NY HEAT: escaping from gas while keeping energy affordable
The NY HEAT Act (short for New York Home Energy Affordable Transition Act) is one of the most important climate and energy justice bills in New York State. It’s designed to help the state transition off fossil fuels, lower utility bills, and align utility regulation with New York’s climate goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
It is supported by 300+ climate organizing groups and widely supported by the NY senate and assembly members who have tried to pass this bill for years.
Below, here is an update on what's in it and what we won in the 2025 legislative season. To stay updated, follow NY Renews.
1: Stop Expanding Fossil Fuel Infrastructure
With the “100-foot rule,” New York law requires gas utilities to offer free gas hookups for new buildings within 100 feet of an existing gas main while forcing existing customers to cover the cost. That’s about $177–$200 million / year. NY HEAT aimed to repeal that rule.
2025 Status: Win. It passed as a standalone bill (S8417 / A8888)! But as of July, it’s awaiting Governor Hochul’s signature.
2: Make Energy Affordable
Energy bills are crushing New Yorkers low- and moderate-income households. NY HEAT proposes a cap on energy bills for them, so that no more than 6% of their household income can go to energy bills. This could save many families $75/month or more.
2025 Status: Loss. This provision stalled in the Assembly again in 2025.
3: Align Utilities with the Climate and Just Transition
Right now, utilities are legally required to maintain gas service — even as the state tries to electrify and decarbonize. This creates massive contradictions and costs. HEAT would:
Require utilities to develop transition plans, including retiring parts of the gas system where possible, instead of automatically replacing them.
Modernize Public Service Law so that utility regulators (the Public Service Commission) can prioritize climate goals, electrification, and justice in utility planning.
Prevent utilities from making unnecessary investments in gas pipelines that ratepayers will be stuck paying off for decades.
Status: Loss. These reforms were not included in the final legislative package.
