In April 2026, BayREN’s Efficiency and Sustainable Energy (EASE) Home Program added induction cooking to the suite of home upgrade measures available to Bay Area residents in single family homes. Upgrading through BayREN includes a set of compatible induction cookware and most electrical infrastructure upgrades. To be eligible, the induction cooktop must replace an existing gas stove. Customers can choose from three product options based on their household needs.
How induction cooking benefits residents:
- Healthier indoor air: Induction cooking eliminates combustion in the kitchen and avoids harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide that are associated with gas stoves (Stanford, 2025).
- Safer, high‑performance cooking: Induction is fast, precise, and energy efficient, with built‑in safety features and a cooler cooking surface.
- A low‑maintenance and modern option: With fewer moving parts and no open flame, induction cooktops are easier to clean and maintain, offering a durable solution that fits well into long‑term home improvement plans.
This addition aligns with the EASE Home Program’s goals to improve health, safety, and comfort for Bay Area residents.
“We’re improving home energy efficiency and helping middle- and lower-income residents gain access to healthier kitchens.” says Jillian Du, program manager. With a customer co‑pay capped at 20% of the project cost, EASE Home makes essential improvements like insulation, duct sealing, and now induction more attainable for moderate‑income households.
Bay Area residents can learn more about the EASE Home Program and find out if they qualify at www.BayREN.org/EASE-home.
Not convinced about induction cooking? Watch BayREN cook with Chef Tú David Phu, Oakland native and Top Chef alumnus, as he makes perfectly crispy bánh xèo using an induction cooktop.
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