Utility company won't turn on gas. Heating alternatives for the winter? (New York)

[Account Closed]

I bought a short sale rental house in New York a little over a month ago that had to be renovated.  The gas heat was turned off last April by ConEd, the local utility company, because the previous owner had not paid the bills.  ConEd first told me the gas was on, then when I told them it wasn't, and the gas meter was locked, they checked with another department that told me it had been off since April.  To get the heat back on, I would need to get a licensed plumber to do some tests.  I had a plumber come out and do the tests.  Now ConEd wants the plumber to submit additional documentation, which would require him to do more work and get an NYC inspector to come out.  In order to do the work, the plumber would need to get a work permit, and the plumber said it takes a few months to get a work permit these days!  Renovations are almost done, and I was hoping to get this place rented soon, but it appears that there will be no heat all winter!

So, I am thinking of getting space heaters and an electric water tank.  Probably would get weaker space heaters to avoid blowing the fuses.  Does anyone here have this kind of experience and know of a better alternative?

[Colleen F.]

Space heaters to complete the work may be doable but if you mean electric baseboard there are so many amps for so many square feet to heat the space. Weak space heaters so you won't blow a fuse or trip a breaker (which  I hope you have breakers) is not going to get the space to the 68 degrees that you are required  in most areas to be able to  heat to for a tenant. In addition electric heat is expensive. Not sure if the furnace is new enough if you can change the orifice and use propane in the interim so your pipes don't freeze but heating with propane is more expensive although not so much as a new system and there may be issues in your area with tanks.

I would bite the bullet and use it as a lesson learned and try to get the gas in there by working with the local authorities to get the permit.  Make sure that what is being by ConEd  asked is really what is required. Calling back to make sure you are talking to the right department or a supervisor will make sure you aren't spinning your wheels.