The city of Bend is debating a fee for new homes to discourage gas appliance use and promote electrification. The proposal relies on the EPA's Social Cost of Carbon to calculate environmental damages, though the final fee was lowered for political reasons. Critics argue the fee is too low to change consumer behavior and point to Oregon's current grid mix. They suggest that switching to electric before the grid is decarbonized could actually increase emissions while straining existing power infrastructure.
