A measure meant to ensure emergency deliveries of propane to homes during the winter months will be heading to Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk. 

Democratic state Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara is urging her to approve it ahead of what is expected to be winter marked by increased energy costs for New Yorkers. 

The pending bill would allow New York homeowners who use propane to heat their residences to receive emergency deliveries from any supplier in times of an emergency, urgent need or periods of high demand. The deliveries would be made regardless of a customer's status. 

“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.” 

The measure, approved earlier this year, was pushed by lawmakers after an increase in delayed and missed deliveries of propane left people without heat. Propane customers who lease propane tanks are currently limited to using a single supplier when re-ordering fuel. 

High demand or emergencies can leave customers waiting for re-supplies. 

“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.”