The NYCHA Journal

The NYCHA Journal has informed and inspired residents since 1970, covering the news, contributions, and uplifting stories of the NYCHA community while providing the latest information on Authority initiatives.

Cooking on induction stove
Sustainability Top Story 

Bronx Development Gets First Induction Stoves in Move to Become Fully Electrified

Vincent Echavaria

Ten Bronx residents have joined NYCHA’s efforts for a cleaner environment at their building and beyond by shifting their cooking to electric-powered stoves.  

The residents of 1471 Watson Avenue received their free induction stoves in February, thanks to a partnership between NYCHA and the nonprofit WE ACT for Environmental Justice. The 10 initial stove installations are part of NYCHA’s larger effort to completely electrify all energy uses, such as heating and cooling, domestic hot water, and cooking, at this single-building development.  

When full electrification is completed, including an induction stove in every apartment as well as window heat pumps, the 96-unit development will become the first building at NYCHA to convert from gas to electric use. NYCHA is leveraging multiple funding streams to complete the project. The initiative meets the goals of the Authority’s Sustainability Agenda, a roadmap for creating safer and healthier homes for residents across the city. 

“To be a part of making the first building at NYCHA fully electric is amazing,” remarked Edwin Mendez, NYCHA’s Acting Deputy Director of Energy and Sustainability, noting that construction is slated to begin in early 2023 for the electrification upgrades. “As we electrify our buildings, we lower NYCHA’s and New York City’s carbon output.”  

NYCHA’s Vice President for Energy and Sustainability Vlada Kenniff added: “This is a building where every combustion-based technology will be removed and everything will be operating on clean energy. Instead of doing just one piece, we are trying to complete as much work as possible in this building to get the comprehensive repairs that this building needs.”  

Yovanka Disla is one of the residents at 1471 Watson Avenue who received a new induction stove through a partnership between NYCHA and WE ACT for Environmental Justice.

WE ACT is installing electric induction stoves as part of its Out of Gas, In with Justice pilot program, which aims to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy in affordable housing by eliminating gas stoves. According to WE ACT, induction stoves heat more quickly, efficiently, safely, and evenly than gas stoves while helping to reduce indoor air pollution caused by cooking with gas. With an induction stovetop, only the cookware gets heated.  

Mr. Mendez said the first group of electric stove recipients at 1471 Watson Avenue have enjoyed their new way of cooking in their homes. In addition to the stove, the residents were provided with induction-compatible cookware, and they attended a cooking session on how to properly use the new range.  

As part of the campaign to completely electrify 1471 Watson, the development is participating in the Weatherization Assistance Program, which is replacing windows, upgrading LED lighting in common areas and apartments, improving ventilation, and replacing some aerators, showerheads, and refrigerators to increase energy efficiency throughout the building.

Apartments will receive improvements such as window heat pumps and LED lighting upgrades as part of electrification and weatherization efforts at 1471 Watson Avenue.

Feature photo caption: Angela Norales, a resident at 1471 Watson Avenue, cooks a meal on her recently installed electric induction stove.