Rochester residents rally against proposed electric and gas bill hikes
- Rochester residents are expressing outrage over proposed steep increases in electricity and gas bills from RG&E and NYSEG.
- The utilities claim that these increases will fund infrastructure improvements and job creation.
- Public hearings reveal significant community opposition, indicating a need for more equitable energy management solutions.
In late September 2025, residents of Rochester, New York, voiced their concerns during public hearings regarding proposed significant increases in their gas and electricity bills. Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E), serving over 300,000 people in the area, requested to raise electric bills by 26 percent and gas bills by 22.2 percent. Meanwhile, New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) proposed a $33 increase for electricity and a $33.50 raise for gas bills for its more than 900,000 electricity customers and over 270,000 gas users. The companies claimed that this financial increase is essential for upgrading their infrastructure, enhancing customer service, and creating jobs, despite the community's discontent. During these public hearings, residents stressed that the proposals were outrageous and detrimental to lower-income individuals. Concerns grew over whether the increases are truly necessary or just a means for energy companies to boost profits, as RG&E and NYSEG were recently penalized $20 million for failing to meet service standards. Local council members echoed community sentiments, questioning the fairness of the proposed increases, which do not take income levels into account. They proposed exploring alternative solutions for energy management that would not force consumers to bear the full financial burden. The Public Service Commission (PSC) ultimately holds the decision-making authority regarding the approval of these rate hikes. Public hearings aimed at presenting residents' opinions are scheduled to continue throughout early October 2025, bringing the ongoing debate over energy pricing and utility regulation into the spotlight. The outcome of these hearings will significantly impact how the local energy landscape evolves and whether community concerns will be adequately addressed. As America grapples with rising energy costs on a wider scale, this situation highlights critical issues surrounding affordability, infrastructure investment, and the push for a transition to sustainable energy solutions. There is a growing call among residents and local officials for smarter, more equitable energy advancements that prioritize the needs of people over profits, indicating a potential shift in how energy companies and regulators approach utility management going forward.