A provision meant to ensure emergency access to propane for New Yorkers who heat their homes with it is heading to Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk for her consideration. 

The measure, sponsored by Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara and state Sen. James Skoufis, was initially proposed amid a spike in delayed and missed propane deliveries. 

“Those who rely on propane to heat their homes, unfortunately, have been met with delayed or missed deliveries during some of the coldest winter months – sometimes waiting weeks for a scheduled delivery to arrive,” said Santabarbara. “When temperatures drop dangerously low, these propane deliveries are crucial for local families. This bill will ensure they don’t have to rely on a single company during times of emergency.”

Customers who lease propane tanks are restrict to using one supplier when fuel is re-ordered. 

If given final approval by the governor, the bill would allow residents who use propane for home heat to receive emergency deliveries from any supplier during emergencies, urgent need or periods of high demand. The deliveries would also be made regardless of customer status.

Homeowners could re-order propane from any supplier when the one under contract cannot met requests for delivery as part of the proposal. 

Delivery delays of propane supplies were first recorded a few years ago and continued into the pandemic and last winter, Santabarbara said. 

“No one deserves to be left in the cold because their propane supplier was unable to make a delivery, especially when there are companies that provide emergency propane services,” said Santabarbara. “By allowing all homeowners who use propane to receive emergency deliveries from an alternate supplier, we can help ensure that bureaucratic red tape doesn’t prevent local families from staying warm.”