Queens, NY – A local landlord had enough of rising utility costs and is taking matters into his own hands. John Norton, a longtime property owner in Queens, told The Post that he is switching to heating oil for one of his buildings in response to the proposed rate hikes from Con Edison.
“Enough is enough,” Norton said. “I’ve been dealing with these increases for years, but this time I’ve had enough. My tenants rely on me to keep costs reasonable, and Con Edison’s constant rate hikes make that nearly impossible.”
The decision to transition from natural gas to heating oil was not one Norton made lightly. However, after analyzing the projected increases from Con Edison, he determined that heating oil would provide a more stable and affordable option. “When a landlord had enough, they start looking for alternatives,” Norton explained. “I ran the numbers, and heating oil gives me more control over expenses. I can shop around for competitive rates instead of being at the mercy of a monopoly.”
Con Edison recently proposed significant rate increases for both electricity and natural gas, sparking frustration among residents and business owners alike. For many landlords, these rising costs are unsustainable, leading some to seek alternative energy sources. Norton’s switch to heating oil is part of a growing trend among property owners who feel they have no choice but to make a change. “When a landlord had enough, they find solutions,” Norton added. “And for me, heating oil is the answer.”
New York’s energy landscape is shifting as landlords and homeowners react to escalating costs. Norton’s decision reflects a broader movement toward heating oil, particularly among those looking to avoid unpredictable utility bills. “I can negotiate prices, lock in a contract, and avoid unexpected hikes,” he said. “If Con Edison thinks landlords will just keep paying more, they’ll see that when a landlord had enough, they will fight back.”
Companies that deliver heating oil are emphasizing its benefits, including price stability and reliable supply. “We’re seeing more customers like Norton making the transition,” said a spokesperson from a local heating oil company. “When a landlord had enough, they’re coming to us because they need an alternative that won’t break the bank.”
Despite concerns over fossil fuel usage, Norton remains confident in his decision. “Until there’s a real solution for affordable energy, landlords like me will keep making choices that keep our buildings running without driving tenants out with higher rents.”
As the battle over energy costs continues in New York, it’s clear that more property owners may follow Norton’s lead. With heating oil emerging as a viable option, the industry could see an increase in demand from those who.
For now, Norton is focused on ensuring his tenants have heat this winter without passing on excessive costs. “I did what I had to do,” he said. “I won’t be the last to make this choice, because when a landlord had enough, they make a move.”
