URGENT UPDATE: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has just announced the repeal of the 40-year-old “100-foot-rule,” a significant move aimed at increasing affordability for homeowners. This legislation, signed earlier today in New York, will shift the financial burden of new gas line installations away from utility ratepayers.
The rule, established in 1981, mandated that natural gas utility providers cover the costs for the first 100 feet of gas lines to new homes. While initially intended to encourage the transition from more polluting heating sources like coal and oil, Hochul stated that the subsidy has become outdated and no longer serves its original purpose.
“It’s simply unfair, especially when so many people are struggling right now, to expect existing utility ratepayers to foot the bill for a gas hookup at a brand new house that is not their own,” Hochul emphasized in her press release. This change comes at a critical time as families across New York face rising energy costs and economic challenges.
The end of the 100-foot rule is expected to relieve financial pressure on utility ratepayers, which includes many households already grappling with high energy prices. By eliminating this subsidy, the state aims to create a more equitable system that does not penalize existing customers for new developments.
As this legislation takes effect immediately, homeowners planning new construction can expect to bear the full costs of their gas line installations. This shift could lead to lower utility bills for many New Yorkers in the long term, but it raises questions about how new homeowners will manage these upfront costs.
Authorities are urging residents to stay informed about the implications of this new legislation and how it will affect future utility rates. With the energy landscape constantly evolving, this update marks a pivotal moment in New York’s energy policy.
Stay tuned for more developments on how this law will impact New York’s energy future and household budgets.
