Temporary rate hikes for RG&E and NYSEG customers go into effect

Rochester, N.Y. — Rate hikes went into effect Monday for customers of Rochester Gas & Electric and New York State Electric and Gas.

Last month, the NYS Public Service Commission approved temporary increases that are “substantially less” than what the utilities requested, noting affordability concerns.

RG&E electric bills will go up 2.9%, with gas rates rising around 1.2%. NYSEG electric bills will increase 0.2% and gas bills will go up 1.7%.

PSC said the decision to make the rates temporary strikes a balance between protecting customers from compounded rate increases due to delayed adjustments and generating the utilities more revenue to continue investing in safety and reliability.

The move also aims to give both sides enough time to thoroughly review the record and reach a decision on permanent rates, which are expected to be finalized in the coming months.

Governor Hochul is demanding strict fiscal discipline from the utilities and has directed the Department of Public Service to prioritize affordability for ratepayers while scrutinizing any rate increase proposals to ensure the lights and heat stay on,” PSC Chair Rory Christian said in a statement. “The Commission’s authority to establish temporary rates during the course of a rate proceeding for electric and gas utilities is well-founded. We have determined that a temporary rate, in the context of these major rate proceedings, is the best tool available to provide the additional time necessary to thoroughly review the proposals and make our final determination to establish just and reasonable rates.

In a statement regarding the increases, Avangrid, RG&E and NYSEG’s parent company, said it understands “how important it is to keep energy bills affordable while continuing to invest in a safe, reliable, and resilient energy system.” The utility’s full statement reads:

Sustained investment in grid infrastructure helps rein in future costs and supports ongoing system reliability, particularly as New York’s communities and economies continue to grow. We will continue to engage thoughtfully and constructively as this process advances toward a final outcome.

Our position on government-controlled power remains unchanged. It would be the wrong move for Rochester, is not in the best interest of utility customers, and would not improve service.

Such an approach would place the burden on taxpayers to fund the billions of dollars required to acquire existing infrastructure—ultimately driving up costs, delaying critical grid improvements, and hindering progress toward a cleaner energy future.

RG&E remains focused on what matters most: investing in the communities we serve, enhancing the customer experience, and modernizing our energy infrastructure. We are committed to delivering the safe, reliable electric and natural gas service our customers expect and deserve.

The hikes follow a brutally cold winter that caused higher heating bills for customers.