Energy

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The City of Palo Alto encourages residents and businesses to shift from fossil fuels to electricity for all their energy needs, including space and water heating, transportation, and cooking. An all-electric lifestyle is cleaner and healthier than using fossil fuels and can also be more affordable. 

Since 2013, City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) has provided 100% carbon free electricity. Beginning in 2017, CPAU also provides carbon neutral natural gas (methane), meaning carbon offsets are purchased to balance natural gas use in Palo Alto. Still, natural gas (methane) is a fossil fuel that will always produce greenhouse gas emissions. Switching gas appliances in your home (such as your water heater, HVAC system, dryer, and stove) to more efficient electric models can be good for the planet and your wallet. Find green building code requirements here.

Energy and the S/CAP

The Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) guides Palo Alto's sustainability and emissions reduction strategy. Energy is one of the three areas of the S/CAP, along with Electric Vehicles and Mobility, with the highest potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions. Buildings are the second largest source of emissions in Palo Alto. In order to reach Palo Alto’s 2030 emissions reduction target, natural gas (methane) consumption in buildings will need to decline significantly through a combination of energy efficiency and electrification. S/CAP Energy goals focus on reducing natural gas (methane) use in buildings and modernizing the City's electric grid to accommodate this transition.

Goals

  • Reduce GHG emissions from the use of natural gas in buildings by at least 60% below 1990 levels
  • Modernize the electric grid to support increased electric demand to accommodate state-of-the-art technology

Key Performance Indicator Progress

Greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 totaled 127,051 MT CO2e, which is a 34.5% decrease compared to 1990. 

graph of greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas. Emissions in 2021 totaled 135,697 MT CO2e, in 2022 totaled 144,996, in 2023 totaled 146,289, and in 2024 totaled 127,051

Take Action!

See the pages below to find opportunities and resources that can help you reduce your carbon emissions and meet our energy goals.

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