The state ban of gas stoves reaches a boiling point
While there is still nearly a year before the state ban on new gas hookups takes effect for a segment of New York, the “gas vs electric stove” debate is already on fire, pun intended. Differing perspectives among chefs, environmentalists, and residents, to name a few, are being made loud and clear. In fact, even the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued conflicting statements regarding plans to ban gas stoves, which triggered an outcry on social media and news outlets last week.
New Yorkers, along with California and Illinois residents, are the largest populations in the U.S. using gas stoves, which is why you will more likely hear fervent debates here versus in the south. According to a 2020 report by the US Energy Information Administration, only 38 percent of American households (nearly 30 million) use gas stoves and ovens.
For residents who now have health and safety concerns around gas stoves—given the recent media frenzy—but are not ready to make the move to electric; induction ranges are another alternative. Not only can they boil water in half the time of a conventional stove, but they can also be portable and offer a safer and more energy-efficient way of cooking. Induction cooktops are popular in Europe where in 2020 they made up 35 percent of the market share. Contrarily, they only make up 10 percent of the market share in the U.S.
Either way, this potential ban is being followed closely by various industries and professions including home designers, who are looking at different manufacturer alternatives to gas stoves; city chefs and restaurateurs who are voicing concerns about the devastating effect it could have on their businesses; and real estate developers who are already looking at plan revisions for new developments.
The new statewide measure proposed by Governor Kathy Hochul won’t take effect until December 2023 for buildings under seven stories, and developers of taller buildings have until 2027 to comply. That gives some New Yorkers, depending on where they live or plan to move, a little time to research and prepare for what might be inevitable. As one NYC broker pointed out, “gas stoves are always more coveted”, so clearly it sounds like it will be an adjustment for many New Yorkers.