While heating electrification in New England is poised to drive major increase in peak demand, electrifying about 80% of households could reduce the combined cost of the region’s electric and gas systems by 21 to 29%, according to a new study.

The adoption of simple near-term rate reforms could help Massachusetts achieve its electrification goals while minimizing effects on ratepayers, an interagency working group concluded.

EVgo CEO Badar Khan said expanding the availability of fast chargers is “a key ingredient to the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the U.S. automotive industry."

Heat pumps are seen as a core technology for cutting greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S. building stock, where space and water heating and cooling account for 40% of the country’s primary energy use.

While customers spend more on electric bills overall, the home heating portion of EIA’s electricity estimates is almost the same as those for natural gas.

The new report argues that discussions about building electrification largely leave out one key issue: how to prepare the grid for the higher demand and new consumption patterns associated with the shift.

In a reflection of broader disagreements across the New England energy landscape, speakers at a Northeast energy conference presented divergent visions of the future role of natural gas.