Rochester, NY – Assemblywoman Sarah Clark has signed on as an intervenor in the Public Service Commission rate case regarding delivery rates for RG&E gas and electric service.

On June 30, 2025, Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) submitted a filing to the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) requesting a rate increase for both gas and electric services. A utility rate case is a formal process through which regulated utilities, like RG&E, request permission from the PSC to raise customer rates. These cases determine how much a utility can charge customers for service and how much revenue it will be allowed to collect for a specified period. Utilities are entitled to charge “just and reasonable” rates, but they are required to demonstrate why rate increases are justified. Note, the PSC has the sole authority to grant rate increases, not the state legislature.

Assemblywoman Clark: “Over the past few years I have heard from countless constituents, nonprofits, and small businesses about their struggles with high utility costs, incorrect billing, and customer service issues. I believe that as a legislator, registering as an intervener and elevating the voices of our residents is critical to ensure that Rochester and all RG&E customers are represented in this rate case. The process is long, but a very important one to participate in.

“I would like to hear as much as I can from constituents firsthand. To that end, I have recently posted a short survey on my website where people can share their unique experiences with RG&E to help inform my official testimony submitted later this month.This testimony will be taken into consideration by the administrative judges and PSC commissioners while deciding their response to RG&E’s request.”

Constituents may share their feedback at: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Sarah-Clark/story/115425

The public may also testify at a virtual public hearing on October 21.

On rate cases:

The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) is responsible for establishing delivery rates for electric, natural gas, private water, and steam service provided by regulated utilities. The delivery rates include all of the costs that the utility incurs to own, operate, and maintain its system to provide the customer with utility service.

The commodity rate is not regulated by the Commission and is the cost of electricity or gas that is set by the market, not a regulator.

Delivery rates are established through a formal legal process referred to as a rate case. A rate case begins when a utility requests to change the delivery rates it charges customers. The utility has the responsibility of demonstrating its need to increase rates and it files expert testimony describing why the rate increases are necessary.

Other persons and entities also may participate in a rate case by requesting to intervene as a party. A party is a formal participant in the case and is required to present their case through filing expert testimony. The Department of Public Service (DPS) always participates as a party in rate cases and designates a trial staff team made up of subject matter experts that is responsible for reviewing a utility’s entire rate filing, preparing expert testimony in response to the request, and representing the public interest. Other persons and entities that often participate in rate cases include municipalities, large utility customers, and groups with special interests (environmental, community, etc.).

The review process is open to stakeholders, including the public. All public documents filed by the utility and all parties to the case are available for review on the DPS Document and Matter Management System. Members of the public may comment on a utility’s rate request by filing comments or making a statement at a public hearing.