New Analysis Shows Gov. Hochul Can Save NYers Nearly $600M/Year on Energy Bills By Repealing 100-foot Rule

New figures project nearly three times as much in savings as previously expected as New Yorkers struggle to afford rising energy bills; Governor Hochul can sign crucial legislation to stop utilities from raking in record profits by charging New Yorkers more on their energy bills

ALBANY, NY (10/09/2025) (readMedia)-- In Senate testimony last week, the Public Utility Law Project (PULP) included an analysis (page 6-7) that shows New York's gas ratepayers could save an estimated $581 million on their energy bills every single year by repealing the 100-foot rule. The new projection is nearly three times higher than previous savings estimates, and comes as the Governor promises to prioritize legislation that makes life more affordable for everyday people.

"As energy bills rise and life in New York becomes increasingly unaffordable, Governor Hochul could save New Yorkers up to $600 million a year by signing the bill to repeal the 100 foot rule. Any delay locks us into unnecessary and wasteful spending that further enriches the fossil fuel utilities already raking in record profits on the backs of struggling New Yorkers. It's a no-brainer - Governor Hochul must repeal the 100 foot rule now," said Lisa Marshall, Advocacy and Organizing Director New Yorkers for Clean Power.

See PULP's complete analysis and methodology here, on pages 6-7.

The new analysis is based on data from the Public Service Commission's (PSC) August 2022 filing that ordered New York's gas utilities to report their previous spending on gas main extensions.

Earlier this week, Newsday reported that Governor Hochul is considering signing the bill to repeal the 100-foot rule. In response, advocates including League of Conservation Voters, Building Decarbonization Coalition, WE Act for Environmental Justice, and more applauded the Governor for signaling her openness to repealing the 100-foot rule and holding utilities accountable for profiting off New Yorkers' backs.

The Governor's reported interest in repealing the 100-foot rule comes as a new report shows utilities are raking in record profits off of New Yorkers. According to the report, the state's largest utility companies increased their profits by over 63% since 2015 - in large part by expanding the same gas system that is already too expensive for everyday people.

Background

As the cost of building and maintaining our aging gas infrastructure continues to rise, utilities across the state have raised rates to pass those costs onto customers and keep us hooked on a fracked gas system that is already unaffordable. 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, and 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.

As energy bills continue to rise across the country, other states are considering ending similar subsidies for gas utilities. Last month, Massachusetts state regulators issued an order to end their own version of the 100-foot rule, joining California, Colorado, Connecticut, and Maryland as the first states to repeal outdated gas mandates that cost ratepayers more money.