This document outlines the issues surrounding new rules in NY to replace gas stoves and heaters with electric appliances. NYC’s immediate focus is on affordability and compatibility with standard electrical outlets. This creates several challenges that are discussed below.
The New York Power Authority (NYPA), in collaboration with the New York Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), is soliciting proposals for induction cooking stoves that can operate on a standard 120 Volt outlet.
This initiative is driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions in the building sector and address the indoor air quality impacts of gas stoves, with the ultimate goal of electrifying all cooking appliances in buildings, especially in those serving low-income households.
Replace all NYCHA gas stoves with electric induction stoves by 2050 to comply with Local Law 97 and improve living conditions.
The RFP seeks affordable, retrofit-friendly electric induction stoves that run on a 120V, 20-amp outlet, using efficiency, smart controls, and potentially battery integration.
NYCHA estimates a need for approximately 156,000 units over the next 5-10 years to meet emissions targets.
The broader market potential includes over 47 million gas stoves across the U.S., highlighting a significant demand for a 120V induction stove solution.
2. Need for Retrofit-Friendly Solutions: There is a specific emphasis on finding a retrofit-friendly electric induction stove that operates on a standard 120V, 20-amp outlet. This approach aims to avoid costly electrical upgrades and skilled labor, making it possible to install in occupied apartments with minimal resident disruption.
3. NYCHA’s Infrastructure and Retrofit Costs: NYCHA needs approximately 156,000 units over the next 5-10 years to meet emissions targets.
5. NYCHA specifications will result in an abysmal user experience: An induction stove is only about 6% more efficient than a gas stove. Thus any electric stove that is powered by a 20A 120VAC outlet will provide half the cooking power compared to what the occupant is used to.
6. Cost of upgrading: We believe 5 will make NYCHA’s plan unacceptable for most people, which means that building retrofits will be necessary. The challenge is that upgrading a buildings electrical costs around $25,000 per apartment, when it’s possible. According to the architect quoted in the same article, only about 50% of building in NYC will have the space necessary to upgrade.
Heating & Cooling
The incentives are designed to cover a portion of the installation costs, with a cap ensuring that NYSERDA contributions do not exceed 50% of the total eligible costs for market rate projects or 75% for low- or medium-income projects, up to a maximum of $3M in incentives across a corporate parent entity’s portfolio. Participants are encouraged to layer these incentives with other available offerings to maximize the financial support for their projects.