Congressman Ritchie Torres Calls on NYCHA to Electrify Mitchel Houses After Gas Explosion and Chimney Collapse

Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) called on the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to fully electrify Mitchel Houses following a gas explosion that caused part of the building’s chimney to collapse earlier this month. In a letter (full PDF here) sent to NYC Mayor Eric Adams and NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt, Rep. Torres urged the city to replace the development’s aging, gas-powered boiler system with all-electric heat pumps and to phase out gas use entirely.

“The explosion at Mitchel Houses should be a wake-up call,” said Congressman Torres. “It’s unacceptable that NYCHA residents are still living with outdated, flammable heating systems that put lives at risk. Electrifying these buildings is common-sense safety policy. The residents of Mitchel Houses shouldn’t have to rely on luck to stay safe. They deserve homes that are modern, resilient, and free from the constant threat of gas explosions and building collapses.”

Under the plan outlined in his letter, Rep. Torres is calling on NYCHA to include Mitchel Houses in its next round of electrification projects, replace its failed boiler system with electric heat pumps for heating and hot water, and coordinate with Con Edison, NYSERDA, and federal partners to fund the work.