Brooklyn Buildings Face Major Electrification Transition as Gas-to-Electric Mandates Take Effect

Brooklyn building owners are at the forefront of a historic energy transformation as New York State and City implement some of the nation’s most aggressive building electrification mandates. With new buildings 7 stories or less prohibited from installing fossil fuel equipment by December 31, 2025, and stricter Local Law 97 emissions limits coming into effect in 2030, property owners must prepare for comprehensive gas-to-electric conversions or face significant financial penalties.

Understanding the New Electrification Requirements

New York became the first state in the nation to prohibit gas and other fossil fuels in most new buildings when the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council approved the all-electric building standard in July 2025. The mandate affects new structures up to seven stories tall and commercial and industrial buildings up to 100,000 square feet beginning December 31, 2025, with all new buildings subject to be fossil-fuel combustion-free beginning January 1, 2029.

For existing buildings, Local Law 97 establishes carbon emission limits for New York City’s largest buildings, with covered buildings that exceed annual emissions limits facing an annual financial penalty of $268 per ton of CO2 equivalent over the limit. The pressure intensifies significantly after 2030, when 63% of buildings are projected to exceed the stricter limits for the 2030-2034 period.

The Financial Reality of Conversion

Brooklyn building owners should prepare for substantial upfront costs. In single family homes, owners may expect to pay anywhere from $17,400 to $31,700 to retrofit a typical, existing gas-powered dwelling in New York, including an air source heat pump, water heater, cooktop range, clothes dryer, and electrical modifications. For multi-family properties, small multi-family buildings may be retrofitted with an air or water source heat pump at costs ranging from $13,000 to $30,100 per unit, while retrofit costs for a ground source heat pump range from $29,600 to $42,900 per unit.

However, there are potential long-term savings to consider. When the boiler comes out, the building will not only slash its emissions, but shareholders will save approximately $50,000 annually spent on heating oil, as demonstrated by a Brooklyn Heights co-op that successfully completed electrification.

Choosing the Right Electrical Contractor

Given the complexity and scale of these conversions, selecting an experienced Electrician in Brooklyn is crucial for successful project completion. The electrical work required for building electrification goes far beyond simple appliance swaps—it often involves complete electrical system upgrades, panel replacements, and infrastructure modifications to handle increased electrical loads.

When evaluating contractors, look for professionals who understand both the technical requirements and regulatory landscape. Companies known for honesty, integrity and providing professional customer service, with certified electricians who have completed thorough training and are knowledgeable in safety regulations and local building codes, will be essential partners in navigating these complex projects.

Strategic Planning for Compliance

Building owners shouldn’t wait until mandates take full effect. New rules under Local Law 97 include a “Beneficial Electrification Credit” awarded to buildings that install high-efficiency heating, cooling, and domestic hot water systems before 2030, with higher credits if these systems are installed before 2026. This incentive structure rewards early adopters and can help offset compliance costs.

The transition strategy should be comprehensive. Reducing gas or oil consumption in a building doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing—you can swap out heating and cooling systems, or just water heating, or both, and with board approval, residents can make individual choices about gas appliances.

The Bigger Picture

These mandates represent more than regulatory compliance—they’re part of New York’s ambitious climate goals. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, with buildings accounting for 31% of the Empire State’s planet-warming pollution.

The health benefits are significant as well. The all-electric code will improve air quality by reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-fired boilers, furnaces, water heaters, and stoves, which spew harmful byproducts such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, benzene, nitrogen oxides, and more, which can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues—to lethal effect.

Taking Action Now

Brooklyn building owners face a narrow window to plan and execute electrification projects before facing penalties or being forced into rushed conversions. The key is working with experienced electrical contractors who understand the unique challenges of building electrification, from load calculations and panel upgrades to heat pump installations and smart building systems integration.

Success stories like the Brooklyn Heights co-op demonstrate that while challenging, these conversions are achievable and can deliver long-term benefits. “It’s always hardest for the pioneers,” but “now that they’ve bitten the bullet once they do this upgrade, they will probably be in fine shape for Local Law 97 for a long time”.

The transition to all-electric buildings is no longer a distant goal—it’s an immediate reality requiring careful planning, expert execution, and strategic timing to maximize benefits and minimize costs.