Some New Yorkers will see a partial increase in their utility bills starting on Monday.
The partial increase impacts New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) customers.
According to the New York State Public Service Commission, temporary rates set by the commission starting June 1 allow the utilities annual revenue increases of 3.7% for NYSEG electric, 0.5% for NYSEG gas, 4.0% for RG&E electric and 1.5% for RG&E gas.
The DPS says the temporary rate increases are expected to result in total bill impacts of 0.2% for NYSEG electric, 1.7% for NYSEG gas, 2.9% for RG&E electric and 1.2% for RG&E gas. Officials say those rates are “substantially less” than what the companies requested.
Protesters gathered in Rochester on Sunday in an effort to keep rates originally proposed on June 30, 2025, from going into effect.
If that happens, the DPS says typical NYSEG and RG&E electric customers would pay $33.12 more per month, with a monthly gas bill increase of $33.57.
“I think it’s top of a lot of people’s minds right now with the current temporary rate cases happening,” Metro Justice organizer Carlton Huff said. “The cold snap pricing really hit people hard, then we’re likely going to see another round of rate increases, so it’s top of everyone’s mind right now, I think.”
RG&E released a statement on Sunday saying in part, “Sustained investment in grid infrastructure helps rein in future costs and supports ongoing system reliability, particularly as New York’s communities and economies continue to grow. We will continue to engage thoughtfully and constructively as this process advances toward a final outcome.”