May 30, 2023

Source: Hamlet Hub

Excerpt:

Getting off gas and going all electric over the next 30 years is a massive, net-positive jobs creator, creating more than 200,000 new jobs (more than doubling current employment) in the buildings sector. NY State has passed legislation backing utility thermal networks for district heating and cooling with dramatic energy savings.

Buildings account for a third of New York’s greenhouse gas emissions, and 66 percent of likely New York voters support a statewide proposal to end fossil fuels in new construction. 55 percent are “very concerned” about the cost of their home energy bills. These proposals will help New York meet the Climate Act’s requirement of reducing emissions by 40 percent by 2030 while also saving New Yorkers money.

“Low and middle income New Yorkers could save nearly $1,000 on their utility bills every year. After a winter where New Yorkers across the state were forced to choose between eating and heating because of record-high utility bills, this is $1,000 that hardworking families can instead spend on food, medicine, and rent. Governor Hochul has made it clear that energy affordability is paramount – she must include NY HEAT in the final budget,” said Sonal Jessel, Director of Policy at WE-ACT, a member organization of Better Buildings New York.

Read more: New Yorkers Could Save $1,000 Annually on Utility Bills with NY HEAT Act