Buffalo, NY (WBEN) New climate rules in New York State are beginning to raise the eyebrows of consumers with the realization that gas stoves, washers and dryers will be a thing of the past in new homes and businesses built in the state by 2030.
New guidelines are aimed at making appliances electric-only in new builds.
Jim Kelly of Kelly's Appliances of Orchard Park says those who already own gas appliances need not worry, as they should be grandfathered under the new rules. But moving forward, there won't be a choice. "If you're a new build, and you have to abide with the new regulations, you're going to have to put electric in your home," says Kelly.
Kelly says 70 percent of his customers buy gas appliances. But they'll have to make an adjustment. "I just think that again, the the government is going to mandate what we're going to do and people are going to have to adapt to it," says Kelly. He notes gas was supposed to be cheaper, but right now, the average gas bill is going up 51%. But he says he sells electric appliances as well, so he doesn't believe his business will be affected.
Michael Blum of All Parts Appliance and Service says he understands why the state is doing this, but also notes people love their gas appliances. "We sold a ton of them and service a lot of them," he says. Blum estimates his sales of gas appliances over electric may be as high as four to one.
Blum believes the change may not happen in 2030. "I don't think it's going to come as quick as they're talking, it'll probably be in (the) courts for a while to stop it," says Blum. He says customers won't give up their gas appliances without a fight.
Blum says gas appliances bring an advantage over electric. In the event of an outage, a gas stove, for example, can still be used while electric stove users are out of luck for cooking.