A Public Utility Company for Rochester

This page will follow the Upper Monroe neighborhood's advocacy around the effort establishing a publicly owned utility company in Rochester.

Background

Establishing a public utility company in Rochester has long been discussed in the Upper Monroe neighborhood and around town. The topic was covered in detail at the UMNA summer general meeting on June 22, 2025. Meeting attendees got a solid background behind the push for a public utility in our area. RGE's past performance was discussed along with how a private utility company compares to a public utility. In addition, the panel described examples from other communities that have already adopted a public utility. Finally, the group heard where the effort currently stands and what comes next in the process.

An informal assessment at the meeting revealed broad support from residents for a publicly owned utility company. Based on the community's interests, the UMNA leadership team took up the question of officially endorsing the idea and thereby opening the door to advocacy.

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UPDATE: August, 2025

After careful consideration and discussion on August 17, 2025 the UMNA leadership team approved the following position:

"The Upper Monroe Neighborhood Association supports efforts to pursue legal and responsible options to convert from a privately owned & operated utility company (Rochester Gas & Electric) to a yet-to-be-created publicly owned & operated utility company."*

* This resolution authorizes UMNA to act alone and in coalition with others who seek a similar outcome. In addition, the UMNA president and anyone else the UMNA president appoints are authorized to help advance this goal.

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Recent published reports on this topic

WXXI News posted July 1, 2025 - Double-digit rate hikes could be on the horizon for RG&E and NYSEG customers by Brian Sharp

The Rochester Beacon posted June 20, 2025 - RG&E shows up when it matters most by Patrick Fox

The Rochester Beacon posted June 17, 2025 - How RG&E and the PSC are failing us by Mitch Gruber and Susan Hughes-Smith

WXXI News posted June 13, 2025 - RG&E, NYSEG get new presidents to bolster local leadership by Brian Sharp

WHEC RochesterFirst posted June 12, 2025 - RG&E, NYSEG penalized $20 million by NYS for failing to meet customer service metrics by Jim Tortora, Ryan Hermenet

WXXI AM1370 - Connections with Evan Dawson posted May 29, 2025: RGE responds to the audit.

WXXI AM1370 - Audit points to RG&E, NYSEG's lack of local control and focus as being at the root of problems by Brian Sharp

News10NBC posted May 19, 2025: Audit reveals potential violations, prolonged estimated meter readings at RG&E/NYSEG following News10NBC investigations by Jennifer Lewke

CLICK HERE TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINION ON THIS MATTER TO THE UPPER MONROE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION