[Under current law] gas companies must provide free hookups to new customers within 100 feet of the pipe system. Existing ratepayers subsidize the work.
Getting rid of the so-called 100-foot rule would save ratepayers about $200 million annually and encourage utilities and new customers to explore other energy options.
Beyond what’s in the NYT article, part of the campaign is asking people to call their state legislators and Gov. Hochul. If you’re in New York State, this tool will walk you through connecting to the right offices and leaving a message.
If we want zero emissions, it’s going to mean no fossil fuels. Every new hookup means decades of burning fossil gas.
Not hooking up new buildings is one step along the way; a full retrofit of existing buildings and decommissioning of the gas pipeline network, like Ithaca is already doing, is necessary as well.