New York Gov. Hochul proposes plan for 2 million electrified homes by 2030

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is launching an initiative to have two million electrified or electrification-ready homes by 2030.

In her state of the state address, Hochul is also proposing a plan that would require that all new building construction reaches zero-emissions by 2027.

“To make real progress on climate change, it’s time to tackle major sources of pollution head-on, ensure greener housing is available to all New Yorkers, and pave the way toward a more sustainable future,” Hochul said. “This transformative investment in green infrastructure will cement New York’s status at the forefront of climate action and ensure equity in our transition to a cleaner, greener state.”

To reach these initiatives, Hochul is supporting several legislative actions, including requiring zero on-site greenhouse gas emissions for new construction no later than 2027; upgrading New York’s appliance efficiency standards; mandating energy benchmarking for large buildings; convening the finance, mortgage, and banking industries to help align private capital with this housing sustainability goal; providing the training programs necessary to ensure that New York has a skilled workforce to deliver these services; and introducing legislation to level the playing field for clean energy alternatives and end the obligation to serve customers with natural gas that currently exists in state law.

In addition, the governor will direct New York State Energy and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), Department of Public Service (DPS), and Department of State (DOS) to deliver an executable plan to achieve this goal this year, with a funding proposal and strategies to leverage private capital.

Hochul will also put forward a legislative proposal for new construction building codes that will require new construction statewide to have zero on-site greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2027. Also, New York State’s greenhouse gas reduction objectives would be used in developing the new construction code. In addition, it would update building code cost-effectiveness criteria to account for the full lifetime of installed equipment.