahead.

Download graphics(ZIP, 378KB)

More Graphics

 

Electrification Infographics

Heat Pump Water Heater Installations in Palo Alto
Preview: 1(PNG, 2MB) 2(PNG, 2MB) Download all(ZIP, 6MB)

Palo Alto’s Electrified Fleet
Preview: 1(PNG, 2MB) 2(PNG, 511KB) Download all(ZIP, 5MB)

$500 Discount Program

Heat Pump Water Heater Discount, Version 1
Preview(PNG, 2MB) Download(PNG, 2MB)

Heat Pump Water Heater Discount, Version 2
Preview: 1(PNG, 851KB) 2(PNG, 423KB) Download all(ZIP, 1MB)

Induction Cooktop Loaner Program

Borrow an Induction Cooktop from the Library
Preview(PNG, 1MB) Download(ZIP, 1MB)

Resident Stories

Hear from Palo Alto neighbors who made the switch to electric. Share these videos to help others see what the process is really like.

Take a Tour of an All-Electric Home

Andrea's Electrification Journey

Made the switch? We’d love to hear your story. Email switch@paloalto.gov and you could be featured in a future video.

Spread the Warmth flyer showing a Palo Alto lawn sign for heat pump water heater owners

Spread the Warmth with a Free Lawn Sign

Love your heat pump water heater? Get a free lawn sign for your yard and help your neighbors learn about making the switch.

To get yours, email switch@paloalto.gov or call (650) 714-3411.

Email Us for a Lawn Sign

More Communications Resources

Flyers and Print Materials

Download recent utility bill inserts to share online or in person.

September 2026 Utility Bill Inserts

To reduce waste, please print small quantities and share digitally when you can.

Mailers and Email Content

Use recent City mailers and email blasts to share updates with your networks, newsletters, or group lists.

Mailers
Email Blasts

Messaging Guidance

Use these messages in your posts, newsletters, and conversations to help share one clear, consistent story.

Leading Messages: Sustaining Our Future
  • We’re on a mission to reduce emissions.
  • Together, we’re on a path to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% and protect our quality of life.
  • Transportation: Choose cleaner air with every pedal stroke.
  • Zero waste: Reuse it or refuse it.
  • Water: Use water wisely. We can’t make more.
Sample Post: Progress Toward Our Climate Goals

Palo Alto is making progress toward its climate goals. We’re on a mission to reduce emissions 80% below 1990 levels. While there is still work to do, our community has already taken meaningful steps toward Sustaining Our Future. As of 2024, emissions have decreased by 50.2%, even as Palo Alto’s population has grown by 22%. Learn more and take action at paloalto.gov/Sustainability. #SustainingOurFuture #pascap

Sample Post: Transportation

We’re on a mission to reduce emissions. Our Sustaining Our Future series this week is focused on transportation. We’re on a path to reduce climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions by 80% and protect our quality of life. Transportation sources accounted for 64.1% of Palo Alto’s community-wide greenhouse gas emissions in 2024.

Support cleaner air with every pedal stroke. The City offers resources to help you choose cleaner ways to get around, helping reduce emissions while supporting cleaner air, physical activity, and community health.

Help sustain our future together and start with an option that works for you. Explore alternative transportation options at paloalto.gov/Mobility. #SustainingOurFuture #pascap

 

Education and Youth

Meet the local partners driving Palo Alto's climate and sustainability goals.

Palo Alto City Library

Offers hands-on learning and programs like the induction cooktop loaner program.

Youth Climate Advisory Board

Advises the City on climate priorities and engages young people in sustainability.

Climate Action and Sustainability Committee (CASC)

A City Council committee that helps move Palo Alto’s climate action work forward.

Community Partners

Local and regional organizations that support sustainability and climate action in Palo Alto:

  • Acterra
  • Environmental Volunteers
  • Grassroots Ecology
  • Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition
  • Repair Café Silicon Valley
  

Stay Connected

Get the latest on programs, events, and sustainability efforts across Palo Alto.

Sustainability News & Community Updates

Stay connected with local climate action, events, and community updates.

Sustainability News

Sustainability E-Newsletter

Sign up for updates on electrification programs, events, and community resources.

Subscribe to the Sustainability E-Newsletter

Follow the City of Palo Alto

Connect with us on social media and follow along with #SustainingOurFuture:

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