Impact of heating electrification in the US: Policy-driven building decarbonization will change the shape of electric grid

Greenhouse gas emissions from residential and commercial buildings have remained steady, while the power sector has seen significant reductions over the last 15 years. In most climate zones in the US, natural gas is the main heating fuel for residential and commercial buildings. Since space heating and cooling make up between 30% and 60% of total annual energy consumption in buildings, burning oil and gas for space heating is directly responsible for emissions. As the power sector continues to decrease in carbon intensity, heating electrification is an effective method to decarbonize the buildings sector. This report summarizes policies and shows the impact of space heating electrification on power, oil and gas.