NEW YORK — After years of grappling with persistent gas leaks, Ed Yaker and his fellow board members at a large New York City co-op faced frequent disruptions due to gas shut-offs. These incidents often left residents unable to use their stoves for extended periods while waiting for costly gas line repairs.
The introduction of an innovative solution by a California startup called Copper piqued Yaker’s interest. The company developed a four-burner electric induction stove and oven that conveniently plugs into a standard electrical outlet. Unlike many electric stoves that require a 240-volt connection, this device functions on 120 volts, bypassing the need for extensive rewiring and the associated expenses.
“Deciding on this option was straightforward,” Yaker mentioned while showcasing a quart of water boiling rapidly in about two minutes. An advocate for energy efficiency, Yaker has studied energy and climate issues extensively, making the transition an easy choice for him.
The health benefits of switching to electric cooking should not be ignored. With 47 million Americans using gas stoves, there are growing concerns about the pollutants they emit, such as nitrogen dioxide and benzene, which have been linked to respiratory issues and cancer. Rob Jackson, a Stanford University environmental scientist, highlighted these risks, pointing out the pollutants released each time a gas stove is used. This revelation prompted Jackson himself to switch to an electric stove after witnessing the immediate rise in pollutant levels.
Induction stoves address the environmental impact of building emissions from heating, cooling, and cooking. While traditional gas stoves lose half their heat to the surrounding environment, electric stoves boast up to 80% efficiency. Induction stoves surpass these figures, reaching up to 90% efficiency by directly heating the cookware.
Even when gas stoves are not active, they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions due to methane leaks from connections. Jackson’s research equates the climate impact of these emissions in U.S. homes to the carbon emissions from 500,000 gasoline-powered vehicles.
Copper’s new electric stoves feature a smart battery that charges during off-peak times, allowing users to avoid high electricity rates. However, the advanced technology comes at a price, with early adopters like Yaker relying on government incentives to manage costs. A federal tax credit reduced his purchase price from $6,000 to $4,200.
An agreement has been reached with the New York City Housing Authority to acquire 10,000 of these stoves, priced at a maximum of $3,200 each, scheduled for delivery in 2026. Additionally, Eden Housing in California has incorporated Copper stoves into one of its apartment buildings with the aid of local programs and plans to extend this initiative further.
Resident Jolene Cardoza praised the design and cleanliness of the new stoves. With her daughter’s asthma exacerbated by their former gas stove, she welcomes the eco-friendly option. Still, transitioning has not been seamless for everyone. Tenant Monica Moore noted changes in cooking results, particularly with her cornbread, and expressed the inconvenience of adapting cookware to the new technology.
But for advocates like Jackson, the transition is crucial for reducing individual greenhouse emissions. “Electrifying our homes is an actionable step toward minimizing our greenhouse gas footprint,” he emphasized, encouraging focus on both housing and automotive sectors.
Overall, embracing electric cooking appliances presents a viable path forward for urban energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
Innovative Stove Connects to Standard Outlets
