The Cities renew their commitment to clean energy through their community-based clean energy programs while Town of Henrietta joins one for the first time
ROCHESTER, NY (June 22, 2023) – Local leadership is once again taking a stand on climate, controlling energy costs, and increasing consumer protections. The Cities of Rochester and Canandaigua, and the Town of Henrietta have secured new electricity contracts to provide residents and small businesses with fixed-rate electricity supply and access to renewable electricity. This type of program is considered by the state to be one of the most impactful climate actions that a municipality can take. Joule Community Power (a division of Joule Assets, Inc.) continues to be the program administrator. Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. will continue to be the electricity supplier under the new contract. RG&E remains responsible for delivery, repair services, and billing.
These are the Cities’ second contracts through their local clean energy programs. The Town of Henrietta is choosing clean energy for their community for the first time. By supplying more than 50,000 local customers with approximately 180,000 MWh of NY State renewable electricity per year, rather than with the utility’s fossil fuel-based mix, the programs are increasing demand for and directly supporting clean energy resources in New York State and lowering our carbon footprint. The programs will also purchase more than 150,000 MWh worth of renewable energy certificates from out of state renewable power plants, largely wind farms in the Midwest, helping support clean energy beyond state borders as well.
These are community choice aggregation (CCA) programs that function as buying groups to increase the quality and quantity of electricity offerings available to communities, as well as help enable local climate action. By working together, communities can dictate the terms of the supply contracts and choose renewable electricity options. Rochester is the largest community in New York State to have implemented a CCA program. The programs are called Rochester Community Power, Gateway Community Power (for Canandaigua) and Monroe Community Power (for Henrietta).
Program performance to date:
Rochester and Canandaigua both launched their programs in 2021. So far, the programs’ fixed-rate for electricity supply has saved customers more than $3.3 million on their electricity costs compared to if they had been paying the utility’s variable rate for supply. On top of this, the program's fixed-rate electricity supply has protected customers from unpredictable bills, especially in 2022 when the energy market saw record high price volatility.
New electricity supply contract in effect this September:
The communities have new 27-month electricity supply contracts that will begin supplying participants this September.The communities are looking forward to continuing to provide their residents and small businesses with renewable electricity and with the security that comes with fixed prices.
“We have all seen the volatility in electricity costs across the nation in the last few years and the impact that our energy consumption is having on our environment,” said City of Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Using our collective bargaining power as residents and small businesses to choose green energy sources that make the least impact on our bank accounts and the environment only makes sense.”
Eligible residents and businesses will be automatically enrolled in the default option but may withdraw or switch supply options, at any time, without incurring fees or penalties. There are a total of three electricity supply options:
- A 50% NY State Renewable Option, meaning 50% of your electricity supply is matched by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) provided by New York State renewable power plants (hydropower, wind, solar). The remaining 50% is matched by RECs sourced from other U.S. renewable electricity sources. (Note: This option is not counted as 100% renewable by the State). This is Rochester and Canandaigua’s new default supply option.
- A 100% NY State Renewable Option, meaning 100% of your electricity supply is matched by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) provided by New York State renewable power plants (hydropower, wind, solar). This is Canandaigua’s new default supply option.
- A Standard Option, which is a mixture of fossil fuels, nuclear, and some renewable energy.
The electricity supply will come from Constellation NewEnergy, Inc.
In July eligible customers will receive a letter from their municipality that includes information on the program, how to opt out or switch supply options, and events where residents can learn more. Those who opt out will receive basic electricity supply service from RG&E at the variable utility rate. Regardless of program participation, RG&E remains responsible for delivery, repair services, and billing.
Town of Henrietta Supervisor Stephen L. Schultz comments, “We are happy to be able to enable residents to purchase renewable electricity for competitive fixed rates that are better than can be found on the open market in the hopes more people will take advantage and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions together, as a community.”
City of Canandaigua Manager John D. Goodwin states, “The City of Canandaigua is proud to be a leader in the State by implementing sustainability initiatives. The relaunch the CCA Program will continue to help us achieve sustainability and environmental goals by having a 100% renewable supply offered to the community at a lower rate than any individual would be able to secure on their own.”
Jessica Stromback CEO of Joule Assets says, “At Joule, we are proud to support Rochester, Canandaigua, and Henrietta’s Leadership in their stand on climate and clean air, as well as offer their residents this protective electricity supply contract. We look forward to engaging with the communities’ residents further and to helping these communities in launching this continuation of already successful programs.”
City of Rochester Options and Rates:
effective September 1, 2023
Customer Type: Residential
Default option: 50% NYS Renewable Fixed Rate: $0.09136/kWh. Additional options: 100% NYS Renewable Fixed Rate: $0.10053/kWh, and the Standard Fixed Rate: $0.07485/kWh
Customer Type: Small Commercial
Default option: 50% NYS Renewable Fixed Rate: $0.09136/kWh Additional options: 100% NYS Renewable Fixed Rate: $0.10053/kWh and the Standard Fixed Rate: $0.07700/kWh
City of Canandaigua Options and Rates:
effective September 1, 2023
Customer Type: Residential
Default option: 100% NYS Renewable Fixed Rate: $0.10053/kWh. Additional options: 50% NYS Renewable Fixed Rate: $0.09136/kWh and the Standard Fixed Rate: $0.07485/kWh
Customer Type: Small Commercial
Default option: 100% NYS Renewable Fixed Rate: $0.10053/kWh Additional options: 50% NYS Renewable Fixed Rate: $0.09136/kWh and the Standard Fixed Rate: $0.07700/kWh
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Town of Henrietta Options and Rates:
effective September 1, 2023
Customer Type: Residential
Default option: 50% NYS Renewable Fixed Rate: $ $0.09156/kWh. Additional options: 100% NYS Renewable Fixed Rate: $ $0.10047/kWh, and the Standard Fixed Rate: $ 0.07490/kWh
Customer Type: Small Commercial
Default option: 50% NYS Renewable Fixed Rate: $ $0.09156/kWh Additional options: 100% NYS Renewable Fixed Rate: $ $0.10047/kWh and the Standard Fixed Rate: $ 0.07490/kWh
Learn more and get your questions answered at an upcoming Public Information Session at Council Chambers (City Hall, 30 Church Street, Rochester, NY 14614) on Wednesday, June 28 at 5:30pm. Additional events in all three communities will be listed in the letter mailed to eligible residents and small businesses in July.
