In a recent development, the Senate Republican Conference has addressed Governor Kathy Hochul, urging her to veto the newly passed legislation S.8417 (Krueger) / A.8888 (Simon). This bill, which was approved in the final hours of the 2025 Legislative session, proposes to eliminate New York’s “100-foot rule” for natural gas service.
The “100-foot rule” mandates that utilities cover the cost of new gas service connections within 100 feet of an existing main. The repeal of this rule would transfer these costs—ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 per building—to residents and businesses. Concerns have been raised by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which suggests that eliminating this rule could hasten a transition towards greater reliance on an already stressed electric grid lacking sufficient generation or storage capacity.
“We 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,” states the letter from the Senate Republican Conference. It emphasizes that shifting these costs to customers would impose an undue burden on homeowners, builders, and renters across the state.
Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick also expressed concerns: “This commonsense rule ensures that utilities, not property owners, cover the cost of connecting to natural gas when a building is within 100 feet of a gas main. Without it, families and small businesses could face thousands in unexpected costs just to access basic heat and energy.”
She further argued against banning affordable energy solutions: “Banning affordable, reliable energy and shifting the cost to families is not a climate solution. Natural gas is still essential for heating our homes, keeping the lights on, and preventing blackouts as our electric grid is pushed to the brink.”
The letter concludes with a call for Governor Hochul to reject this bill if she prioritizes affordability.
Full letter attached.
