Queens Landlord Abandons Natural Gas for Heating Oil as Con Ed Bills Soar

A Queens landlord, struggling with steep gas heating bills from Con Edison, has decided to switch to home heating oil—despite its higher pollution levels. John Norton, a residential building owner, blames New York’s environmental policies for making natural gas unaffordable, forcing him to opt for a cheaper but less eco-friendly alternative.

“I Can’t Afford the Gas Bills Anymore”

Norton, who owns multiple residential properties, says the rising cost of natural gas has left him financially drained. “I can’t afford the gas bills anymore — I’m tapped out,” he admitted, adding that he is already struggling to pay his outstanding balance. His concerns escalated when Con Edison recently announced another round of rate hikes, putting further strain on property owners.

A copy of Norton’s recent Con Ed bill underscores the financial burden he faces. Between October 23 and November 25, the gas bill for one of his three six-family residential buildings totaled $601.23. Shockingly, the delivery charge alone was three times higher than the actual cost of the gas supply.

The Cost of Green Energy Mandates

Norton attributes these soaring costs to New York’s aggressive push for cleaner energy. The state has implemented strict policies to reduce fossil fuel dependence, but critics argue that the financial burden is disproportionately falling on landlords and consumers. With natural gas becoming more expensive due to increased fees and regulations, some property owners are being forced to consider alternative heating sources, even if they are more harmful to the environment.

A Step Back for Sustainability?

Home heating oil, though more polluting than natural gas, is now the more economical option for some landlords. Norton’s decision highlights a critical flaw in current energy policies—rather than encouraging a smooth transition to greener alternatives, high costs may inadvertently push consumers toward cheaper but dirtier fuel options.

As winter sets in and energy costs continue to rise, many landlords and homeowners may find themselves in similar situations. The ongoing debate between environmental responsibility and economic feasibility remains unresolved, leaving consumers like Norton caught in the middle. Whether state regulators will address these growing concerns remains to be seen.