S8575A

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Ryan that would amend the Public Service Law to require utility companies to lead large-scale home insulation programs across the state. The bill passed on a 57-0 vote. Ryan explained that the measure addresses housing affordability and energy efficiency by allowing utilities to amortize insulation costs over 25 years, similar to meter upgrades. The legislation targets upstate cities where much of the housing stock predates modern weatherization standards. According to Ryan, utilities estimate they could reach approximately 20,000 homes per service area over 10 years, potentially saving customers over $16 million in heating bills in Buffalo alone. Ryan also highlighted the bill's potential to prevent evictions caused by high winter utility bills, a hidden driver of housing instability in low-income communities. The measure would represent the first time New York uses this infrastructure improvement strategy for residential insulation and would transition utility companies' existing trained, unionized workforces to insulation work. Ryan noted that while utilities indicated the plan was feasible, they were not enthusiastic about the requirement.