A landlord in Queens is facing exorbitant gas heating bills from Con Edison, prompting him to make a drastic decision to switch to dirtier home heating oil to warm one of his buildings. John Norton, the residential-building owner, attributed the soaring costs to New York’s “green” mandates, which are making natural gas more expensive for customers like himself.
Norton, who is already struggling to keep up with his bills, shared a recent Con Ed statement with The Post, revealing that the cost of gas delivery to one of his buildings was three times higher than the price of the gas supply itself. His total bill for gas delivery for a month amounted to $451.78, with an additional $149.45 for the gas supply, and a $200 late fee, bringing the total to $801.23.
With Con Edison proposing significant rate hikes for the upcoming year, Norton is opting to invest in a $7,000 high-efficiency oil-hot-water boiler for his building to replace the costly gas supply. By purchasing home heating oil directly, he anticipates saving hundreds of dollars each month on heating costs.
Congressman Ritchie Torres criticized Con Edison’s delivery charges, approved by state regulators, as disproportionately burdening working-class and middle-class New Yorkers compared to customers of other gas utilities in the city. Despite the backlash, Con Edison defended the delivery charges, citing the costs of maintaining a reliable energy system and complying with safety standards.
In response to the escalating energy costs, Norton is taking steps towards sustainability by building a solar-powered home with a battery storage system along the Rockaway Peninsula. His ultimate goal is to become completely “off the grid” and reduce his reliance on traditional utility services.
As New York continues to enforce stringent environmental regulations, including the transition to fully electric buildings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, residents like Norton are grappling with the economic implications of these mandates. While striving to embrace green initiatives, individuals are also seeking ways to manage their utility expenses and explore alternative energy solutions for a more sustainable future.
