New York, one of the most urbanized states in the United States, has taken a bold step in its fight against climate change. A new law mandates that all newly constructed buildings must run entirely on electricity, eliminating the use of fossil fuels.
The transition will be phased in: starting in 2026, buildings up to 7 stories and 100,000 square feet must be fully electric. By 2029, larger structures will also fall under this requirement. Traditional natural gas and oil boilers, as well as gas stoves, will be replaced with electric solutions such as heat pumps and induction cooktops.
Although initial construction costs are expected to rise, the law projects significant savings in the long run. Energy bills will shrink, with the difference breaking even within 10 years and ultimately leading to about $5,000 in household savings over 30 years. Currently, buildings account for 30% of New York’s total emissions, making this change especially impactful.
The state has also launched an informational website detailing how the grid can handle the increased demand, ongoing upgrades, and the fact that heat pumps remain efficient even at -13 °C (9 °F). It also provides guidance on how residents can access state and federal incentives.
There are exceptions: restaurants, healthcare facilities, factories, and agricultural structures are exempt, as are existing buildings. Only new construction will be affected, and temporary waivers may be granted if the electrical grid cannot meet demand.
In the long run, the law is expected to boost clean energy industries, lower costs, and improve air quality. Innovations such as geothermal and solar-assisted heat pumps and centralized systems that recycle waste heat could become widespread. This might even allow excess heat from supermarket refrigeration to help heat homes.
Beyond environmental benefits, the legislation will encourage architects and builders to adopt more innovative, energy-efficient designs, while also promoting rooftop and façade solar panels as a way for residents to cut electricity bills.