New York’s 2026 All-Electric Rule: What It Means for Gas & Propane in New Construction
Starting January 1, 2026, most new homes and low-rise buildings (≤7 stories) built anywhere in New York State must be all-electric. That means no natural gas or propane equipment (and no new gas piping to serve it) in new construction permitted after that date. Taller buildings follow in 2029. NYSenate.govDepartment of State
Below is a plain-English guide to who’s affected, what’s covered, and how to plan your project.
The Quick Version
When: Applies to building permit applications filed on/after Dec 31, 2025 (practically, Jan 1, 2026) for buildings ≤7 stories; expands to all new buildings on Jan 1, 2029. Department of State
What: Prohibits installing fossil-fuel equipment and building systems (e.g., gas/propane furnaces, boilers, water heaters, stoves, dryers, and the associated fuel piping) in new construction. Department of State
Where: Statewide, including Long Island (NYC has similar rules on its own timeline). NYSenate.govNYC
Existing homes: You can keep using and repairing your existing gas/propane systems; renovations and additions to existing buildings are not pulled into the ban. Department of State
Who Is Affected?
New 1–2 family homes, townhouses, and low-rise multifamily (≤7 stories): all-electric if the initial permit application is filed on/after Dec 31, 2025. Department of State
All other new buildings: all-electric starting with permit applications after Dec 31, 2028 (so, effectively Jan 1, 2029). NYSenate.gov
The rule keys off the date your building permit application is submitted and deemed “substantially complete.” If you’re in design now, timing matters. DPS Documents
What Counts as “Gas/Propane Hookups”?
New York defines the ban broadly: it covers both fossil-fuel-burning equipment (like boilers, furnaces, tank/tankless water heaters, gas ranges, gas dryers, gas fireplaces) and building systems that supply, distribute, or deliver fossil fuel to the building. In other words, no installing new gas or propane piping to serve these uses in new construction covered by the law. Department of State
Key Exemptions (What’s Still Allowed)
Some uses are fully exempt, and others are conditional (with limits):
Always allowed in new buildings:
Emergency/standby generators (backup power)
Manufactured homes
Certain agricultural buildings, critical infrastructure, hospitals/medical facilities
Department of State+1
Conditionally allowed (but not for space heating or domestic hot water):
Commercial kitchens/food establishments, laboratories, laundromats, car washes, crematoria, manufacturing—with requirements to be “electrification-ready” and minimize emissions. Department of State
Grid capacity exemption: If the local utility determines in writing that adequate electric service cannot reasonably be provided to your site on schedule, fossil-fuel systems may be permitted. Standards for this process are set by the Public Service Commission. Department of State
What About Existing Homes, Renovations, and Additions?
The prohibition does not apply to buildings that already exist before the applicable date.
You can repair, replace, or add onto an existing building and continue to use fossil-fuel equipment there.
Department of State
(Note: NYC’s Local Law 154 has its own rules and dates; check if your project is in the five boroughs.) NYC
Why This Is Happening
New York enacted the All-Electric Buildings requirement in 2023 and finalized code updates in 2025 to implement it. A recent federal court decision declined to block the law, and the Code Council approved the regulations to start the 2026 rollout. NYSenate.govTimes UnionEarthjustice
How to Plan an All-Electric New Build (What We Recommend)
Heating & Cooling: Specify cold-climate heat pumps (ducted or mini-split); consider variable-refrigerant flow for larger homes.
Hot Water: Use heat pump water heaters (hybrid or split systems).
Cooking: Choose induction or high-performance electric ranges.
Dryers & Fireplaces: Go electric dryer and electric fireplace (or design for architectural focal features without open flames).
Electrical Service: Coordinate service size and panel capacity early; design “electrification-ready” pathways for future upgrades.
Back-Up Power: Natural-gas/propane standby generators remain permitted for emergency use; battery storage is also worth exploring. Department of State
Rebates & incentives: NYSERDA and federal IRA incentives can offset costs for heat pumps, panels, and weatherization. NYSERDA
Timing Scenarios (Examples)
New house in Huntington: If your permit application is submitted January 10, 2026, the home must be designed all-electric. Department of State
Four-story condo filed in November 2025: If the application is substantially complete before Dec 31, 2025, the fossil-fuel prohibition doesn’t apply. Department of State
Twelve-story building: The prohibition applies to permit applications after Dec 31, 2028 (effective Jan 1, 2029). NYSenate.gov
Final Take
If you’re planning new construction in 2026 (or beyond), assume all-electric from day one. If you’re renovating or adding on to an existing home, you can keep your current gas/propane systems—but it’s a great time to compare total cost of ownership for modern electric alternatives.
Have questions about your specific project on Long Island? We’re happy to review plans, confirm whether any exemptions apply, and design an all-electric package that hits your budget and schedule.
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