RG&E gets rich by charging exorbitant rates for basic utilities and sourcing their energy from dirty fossil fuels. Rochester for Energy Democracy (RED) is fighting to replace RG&E with a cooperatively owned public utility that can provide the affordable and clean energy that our community deserves. WE NEED PUBLIC POWER!
Until we win a better utility, we know people will continue to struggle to afford heat and electricity from RG&E. Most news channels are reporting that gas prices are predicted to skyrocket for everyone around the globe for the 2021 - 2022 winter. In the US, heating bills are predicted to increase by $100 - $300 per month because of this. Below are some resources we hope that will help.
HEAP (New York State Program)
- Offers grants to help pay heating bills and improve efficiency of furnace/chimney
- Eligibility based on income, household size, and age of persons in household
- Funds are limited; apply early!
- Apply at Monroe County DSS: 111 Westfall Rd.
- Phone: 585-753-6477
Emergency HEAP Benefit
- Helps pay to avoid an impending shut off
- Eligibility based on income, available resources, and the type of emergency
- Apply at Monroe County DSS: 111 Westfall Rd.
- Phone: 585-753-6477
HEAP Arrears Supplemental Benefit
- Helps pay overdue utility bills up to $10,000
- Eligibility based on income, household size, and other factors
- Opens January 3, 2022
- Apply at Monroe County DSS: 111 Westfall Rd.
- Phone: 585-753-6477
RG&E Billing Assistance
- Protection from disconnection and payment plans
- Let them know if your financial situation has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Let them know if someone in your household uses life-support equipment
- Call 877-266-3492
Child Settlement house
- Helps people apply for HEAP
- May have funds for utility bills
- Call to apply: 585-227-0810
ABC Weatherization Assistance Program
- Upgrades appliances to improve energy efficiency and lower energy bills
- Open to renters and owners
- Eligibility based on income and bill expenses
- To apply, make an appointment at https://www.abcinfo.org/home-weatherization/
Pandemic Affected Response Team at ABC
- Utility assistance up to $300
- Food and rent assistance
- For eligibility, call 585-325-5116 ext 3511
Emergency Services and Family Stabilization Program
- Utility and gas bill assistance
- Resident of zip codes 14611, 14608, 14619
- Call to apply: 585-436-3090
Hope Ministry
- Assists with gas and heat bills
- For income and other eligibility 585-265-6694
EmPower
- NYSERDA Energy Efficiency for income qualified individuals
- Renters or owners
- https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/all-programs/programs/empower-new-york
Heat Smart Monroe
- Educational information on energy efficiency and clean heating and cooling
- Can help navigate the EmPower program.
Public Utility Law Project
- Help avoiding shut offs, filing complaints with the PSC, navigating program offerings
- Toll Free Hotline (877) 669-2572 or email [email protected]
- https://utilityproject.org/
Currently their website is under construction, find resources here on their Facebook
For other issues / to attempt to resolve an issue:
1) File a complaint with State Regulators (Public Service Commission)
Guidance at this site, Hotline: 1-800-342-3355.
It's possible a shut off can be stopped while an issue is under investigation through this process.
2) Get in touch with WHEC reporter Jennifer Lewke, who's been reporting on problems elevating issues to the RG&E President: [email protected], (585) 546-0736, Facebook, Twitter
3) Get in touch with your local elected officials at the City, County and/or State level. They can and usually will attempt to escalate issues toward quicker resolution through the RG&E governmental affairs staff. The Democratic Majority staff person at the county is one person who has been doing this reliably: [email protected]. County Legislator information can be found here or Find my Legislator tool here. Rochester City Council contacts are here or [email protected], New York State Assembly here NY State Senate here. While you're at it, tell them you want action on a public utility study!