A bill sponsored by Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, now signed into law, will allow homeowners heating with propane access to emergency deliveries from alternate suppliers when deliveries are late or missed during times of urgent need (A1451A). Under previous law, propane users who lease tanks were limited to a single supplier, even if that provider was unable to fulfill their request.

“With the coldest months now upon us, it’s more important than ever that New Yorker’s have all the options they need when it comes to heating their homes and keeping their families safe,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, a long-standing member of the NYS Assembly’s Committee on Energy. “But disruptions to propane providers’ delivery schedules over the years have left far too many people in the cold through no fault of their own. By cutting the red tape that previously prevented these homeowners from utilizing alternate suppliers in emergency situations, this commonsense legislation prioritizes the well-being of our community by providing them with more options this winter season.”

Santabarbara authored the legislation after calls started coming into his office from constituents seeking help to keep the heat on when their supplier missed a scheduled delivery, sometimes waiting weeks during some of the coldest months of the year. “This new law will be welcome news for the many families that heat with propane,” Santabarbara noted.

Santabarbara’s new law also: 

• Requires emergency propane providers to complete safety inspections and testing before refilling a tank;
• Prohibits additional fees or penalties for this service; and
• Requires the state Department of Agriculture and Markets and Attorney General’s Office to create a propane consumer bill of rights.