PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – The battle over gas-powered appliances is heating up after New York’s governor included a partial ban on them in some new construction.
Gas stoves could soon be phased out as New York inches closer to the implementation of its all-electric building law for new construction.
Nathan Wilson, owner of Wilson’s Appliance in Plattsburgh, said gas stoves make up a large portion of their business.
“We’ve been selling gas stoves for over a 100 years,” Wilson said. “Gas stoves make up about 40% of our total market of sales. So, about 60% electric, 40% gas.”
New York Lawmakers voted to approve the ban two years ago in a bid to move away from fossil fuels. The first phase will include new buildings below seven stories and some commercial properties, with the second expanding to all taller and commercial construction.
While existing structures, restaurants, and hospitals are exempt, Wilson said he believes the mandate could still affect the North Country more than other areas in the state. “A lot of homes just can’t use an electric stove in rural areas, in areas where the grid just won’t support the kind of power you need for a stove with multiple burners, larger than a traditional 30-inch stove,” Wilson said.
For Clinton County officials, it’s a law they’re keeping their eye on as they’re attempting to build more housing amid the shortage.
“We are out here trying to create housing, not make it harder to create housing. So, if there is an increased cost associated with that, that would be concerning,” said Molly Ryan, executive director of the Clinton County Industrial Development Agency.
The issue has garnered so much attention that the state’s Republican congressional delegation, including Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, is pushing for a new federal bill in response. “New York families deserve affordable, reliable energy, not at higher and higher costs from Kathy Hochul,” Stefanik said.
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