Proposal to study RG&E takeover advances in Monroe County

Monroe County is moving closer to considering a $1 million study on the feasibility of replacing Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) with a public utility, amid community complaints about the energy company’s billing practices and customer service. The county’s environment and public works committee voted 4-3 in favor of a referral, setting the stage for the full legislature to review the proposal. This decision has sparked a debate among legislators, with some questioning the prudence of spending such a significant amount on a study, especially given concerns over whether the county could afford to purchase RG&E and whether taxpayers would support such a move. Proponents of the study argue that it represents due diligence before committing to a potentially larger and more costly decision. The City of Rochester has pledged $500,000 towards the study’s funding, contingent on the county’s agreement to contribute $1 million and take charge of the study’s direction. The ways and means committee is slated to vote next, which could further advance the measure to a full legislative vote.

Source: Rochester First