The city of Rochester is located in a deregulated electricity market giving residents the option to choose an alternate electric supplier and lower the supply rate on the electric bill. New York took steps to deregulate the electricity market back in 1996 with the passage of the Competitive Opportunities Case. Before energy deregulation, utility companies had a monopoly over the generation, transmission, and delivery of electricity to customers. If a customer was unhappy with the electric bill there was nothing they could do. Thanks to energy choice, Rochester electricity rates have become more competitive as now energy suppliers have to compete for business.
Rochester, NY is located in the northern part of the state approximately 330 miles north of New York City. With a population of just over 200,000, the city is the 3rd largest in New York in terms of population. Given its geographical location, Rochester is subject to harsh winters which often lead to higher energy demand. Residents can lock in a long-term fixed energy rate and protect themselves from these rising costs.
Rochester Utility Companies
If you’re planning on moving to Rochester, then you will have to set up an electricity account with Rochester Gas and Electric. Rochester Gas and Electric is the utility company that is responsible for maintaining and managing power lines that deliver power to customers in the city. The cost of delivering power makes up the delivery section of the electric bill and is regulated by the New York Public Service Commission (PSC). A resident will not be able to switch utility companies for delivery services.
Rochester Power Outages
If you change electric suppliers and experience a power outage, then you will need to contact Rochester Gas and Electric. The utility company is responsible for fixing all power outages within its service area.
- Rochester Gas and Electric Power Outage Number: 1-800-743-1701
- Rochester Gas and Electric Customer Service Number: 1-800-743-2110
Rochester Renewable Energy
Rochester Gas and Electric customers can elect to participate in the utility’s Wind Energy Program. If you’re looking to cut down on your carbon footprint then participating in the Wind Energy Program can do just that. Increasing power generation from renewable energy sources such as wind will help cut down on other conventional sources such as oil and coal.
Thanks to energy choice, residents can choose an electric supplier that offers 100% renewable energy. This means 100% of the energy the customer is estimated to use will be generated from renewable energy sources and uploaded to the power grid. With the growing demand for renewable energy sources, energy suppliers are rising to meet this demand.
Choosing an Energy Plan
If you’re fortunate enough to live in Rochester then take advantage of energy choice! One of the first steps in selecting an electric supplier is finding the best energy plan for you. There are a variety of energy plans offered by energy suppliers. Knowing your risk tolerance is a good start. The two most common plans are fixed and variable rates.
If you’re on the conservative side then locking in a fixed rate may be the way to go. Fixed rates will not fluctuate during the term of the contract and will protect you against a rising market. However, if the market drops, then you might be stuck paying a higher rate.
Variable rates can change monthly. Most variable-rate plans can change at the sole discretion of the energy supplier. If you decide to go with a variable rate plan, then it is important to make sure the rate is tied to a commodity such as natural gas. Variable-rate plans tend not to have an early cancellation fee allowing the customer to change plans without having to worry about paying a fee.
The table below will show the pros and cons of the most popular energy plans.
| Electric Rate Products | Pros | Cons |
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Fixed Rate |
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Variable Rate |
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Index Rate |
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Renewable Energy Rates |
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