NYS Assembly votes to abandon '100-foot rule' that provides free natural gas connections to new homes

ALBANY — The State Assembly on Monday passed a bill to eliminate the decades-old “100-foot-rule,” which requires utilities to provide natural gas connections to new homes at a cost of more than $200 million a year for all ratepayers.

The bill, which passed 88 to 56 in the Assembly on Monday and 34 to 25 in the State Senate on June 12, aims to save ratepayers money and decrease new gas hookups. It comes as the state looks to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy under the 2019 climate law, as well as transition to building electrification.

“The fact is, getting off fossil fuels is safer and healthier for everybody,” Assemb. Jo Anne Simon (D-Brooklyn), the bill’s sponsor, said during the floor discussion.

“Under this bill the person who is requesting that connection pays for their own connection,” she said, adding that it’s “fair and equitable.”

The more than 40-year-old provision of public service law currently requires companies to automatically extend gas lines for new buildings or homes within 100 feet of an existing gas main at no cost to the customer. The cost is spread among all gas ratepayers.

The bill would instead shift the cost of new gas hookups to new customers if they choose to have a gas hookup installed. The new rule would not apply to projects that have already applied for gas hookups.

The measure was met with opposition, particularly from Long Island Republicans, gas companies and fiscally conservative groups who said the bill would increase costs for those building homes at a time when housing already is at a premium, and would mean fewer union jobs witth fewer gas hookup projects. They also questioned the state’s electric grid capacity.

The bill now heads to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her consideration and would take effect once signed. Hochul spokesman Avi Small said in an email that the governor would review the legislation.

The vote on the controversial measure took place amid heightened security at the State Capitol in Albany, including an increased State Police presence with officers guarding the Assembly Chamber’s entrance, one holding a large rifle, after the targeted shootings of state officials in Minnesota on Saturday. Minnesota Democratic former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in their home and Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, were injured at their home 9 miles away, according to The Associated Press.