Overview
- Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the repeal on Dec. 19, ending a policy that let most new customers get up to 100 feet of gas piping at no charge, with the change taking effect after a 12‑month delay.
- The rule, traced by Public Service Commission staff to at least 1890, shifted installation costs to existing ratepayers and in some cases covered up to 200 feet for gas-heating customers.
- Supporters say ending the subsidy will save current customers hundreds of millions of dollars annually, with cited estimates ranging from roughly $200 million to as high as $600 million statewide.
- Utilities and some lawmakers warn the shift will raise upfront costs for builders and new homeowners, with National Grid estimating an average Upstate hookup around $7,000 and much higher costs Downstate.
- Key implementation questions remain for regulators, including treatment of developer deposits, specific distance allowances, cost allocation, and coordination with the separately delayed All‑Electric Buildings Act.