New York Advocates Respond to High Cost of Heating Oil By Pushing All-Electric Building Act

Boro Park 24 Staff

On Monday, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) announced that Upstate New Yorkers can expect heating bills to go up 30% or more over the next few months as wholesale electricity prices are expected to rise sharply this winter.

One reason for the increases in heating costs given by State of Politics is the disruptions to the supply of oil and gas from Eastern Europe. Yet, while many buildings are currently heated by oil or gas, new buildings can move away from fossil fuels. 

The “All-Electric Building Act” (S6843C/A8431B), sponsored by New York State Assemblymember Emily Gallagher and Senator Brian Kavanagh, would require new buildings to be powered by electricity instead of fossil fuels. The legislation would only apply in 2024 to new buildings under seven stories high and taller buildings in 2027. 

A new report published by Win Climate calculated that New York homeowners could expect to save an average of $904 a year on heating bills under the All-Electric Building Act. 

The All-Electric Building Act bill is expected to be included in Governor Kathy Hochul’s January next executive budget.