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Alliance for a Green Economy Files Comments Re: Amendments to Gas Utility’s 100 Foot Rule
On July 14, 2026, Alliance for a Green Economy or AGREE filed comments regarding Staff’s proposed regulatory changes to 16 NYCRR Part 230.
AGREE opposes two utility proposals, arguing they conflict with the amended New York Public Service Law.
Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE) includes Building Decarbonization Coalition, Earthjustice, Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, New Yorkers for Clean Power, Rewiring America, Sierra Club, WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
AGREE contend the law requires new gas customers to pay the actual costs of connecting service, not a historic average or fixed fee, and that using average costs would shift cost overrun risks to existing ratepayers. If an average cost approach is adopted, they request transparent reporting and regular updates to ensure charges reflect actual costs.
AGREE also oppose Corning’s request to exempt gas-only utilities from the proposed regulations, arguing the NYPSC lacks the authority to create an exemption that is inconsistent with the statute.
As reported previously on May 19, 2026 the New York Commission issued a Notice Soliciting Comments regarding Staff’s Draft Revisions to Part 230 (100-Foot Rule)
The NYPSC opened this proceeding to consider broad issues related to planning by the natural gas utilities. The proceeding is a result of the supply constraints recently identified by several utilities in the state, which set off controversial attempts by the utilities to institute moratoria on connecting new natural gas customers to the distribution system.
In its instituting order, the NYPSC said, “Gas utilities need to learn from recent experience and adopt improved planning and operational practices that enable them to meet current customer needs and expectations in a transparent and equitable way while minimizing infrastructure investments and maintaining safe and reliable service. Additionally, planning must be conducted in a manner consistent with the recently enacted Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).”
