New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo is urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to veto legislation that would eliminate New York’s long standing “100-foot rule” for natural gas service.

 

The “rule” requires utilities to cover the cost of new gas service connections located within 100 feet of an existing main. However, if the legislation (S.8417/A.8888) is signed into law by the governor, it would shift costs for new gas service connections to residents and businesses. These costs can range from $2,500 to $10,000 per building.

 

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has also indicated eliminating the “rule” could accelerate an unsustainable transition, pushing more customers to depend on an already overstressed electric grid without adequate generation or storage capacity.   

 

“Natural gas remains a critical, affordable and reliable energy source for millions of New Yorkers,” Sen. Griffo wrote in a letter to the governor. “Nearly 60% of households statewide use gas as their primary energy source, and in many new housing developments it remains the most cost-effective option, especially as electricity rates continue to rise. As the state continues to grapple with an affordability crisis, we cannot afford to pass off further costs to homeowners or small businesses. Eliminating one of the few mechanisms that helps control construction and energy costs would be counterproductive and hurt a number of consumers.”