Eliminating the 100-foot rule is just another blow to affordability in New York
July 2, 2025
In response to the passage of S.8417 (Krueger) / A.8888 (Simon), the Senate Republican Conference, penned a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul calling for a veto of this destructive legislation. The bill, which passed both houses during the final hours of the 2025 Legislative session, would eliminate New York’s long standing “100-foot rule” for natural gas service.
This “100-foot rule” requires utilities to cover the cost of new gas service connections located within 100 feet of an existing main. S.8417/A.8888 repeals the 100 foot rule, which will result in shifting these costs, which range from $2,500 to $10,000 per building, to residents and businesses. The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) has also indicated eliminating the 100-foot rule could accelerate an unsustainable transition, pushing more customers to depend on an already overstressed electric grid without adequate generation or storage capacity.
“We write to respectfully urge you to veto Senate Bill No. 8417 (Krueger) / Assembly Bill No. 8888 (Simon), which would eliminate New York’s long standing “100-foot rule” for natural gas service. This rule currently requires utilities to cover the cost of new gas service connections located within 100 feet of an existing main. The proposed legislation would shift these costs—ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 per building—to customers, placing an undue burden on homeowners, builders, and renters across the state,” the letter reads.
This commonsense rule ensures that utilities, not property owners, cover the cost of connecting to natural gas when a building is within 100 feet of a gas main. Without it, families and small businesses could face thousands in unexpected costs just to access basic heat and energy. Banning affordable, reliable energy and shifting the cost to families is not a climate solution. Natural gas is still essential for heating our homes, keeping the lights on, and preventing blackouts as our electric grid is pushed to the brink. If the Governor is serious about affordability, she must reject this bill," said Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.
Full letter attached.
