Many folks are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint — switching to electric cars, abandoning single-use plastics, changing travel habits. But when it comes to going green, Electrify Asheville-Buncombe knows there's no place like home.

So the program is encouraging the community to go electric or go home (well, go electric at home).

Power to the program

But let's start with the electrifying essentials. Electrify Asheville-Buncombe was started by a public-private coalition of the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, the North Carolina Clean Energy Fund, Self-Help Credit Union, the Blue Horizons Project, and Let's Go Electric. And put simply, its purpose is to offer education about activities + appliances that contribute to climate change and help community members electrify their residences.

The program aims to work alongside residents in advancing clean energy, and cutting-edge technology isn't really the point — it's about having an environmental impact. The team offers information about efficient and eco-friendly electrified systems (like heat pumps or hot water heaters), conducts personalized home energy audits, created an online electrification marketplace, and partners with local experts to support a cost-effective transition for your home.

Amped up for action

To help you feel empowered to make the change, Electrify Asheville-Buncombe is hosting ElectriFair this Saturday, June 8. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the A-B Tech Conference Center, you'll have a chance to explore the ins and out s of home electrification.

All day, you can meet with vendors and contractors, check out an interactive mobile solar tiny home, and see electric vehicle + e-bike demos. Experts will also hold info sessions on energy audits, electrification basics, financing, and tips for builders.

The event is free to attend, but make sure to register.