Amid ongoing complaints about utility rates and billing problems, local advocates are renewing a push to replace Rochester Gas and Electric with a publicly owned utility.
Metro Justice and Rochester DSA hosted an Oct. 19 panel promoting public ownership as a way to lower rates and increase local control over the utility. The panelists included New York State Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, New York City Councilmember Chi Ossé and Kinra Johnson, a Metro Justice council member.
"I am tired of being sick and tired with the status quo. I think we all know that when we are angry we can turn that anger into passion, that passion into change and that change includes fighting for public power and taking our power back from these privately owned utilities,"
Ossé said.
Shrestha has advocated for moving utilities from investor ownership to public ownership. She co-sponsored the Hudson Valley Power Authority Act, legislation that would create a public authority empowered to acquire Central Hudson Gas & Electric and operate the utility under public ownership.
"A very good metaphor is instead of paying rent to a corporate monopoly landlord forever, we're just gonna buy it and make it the home that we want," Shrestha said. "Right now we are renting a grid from a corporate monopoly over which we have very little accountability measures, so that's one way to look at it."
Metro Justice's RED campaign is a push for lower utility rates for Rochester and Monroe County residents by transforming RG&E into a not-for-profit public utility.
Metro Justice argues that public ownership could lower rates, increase local oversight, keep more ratepayer money in the community, accelerate a transition to clean energy and protect the existing RG&E workforce.
A number of labor and business groups such as Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, New York State Building & Construction Trades Council and Upstate United said in a statement that Rochester residents deserve an affordable, reliable and energy grid, and that a government-takeover of RG&E is a dangerous mistake.
"There is no proof that government-run utilities lower bills or improve service for customers. Instead, it will cost taxpayers billions, delay essential grid upgrades, and threaten local jobs and tax revenue," labor groups said in a statement. "In fact, RG&E is the largest taxpayer in Rochester contributing over $267 million in taxes and spending $227 million with New York local suppliers."
The labor and business groups also urge local leaders to work with state policymakers to advance real solutions, such as making necessary investments in the energy grid, expanding energy affordability programs to support struggling New Yorkers and uncovering the real drivers of high bills that include mandates and unchecked gas supply costs that utilities have zero control over.
"Local union workers with family-sustaining careers are on the job year-round to upgrade the grid, keep the lights and restore service during massive storms in Rochester," the groups said in the statement. "These are the people whose careers and livelihoods will be at risk under a government takeover."
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County. Get in touch at kweaver@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Could RG&E become a public utility? What advocates want | Exclusive
