Residents across Rochester and surrounding communities are experiencing significant increases in their RG&E utility bills — and many of us are being left without clear answers.

In one documented case, electricity usage decreased significantly — from 1,070 kWh to 884 kWh, a reduction of approximately 17%. Despite this decrease, the total bill increased from $313.36 to $356.50.

During the same period, the electricity supply rate increased from approximately $0.095/kWh to $0.113/kWh — an increase of nearly 19%.

As a result, even with substantially lower usage, the total supply cost only decreased slightly — from $102.17 to $100.18. A 17% reduction in usage resulted in only about a 2% reduction in supply cost.

In other words, using significantly less energy did not result in meaningful savings, and the overall bill still increased.

This is not an isolated concern.

Across Rochester, many residents are reporting similar experiences — including sudden and unexplained increases in their bills.

A common concern being raised is the timing of these increases in relation to the installation of smart meters. While smart meters are intended to improve billing accuracy, numerous customers report higher usage readings and increased costs following installation, despite no meaningful change in their energy consumption.

At the same time, other customers report little or no change, suggesting inconsistency in outcomes that warrants further investigation.

We are not asserting that smart meters are inherently flawed. However, the volume and consistency of these concerns indicate a need for independent review to ensure that all customers are being billed accurately and fairly.

At the same time, RG&E has requested substantial rate increases through filings with the New York State Public Service Commission. While these increases are often presented as necessary for infrastructure upgrades, public information shows they also include recovery of legacy costs, rising operational expenses, and increased returns to shareholders.

Customers are being asked to pay more — but are not being given clear, accessible explanations of why.

RG&E operates as a regulated monopoly. Customers do not have the option to choose another delivery provider. That makes transparency, oversight, and fairness absolutely essential.

We are not making accusations of wrongdoing. We are asking for accountability.

We are calling on the New York State Public Service Commission to:

• Require full transparency in how electricity and natural gas supply rates are determined
• Provide clear, understandable breakdowns of how customer bills are calculated
• Investigate widespread customer complaints regarding smart meter-related billing increases
• Ensure that infrastructure investments are necessary, cost-effective, and properly managed
• Evaluate whether rate increases fairly balance the needs of the grid with the financial burden on customers
• Strengthen oversight to ensure that customers are not absorbing avoidable or inefficient costs

Energy is not optional. Every household depends on it.

If costs are increasing, customers deserve clear explanations, responsible management, and confidence that they are being charged fairly.

If you have experienced rising bills, unexplained usage increases, or believe greater transparency and accountability are needed, please sign and share this petition.

It’s time for answers. It’s time for accountability.