California Community Choice Aggregator To Install Ultra-Efficient Space Heating Hot Water Systems

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
March 15, 2022

California community choice aggregator (CCA) Peninsula Clean Energy has partnered with Harvest Thermal Inc. to install ultra-efficient, all-electric space heating and hot water systems as part of a broader effort to replace methane gas-powered furnaces and other appliances.

At no cost, four Peninsula Clean Energy customers are receiving a system that operates a single heat pump to deliver both home heating and hot water. The system can cut carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent compared with methane gas and 50 percent compared with standard heat pump systems, the CCA said.

The system is a smart device that operates the heat pump during off-peak times when electricity is cleaner and more affordable. It turns the hot water tank into a thermal battery, closely monitoring, storing, and delivering heat and hot water for customer use whenever needed.

“Incorporating the latest weather forecasts and energy needs, and using machine learning to optimize performance, the system reduces energy bills and maximizes customer comfort,” Peninsula Clean Energy said. 

The demonstration will show how this new system can lower the cost of upgrading homes by reducing the need for service upgrades, and lower heating bills by up to 40 percent from homes that are currently hooked up to gas.

The system also offers a “filtration mode” for clean indoor air on smoggy and smoky days, and “night cooling” to create a gentle indoor breeze on warm evenings.

The demonstration program will provide Peninsula Clean Energy with data to further promote energy use when renewable power sources are more plentiful during the day and relieve stress on the grid during evening peaks.

Peninsula Clean Energy is the official electricity provider for San Mateo County and, beginning in spring 2022, for the City of Los Banos.

Founded in 2016, the agency serves roughly 300,000 customers by providing more than 3,500 gigawatt hours annually of electricity.

The American Public Power Association has initiated a new category of membership for community choice aggregation programs.