RG&E asking for 13-22% rate hike next year

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – Rochester Gas & Electric and NYSEG have filed a rate increase request with the state Public Service Commission that would raise rates 13-22%.

The proposal is part of the company’s "Reliable Energy New York" plan to improve infrastructure and energy efficiency. If approved, the average customer would see their bill go up $10-$18 through an increase in gas or electric delivery costs. The rate hike would take effect May 1, 2023.

Reaction from Governor Kathy Hochul was swift:

"It’s outrageous and unacceptable that utility companies are proposing the largest rate increase in recent history for more than 1.2 million consumers in Upstate New York. The Department of Public Service is legally required to review all proposed rate increases, and I urge them to scrutinize every number and word of this proposal to protect New York families from unjustified and unfair rate increases. At a time when so many families are struggling because of global economic headwinds and nationwide inflation, I will keep fighting to get money back in the pockets of New Yorkers by accelerating middle class tax cuts, giving consumers a gas tax holiday that begins next week, and providing rent and utility relief to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers."