March 8, 2023
Western Resource Advocates praises the approval of House Bill 23-1134, which requires home service warranties for gas-fueled appliances to allow homeowners with home warranties the option to replace appliances with electric-powered models. Home warranties in Colorado will include this feature beginning July 1, 2024.
“Home appliance warranties can play an important and often overlooked role in helping to reduce significant sources of pollution in our homes,” said Parks Barroso, clean energy staff attorney with WRA. “This bill ensures that Coloradans can choose to replace home appliances covered under a home appliance warranty with electric models. The approval of this bill illustrates that Colorado’s decision makers are considering every option to achieve our state’s decarbonization goals, improve public health, and lower energy costs to homeowners.”
Gas-fueled systems within the home, such as stoves and heating, cooling and laundry systems, are significant sources of climate and indoor air pollution. In contrast, electric appliances reduce pollution risks to public health and the environment from direct appliance emissions. Electric appliances and heating systems also provide significant cost savings over their lifespans and are increasingly more energy-efficient than fossil-fueled powered models.
Electrification opportunities are expanding rapidly in quantity, quality, and affordability. It is also most cost effective to electrify at the point of appliance failure—this bill targets exactly that point in time. By giving homeowners more options to choose electric-powered appliances, today’s bill will help Colorado to meet its goal of 100% greenhouse gas reduction by 2050.
The lead sponsors of HB-1134 are Reps. Junie Joseph (D-Boulder) and Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins), and Sen. Lisa Cutter (D-Littleton). The bill now heads to Gov. Jared Polis to sign into law.
“Home appliance warranties can play an important and often overlooked role in helping to reduce significant sources of pollution in our homes,” said Parks Barroso, clean energy staff attorney with WRA. “This bill ensures that Coloradans can choose to replace home appliances covered under a home appliance warranty with electric models. The approval of this bill illustrates that Colorado’s decision makers are considering every option to achieve our state’s decarbonization goals, improve public health, and lower energy costs to homeowners.”
Contact
James Quirk, 908-902-3177, james.quirk@westernresources.org
