News Release
June 29, 2026
Energy Smart Eastside installs 1,000th heat pump
Recipients healthier and more comfortable as they support climate goals
Energy Smart Eastside, a collaboration of six Eastside cities supporting equitable access to clean home energy solutions, has helped 1,000 households install heat pumps.
Installed over the last four years, since ESE launched in 2022, those heat pumps have helped reduce emissions from residential energy use, one of the region’s largest sources of climate pollution, cutting more than 31,000 metric tons of carbon emissions so far. That’s roughly equivalent to taking 7,231 cars off the road for one year over the lifetime of the equipment.
The milestone 1,000th installation took place at the home of Issaquah resident Jenni Treadway. Since heat pumps provide cooling as well as heating, she said she is looking forward to the cooler summers, a better night’s sleep and being able to chat with family during a movie without noise from fans.
“It’s so exciting to be part of the program,” Treadway said. “It’s made a difference in our community and I’m hoping we can be a role model for other communities.”
Advocating for her community
After moving with her family from Nebraska to Washington, Treadway and her family faced the unprecedented summer temperatures of 2021. Motivated to find a long-term cooling solution, she began investigating heat pumps for her condominium community, Ashford at Vista Park, part of the A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) affordable homeownership program.
Treadway reached out to the City of Issaquah and was connected to the ESE program. She advocated, not only for herself, but also for her community by coordinating contractors and helping establish policies about heat pump installations on her homeowners’ board.
ESE covered the full cost of heat pumps for five income-qualified households and provided substantial rebates for 17 additional moderate-income households. Combined with discounted contractor pricing, these incentives reduced out-of-pocket costs for residents who purchased their own systems from about $14,000 down to $6,000 — a substantial savings compared with typical ductless heat pump installations.
About Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are a key technology named in local climate action plans to reduce residential carbon emissions. They also make homes more comfortable by providing reliable heating in the winter, air conditioning in the summer and long-term home energy savings.
About Energy Smart Eastside
Energy Smart Eastside, a program of the Eastside Climate Partnership, includes the cities of Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Redmond and Sammamish. The partnership collaborates on programs that reduce regional sources of climate pollution and advance collective sustainability. Learn more about ESE programs at EnergySmartEastside.org.
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April 17, 2025
Energy Smart Eastside Releases 2024 Annual Report Highlighting Climate Progress, Economic Impact, and Community Partnerships
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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October 21, 2024
Energy Smart Eastside Secures $3.15 Million State Grant for Heat Pump Transition
Grant will fund energy-efficient electric heat pumps for income-qualified residents across Eastside cities.
Residents of Eastside cities—Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Redmond, and Sammamish—now have greater access to incentives aimed at replacing gas furnaces with energy-efficient electric heat pumps.
Formed in 2022, Energy Smart Eastside provides Eastside residents with information, access to incentives, and assistance in transitioning to heat pumps. These highly efficient heating and cooling systems use less energy than traditional electric or gas systems, reducing both energy consumption and utility bills.
Thanks to $3.15 million in funding secured from the state’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Grant Program, part of Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, Energy Smart Eastside and the City of Renton will offer free or reduced-cost heat pump installations to income-qualified households.
With this grant, Energy Smart Eastside will install up to 115 heat pumps in low-income households and make rebates available to over 300 moderate income households.
Program Benefits for All Income Levels
Community members at any income level can benefit from manufacturer discounts and education on utility incentives and low-interest financing options. Energy Smart Eastside simplifies the installation process and ensures participants receive professional, high-quality service.
About the Washington Climate Commitment Act
The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Grant is supported with funding from Washington’s 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. For more details on the CCA, visit climate.wa.gov.
How to Apply
For more information or to apply for incentives, visit: energysmarteastside.org.
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Media Contact
Thomas Rush
Communications Manager
City of Issaquah
425-837-3013