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Sustainability Advisory Board <br />Minutes <br />August 16, 2023 <br />Page 4 of 6 <br />suggested that this concern is based on a misunderstanding. Todd <br />recommended that Board members to some outreach and data gathering and <br />that the Board discuss again at its September meeting. <br />Finally, Kayla noted that the Louisville 2045 survey on Engage Louisville is not <br />technically part of the Comprehensive Planning process. <br />Discussion Item — Home Electrification Overview <br />Todd explained that he wanted to walk through the basics of home electrification <br />with the Board so that Board members can serve as informed advocates in the <br />community. <br />Todd began with a home's electric panel. A homeowner might need to upgrade <br />the electrical panel before electrification, particularly if the home currently has <br />mostly natural gas appliances and gasoline -powered vehicles. He directed the <br />Board to his handout. Empty breaker spaces in an existing panel can be <br />sufficient. An existing panel's amperage, usually 100 A or 150 A, may or may not <br />be sufficient depending on the degree of electrification. John inquired about the <br />source of the added amperage; Todd replied that neighborhood electrical lines <br />typically can carry the added amperage to a home. Beyond upgrading an electric <br />panel, a homeowner will need to run wire to new electric appliances, the cost <br />depending on the amount and gauge of wire required. Todd noted that "smart" <br />electric panels are not yet worthwhile. Josh inquired about whether permits are <br />required for this work; Todd replied that permits are typically required. Megan <br />pointed out that Xcel has a wiring rebate for EV charging. Todd noted that the <br />Inflation Reduction Act includes wiring rebates, which have yet to be rolled out. <br />Dan inquired about the possibility of a solar array powers EVs, electric <br />appliances, and such; Todd replied that there are ways to accomplish this. RJ <br />interjected that an electrical engineer should approve the load calculations on an <br />electrical service upgrade permit. Dan also inquired about using EVs as battery <br />backups. <br />