Momentum Builds for 100-Foot Rule Repeal: Advocates Hail Con Ed for Endorsing Law To Save Money for Customers

Public Support from Utility Signals Growing Consensus, Except for Fossil Fuel Companies, Around Pro-Consumer Legislation; 100-Foot Rule Repeal Awaiting Governor Hochul's Signature by December 31

NEW YORK, NY (11/24/2025) (readMedia)-- Advocates hailed Con Edison today for its clear public support for legislation to repeal the "100-foot rule," an outdated subsidy that forces New Yorkers to pay nearly $600 million extra on their energy bills every year to expand the state's gas distribution network. In a statement to News12 Brooklyn, the utility company stated:

"Con Edison recognizes the need to advance the clean energy future, and we support the legislative repeal of the 100-foot rule entitlement."

In response, Spring Street Climate Fund President John Raskin issued the following statement:

"Energy bills are crushing New Yorkers, and everyone from consumer advocates to Con Edison agrees it's time to repeal the 100-foot rule so we can help families struggling to get by. Getting rid of this unnecessary cost is a simple, common-sense fix that will save New Yorkers nearly $600 million every year on our energy bills. With winter coming and gas bills climbing, Governor Hochul should put money back in people's pockets and sign the 100-foot rule repeal into law before it's too late."

As more families struggle to afford their energy bills, Albany lawmakers voted in June to end the outdated 100-foot rule subsidy. Now Governor Hochul, who is reportedly considering signing the bill, can save New Yorkers money by signing it into law.

Background

As the cost of building and maintaining our aging gas infrastructure continues to rise, New Yorkers are seeing their bills climb year over year. Since 2022, every major New York gas utility has raised costs on consumers, causing more than 1.2 million families to fall behind on their energy bills.

Today, 1 in 4 New York households cannot afford their energy bills, according to an estimate from the Alliance for a Green Economy. At the same time, the Trump administration has cut LIHEAP, a crucial energy assistance program which New York relies on more than any other state, and suspended the federal Weatherization Assistance Program - both of which help fill the gaps and reduce energy costs for low-income households.