The Real Cost Of A Gas Stove Ban Will Probably Surprise You

Electric stoves have come a long way since they were first introduced. Though once seen as inconsistent for cooking, induction stoves in particular are now comparable to their gas-powered counterparts. They are even being touted as the future of cooking as some states look to ban gas stoves due to health and environmental concerns. New York is currently the only state with a gas stove ban, but more states may follow. These bans may have serious financial implications for consumers.

Utility prices would be the most notable expense for individuals if gas stove bans are enacted across the country. If states force individuals to use electric stoves, they would likely see an increase in electricity usage. Similar to running the air conditioner in the summer, an electric stove would draw more electricity from the grid and result in a higher monthly bill. In particular, Californians could be placed under greater stress with such bans, as the state already has some of the highest electricity prices in the country. 

Luckily, there are a number of smaller home appliances, like pressure cookers or slow cookers, which can be used in lieu of a stove to help mitigate a significant electric bill increase. Additionally, mindful kitchen habits can also go a long way to reduce electricity usage. Increased electricity demand as a result of gas stove bans could also raise costs for everyone connected to the same system — similar to the price hikes seen in regions where AI data centers have driven up energy use.

New York's gas stove ban, which goes into effect next year, generally only targets new constructions. This means that individuals will not be forced to buy an electric stove if wider bans are enacted. However, developers and builders will likely bear several more costs with these regulations. Builders in particular will face higher upfront costs, as electric stoves are roughly 10-30% more expensive than gas ones. For developers building multi-unit complexes, the increased costs can quickly add up.

Additionally, developers may also face higher grid-connection and infrastructure costs when dealing with electric stoves. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, when switching to zero-emission appliances such as electric stoves, utility companies may need to carry out upgrades like conduit, transformer, and electrical panel replacements. Often, they end up passing those costs directly to customers or builders. On top of that, electric stoves are complex and have higher repair costs. These added expenses may influence how developers price individual units, and they could potentially lead to higher rent or sale prices.