Energy Smart Eastside Releases 2024 Annual Report Highlighting Sucess
Published on April 17, 2025
Media Contact:
David Wolbrecht
Communications Program Manager
dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov
April 2025 — Kirkland, WA — Energy Smart Eastside (ESE), a partnership of the Eastside cities of Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Redmond, and Sammamish, is proud to release its 2024 Annual Report. The report details the program’s continued success in accelerating the region’s housing stock transition to electric heat pumps—delivering major environmental benefits, stimulating the local economy, and supporting equity through access to clean, efficient heating and cooling.
Transforming Homes, Reducing Emissions
Established in 2022, Energy Smart Eastside was designed to help cities lead in the fight against climate change by tackling one of the largest sources of residential greenhouse gas emissions: home heating. Through a combination of education, streamlined installation processes, and financial incentives, ESE is making it easier than ever for Eastside residents to switch to high-efficiency electric heat pumps.
"Cities have an important role to play in fostering market transformation, and programs like ESE are essential to meeting our long-term emissions reduction goals," said ESE Program Manager, Sarah Phillips.“The results from the recently released annual report show that our efforts are paying off.”
Heat pumps are not only cleaner—producing 91% fewer emissions over their lifetime compared to traditional gas furnaces—but they also offer air conditioning, a key benefit as our region experiences more extreme heat and wildfire smoke. In 2024 alone, heat pumps installed through ESE incentives are estimated to save 9,300 metric tons of CO₂ over their lifetime.
A Major Milestone: 500 Heat Pumps Installed
This year, Energy Smart Eastside celebrated a major achievement: the installation of its 500th heat pump. Each of these installations represents a household that is now more resilient to climate extremes—warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and saving on energy bills.
The program ensures a seamless experience for homeowners, working exclusively with professional, pre-approved HVAC installation firms in collaboration with heat pump distributors Gensco and Airefco Powered by Ferguson. ESE provides education, instant rebates for all income levels, and special incentives for low- and moderate-income households, making clean energy upgrades accessible and easy.
Partnering for Equitable Impact
Puget Sound Energy has been a critical partner in delivering on ESE’s mission, particularly for income-qualified households.
“PSE is thrilled to partner with Energy Smart Eastside on this transformative initiative to provide no-cost heat pumps to income-qualified customers in Eastside communities,” said Matt Larson, Local Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager at PSE. “In 2024, working alongside trusted community partners, we were able to make meaningful impacts in the lives of 36 households while supporting our region's clean energy future. This is exactly the kind of partnership that aligns with our mission to meet customers wherever they are on their energy journey.”
Supporting Local Jobs and Businesses
Beyond reducing emissions, ESE has become an economic engine for the region. In 2024, while many sectors experienced a slowdown due to rising interest rates, ESE helped stabilize local HVAC businesses by delivering a consistent flow of qualified leads. Participating contractors reported that the program enabled them to retain staff, preserving good-paying, skilled jobs at a critical time.
"Without ESE, we would have faced tough layoffs," said Jim Holden from All Climate Heating & Air Conditioning, an Eastside-based contractor. "Instead, we kept our teams working—doing meaningful work that’s helping our community and the environment."
It’s estimated that ESE-supported projects brought in nearly $8 million in business to local firms in 2024 alone.
Equity in Action: Partnerships That Reach Those Most in Need
From the beginning, ESE has worked closely with community organizations like Hopelink and the Adult Family Home Council of Washington to ensure the program benefits reach energy burdened households and vulnerable residents.
In 2024, ESE secured $5.5 million in grant funding from Puget Sound Energy and the Washington State Department of Commerce to support robust incentives for low and moderate income households to adopt heat pumps. Much of the funding is underwritten by the Washington State Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
Get Involved
Whether you're a homeowner curious about upgrading your heating system or a contractor looking to grow your business while contributing to climate action, Energy Smart Eastside makes it simple to get involved.
Visit www.energysmarteastside.org to learn more or connect directly with an Energy Advisor. The path to a cleaner, more comfortable home—and a healthier Eastside—starts here.
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