By Sydney Havens – March 20, 2024
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Local activists are trying to take another step toward an RG&E takeover.
The group behind the initiative, Metro Justice, has been pushing for a study which would determine the viability of turning RG&E into a public utility, rather than a private one — an idea brought on after years of frustration from activists and customers regarding billing issues and poor customer service.
Rochester City Council approved $500,000 to support the study last June. Then county lawmakers rejected a proposal to put up $1 million to make it happen.
Leaders with Metro Justice say it’s past time for county leaders to do their part.
“Don’t we deserve to have a comprehensive, independent study, conducted by actual experts so that we can make an informed choice about our utility provider?” said Metro Justice Organizing Director Mohini Sharma.
“We are firmly opposed to government controlled power of RG&E,” said IBEW Local Union 36 President Jeff Sondervan. “We represent 377 local workers who work here at RG&E, who keep our lights on and the gas flowing, and we’re not afraid of a study, but what we know is that government controlled power is bad for the workers. It’s bad for the community.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello has previously expressed his concerns with the study proposal. While not committing to a veto, he says it’s not how your public money should be spent.