Griffo urges governor to Veto the bill that would preserve the 100-foot rule for gas service

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.”

I 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 semce
connections 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.
Natural gas remains a critical, affordable and reliable energy source for millions of New Yorkers. 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. Additionally, natural gas plays an essential role in public safety. During the deadly 2022 Buffalo blizzard, many homes retained heat through natural gas sendce, helping to prevent further loss of life. Last winter, Central New York and the Mohawk Valley faced a particularly harsh winter. Winter has arrived early and harsh once again this year. It would be simply cruel to cut a vital lifeline in the middle of winter to so many households.

The New York Independent System Operator has also raised concerns about electric grid reliability, warning of tight capacity margins and the risks posed by rapid electrification. Eliminating the 100-foot rule could hasten an unsustainable transition, pushing more
customers to rely on an already overburdened electric grid without sufficient generation or storage capacity. This could lead to blackouts, higher energy costs and grid instability.
While I support the state’s commitment to a clean energy future, the path to that future must be practical, affordable and reliable. We must pursue a diverse energy portfolio that protects our consumers, not one that restricts their choices. Policies that undermine
affordability and energy security, especially for working families, will only erode public confidence and create deep economic challenges. Pausing problematic energy policies is a welcome step, and I am pleased that you have now recognized and realized such action is
necessary. However, I continue to believe that a full reversal of these harmful policies is what is ultimately needed and is in the best interest of New Yorkers.

Thank you for your consideration.

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