Substitute House Bill No. 7019 mandates the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to conduct a study on potential incentives for replacing residential electric resistance heating systems with more energy-efficient alternatives, such as heat pumps. The study will assess the prevalence of electric resistance heating systems in the state, evaluate existing incentive programs, analyze the costs and benefits of replacements, provide recommendations for new or enhanced state incentive programs, and identify barriers to participation in these programs. The findings of the study are to be reported to the relevant joint standing committee of the General Assembly by February 1, 2026.

The bill introduces new legal language, specifically a new section that outlines the requirements for the study, while there are no deletions from current law. The fiscal impact of the bill is expected to be negligible, as the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has the necessary resources to conduct the study without incurring additional costs.