California To Launch Window Heat Pump and 120 Volt Induction Pilot Programs

In a win for clean air and climate progress, the California Public Utilities Commission has approved the California Market Transformation Administrator’s (CalMTA) new market transformation initiatives that will make in-window heat pumps and 120-volt induction stoves more affordable and readily available. CalMTA is a statewide initiative focused on accelerating energy-efficient technologies by removing barriers to adoption.

“CalMTA’s new programs open the door for more homes across California to upgrade to healthier, non-polluting appliances,” said Rebecca Barker, Senior Associate Attorney at Earthjustice. “We want as many people as possible to have access to zero-emissions appliances to heat and cool their homes and cook their food. 120-volt heat pump and induction cooking products will allow households to electrify without costly electrical upgrades. These initiatives will transform the market so anyone can walk into their local home improvement store and find these options readily available.”

New York launched a similar initiative for window heat pumps last year with strong results. In 2023, a collaboration between state and municipal agencies there led a manufacturer challenge and pilot project to install window-mounted heat pumps in an apartment complex in Queens, and residents shared rave reviews. Many reported more consistent and comfortable temperatures compared to the outdated radiators they replaced. While New York’s housing stock is significantly different from California’s, this success highlights the need for units designed for California’s window styles and building needs. 

“We’re glad to see California invest in equitable solutions that will help bring healthy all-electric appliances into environmental justice communities,” said Feby Boediarto, CEJA. “California’s EJ communities experience some of the dirtiest air in the country with vanishingly few options for affordable clean solutions. By helping more people install non-polluting appliances, the Commission is taking a real step to protect communities overburdened by air pollution. Plus, because heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, households that have gone without air conditioning will finally experience relief during increasingly hot summer days.”

CalMTA’s induction pilot program will increase the availability of 120-volt induction stoves, which can plug directly into a standard household outlet and can be designed to fit into smaller kitchens. Today, the market for 120-volt induction ranges is still very limited, and most available models are pricey luxury appliances. By launching this initiative, California should see more affordable options become available.

Both pilot programs include manufacturer challenges and a comprehensive suite of interventions to encourage manufacturers to produce and distribute these models at scale.