Some community members have shared their concerns about the All-Electric Building Act that takes effect in January. There is some confusion about what this new law means for New Yorkers, along with inaccurate claims circulating online about what’s included in the legislation. Addressing these concerns should help ease some fears about the law and empower you to make informed decisions.

Starting in 2026, the All-Electric Building Act will require most new buildings in our state to use electric heat and appliances, replacing the fossil fuels that contribute to climate change. It only impacts new buildings, with exemptions for some industries, like restaurants, hospitals and doctors’ offices, factories, and agricultural buildings. Waivers will be available for new construction projects if it is determined that the local electric grid cannot provide reliable service. Existing buildings will not be impacted by these new requirements, even if they’re being repaired or renovated. Rest assured, the law will not require you to replace your current gas stove or furnace with an electric alternative, or to replace a broken gas appliance with an electric one. Outdoor gas grills will not be affected.

I know Western New Yorkers particularly fear the impacts of mandating all-electric homes because of the perceived benefits of gas furnaces during severe winter weather. Many residents are concerned that the push for all-electric homes will be dangerous during power outages, especially for seniors. Recall, however, that a gas furnace does not provide heat during a power outage. In the 1980s, furnace manufacturers started designing furnaces with electronic ignitions and blowers. When the electricity goes out, so do the elements in these gas furnaces. Certainly, a power outage is always inconvenient and sometimes dangerous (as we saw in December of 2022), but having an electric furnace does not place anyone in greater danger than a gas furnace. Significantly for us in Western New York, the law allows for the installation of gas-powered emergency generators.

With respect to gas-powered appliances, New York is an outlier nationwide for the percentage of households owning a gas stove, coming in at around 62%. Gas-powered appliances are already uncommon in other states, with electric stoves in 92% of Florida households for example, and 90% of North Carolina households. The states with the highest percentage of gas stoves are California and New Jersey at roughly 70%. While many people are simply more accustomed to cooking on a gas stove, studies have shown that gas stoves contribute to unhealthy indoor air quality and increased levels of childhood asthma.

Despite concerns related to the All-Electric Buildings Act, the greater threat to us is the continued strengthening of winter storms and the increasing occurrence of extreme weather events due to climate change. I note that the rationale behind this law is that buildings contribute to 32% of greenhouse gas emissions in New York State. Additionally, our reliance on fossil fuels is putting stress on our water infrastructure and nearly every industry across the state, such as farming, forestry, and transportation.

Climate change affects us all. The All-Electric Building Act is just one step towards ending our dependence on fossil fuels and protecting the planet for future generations. If you’re considering building a new home or renovating an existing one, induction stoves, geothermal systems and heat pumps are all viable alternatives to natural gas, reducing greenhouse emissions and promoting energy efficiency. If you have any questions or concerns about this legislation or any community issue, please contact my office at 716-634-1895 or McMahonK@nyassembly.gov.