Energy for Rochester: Addressing RG&E Issues and Building a Municipal Utility

Introduction

Rochesterians are fed up with RG&E. Billing errors, high costs, and forced smart meters hurt our 26.2% in poverty. With 63% renting, we need change. As Marcus C. Williams, I’m running for City Council to tackle these issues and create a municipal energy provider. Using hydro from our falls and river, plus SMRs, we’ll provide power and reduce costs. Together, we’ll take control of Rochester’s energy.

Top Issues  

1. RG&E Billing Woes: Erratic bills frustrate residents.

2. Smart Meter Opposition: Forced installs cost extra.

3. Energy Reliability: Growing demand needs local power.

4. Limited Access: High costs hit vulnerable areas.

Action Items

1. RG&E Billing Oversight  

• 2026 helpline for 2,000 billing cases, funded by $200,000.

2. Smart Meter Opt-Out Reform  

• 2026 law ends opt-out fees, saving $1.4M, costing $50,000.

3. Municipal Energy Pilot  

• 2026 hydro (1.5 MW) and SMR site studies, funded by $2M–$100M grants.

4. Long-Term Utility  

• Scale to 200 MW by 2035, saving $10M, using $100M–$200M grants.

Feasibility  

• Hydro viable at falls, SMRs need site prep, grants support.

Expected Impact  

• 2,000 billing fixes, 100,000 homes powered, 100 businesses.

Conclusion

Rochester can fix RG&E issues and power our future. Join me at www.marcus4rochester.com to support this energy revolution!

Rochester energy plan