Most New Yorkers don’t want to pay more for less. Whether it’s a home, a car, or even a kitchen appliance, most people wouldn’t think twice about switching to a newer, more functional version if they know it will cost less than maintaining an outdated, broken one. But imagine sticking with an old, busted car that costs more and more to service every year — not because it works, but just because it’s what you know.

Unfortunately, that is exactly what’s happening with our state energy policy. Maintaining New York’s existing gas heating system is becoming increasingly more expensive, but our laws act as a mandate that locks people into gas even when there are more affordable options available. To fix this, lawmakers must pass the NY HEAT Act — common-sense legislation to allow for a true “all-of-the-above” approach to energy by ending the “gas mandate” and putting money back into New Yorkers’ wallets.

Right now, New Yorkers are feeling the pain from an increasingly outdated system that costs them too much. Recent gas rate increases from

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