A coalition of labor, faith, and anti-poverty leaders is calling on Rochester City Council and Mayor Malik Evans to act this budget cycle. They want the City to fund a Phase 1 feasibility study to explore replacing RG&E with a public utility—even if Monroe County won’t participate.
This campaign, led by Metro Justice and dozens of allied groups, is pushing for immediate action. Members say that rising shutoffs, high costs, and widespread billing issues demand urgent steps.
$500K Available for Phase 1 Study
Rochester has already set aside $500,000 for a public utility study. The funds were reserved in the 2023 and 2024 budgets, but City officials have yet to commission the study. Now, advocates are urging the City to move forward on a Phase 1 version that it can do alone.
Although the original request called for a joint City-County effort, the new proposal still allows the City to study feasibility at both levels. It also gives the City flexibility to move forward without waiting for the County.
“This is an RG&E crisis,” said Roxana Siaca. “RG&E’s foreign owners are draining our community’s resources. We need action now.”
County Refuses to Join, Community Presses On
In April 2024, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and County lawmakers rejected funding for a joint study. Two Democrats sided with Republicans to block it. As a result, the community is asking the City to proceed independently.
“Residents in the city are suffering the most,” said Rev. Myra Brown of Spiritus Christi. “They face more shutoffs and spend a larger share of their income on energy. Delaying action only increases their burden.”
Campaign to Release Report Cards on April 30
To increase public pressure, the coalition plans to release a report card on where elected officials and candidates stand. The results will be announced during a rally and press conference on April 30 at 5:30 p.m. outside City Hall.
“We appreciate City leaders who are advocating for this study,” said Christina Christman, president of the Federation of Social Workers. “But we need all of them to take a public stance—by April 30 at the latest.”
Broad Coalition Supports Action
The RED (Rochester for Energy Democracy) Campaign includes more than 40 groups. Members range from labor unions like UAW Local 1097 to neighborhood associations, climate advocates, and tenant unions.
Organizers say recent studies in places like San Diego and Long Island show that public utilities often provide lower rates. “We could buy out RG&E through a local referendum and pay for it through our rates,” said Dan Maloney of UAW 1097. “But we need the study to know how much we’d save.”
A National Company, Local Impacts
RG&E is owned by Avangrid, which is controlled by Iberdrola—the second-largest utility company in the world. Critics argue that profits are prioritized over people. RG&E made $122 million in profits last year, even as shutoffs rose 300%.
Meanwhile, Rochester residents pay some of the highest energy burdens in the country. An updated ACEEE report found that one in four low-income households pay more than 21% of their income to RG&E. That number is even higher for Black and Latino households.
Community Demands Action Now
“This is urgent,” said Lentory Johnson, Chair of Generational Engagement Matters. “Delays affect everyone, from new mothers to older adults with fixed incomes. Fighting for affordable utilities should never be controversial.”
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.