Rochester, New York Commercial Natural Gas

Rochester Commercial Natural Gas: Flower City Savings

Rochester—the Finger Lakes region's largest city and a hub for optics, imaging, and healthcare—offers significant natural gas savings opportunities for businesses. From world-class universities to innovative manufacturers, Rochester's diverse commercial sector can benefit from New York's deregulated energy market.

Understanding how to navigate natural gas procurement helps Rochester businesses reduce operating costs while supporting the region's economy.

How Natural Gas Works in Rochester

RG&E Service

Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E), part of Avangrid, provides natural gas delivery throughout Rochester and Monroe County:

• Distribution network: Owns and maintains local pipelines
• Meter services: Records all usage
• Emergency response: 24/7 service (800-743-1701)
• Billing: Consolidated delivery and supply

RG&E serves the Greater Rochester area and surrounding counties.

New York Energy Choice (ESCO Program)

The New York Public Service Commission regulates supplier choice:

• Licensed ESCOs compete for commercial accounts
• Consumer protection regulations in place
• Seamless switching between suppliers
• RG&E continues reliable delivery

Service Structure

Component	Provider	Competitive?
Gas delivery	RG&E	No—regulated
Gas supply	RG&E or ESCO	Yes
Meter reading	RG&E	No
Billing	RG&E or ESCO	Options available

Cost Reduction Strategies for Rochester

1. Compare ESCO Suppliers

Rochester businesses have supplier options:

Evaluation Factor	What to Consider
Per-therm rate	Base commodity cost
Rate type	Fixed, variable, or index
Contract term	12-36 months typical
Monthly fees	Additional charges
Exit provisions	Early termination costs

Check NYSERDA and NY PSC for licensed ESCO information.

2. Leverage Volume

Rochester businesses can negotiate based on consumption:

• Under 15,000 therms: Standard commercial rates
• 15,000-50,000 therms: Custom quotes available
• 50,000+ therms: Direct negotiations
• Industrial users: Custom and transport pricing

Manufacturing and institutional users should request custom pricing.

3. Strategic Timing

Natural gas prices fluctuate seasonally. Monitor EIA data:

Favorable periods:

• Late spring and summer
• After mild winters
• High storage levels

Higher cost periods:

• Peak heating season
• Lake effect cold events
• Supply constraints

Rochester's cold winters make timing valuable.

4. Regional Aggregation

Finger Lakes region businesses benefit from aggregation:

• Multiple Rochester facilities
• Monroe County operations
• Finger Lakes regional
• Upstate NY coordination

Combined volume improves negotiating position.

Industries We Serve in Rochester

Optics & Imaging

Rochester's signature industry:

• Optics manufacturers
• Imaging technology
• Research facilities
• Clean room operations

Explore: Manufacturing Natural Gas Solutions

Healthcare

Major healthcare systems:

• University of Rochester Medical Center - Academic medical center
• Rochester Regional Health
• Highland Hospital
• Hospital networks and clinics

See: Healthcare Natural Gas Solutions

Higher Education

Universities and colleges:

• University of Rochester - Major research university
• Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
• Nazareth University
• Educational campuses

Related: Educational Facility Natural Gas Solutions

Manufacturing

Diverse manufacturing sector:

• Precision manufacturing
• Food processing
• Industrial operations
• Advanced manufacturing

Commercial Real Estate

Office and commercial properties:

• Downtown office buildings
• High Falls district
• Mixed-use developments
• Multi-tenant facilities

Explore: Multi-Tenant Natural Gas Solutions

Restaurants

Rochester's dining scene:

• Independent restaurants
• Multi-location groups
• Commercial kitchens
• Hospitality operations

See: Restaurant Natural Gas Solutions

Rochester Market Specifics

Innovation Economy

Rochester's transformation:

• Optics and photonics cluster
• Advanced manufacturing
• Healthcare and life sciences
• Tech sector growth

Educational Hub

Major academic institutions:

• World-class research universities
• Technical colleges
• Medical education
• Student population impact

Climate Considerations

Upstate New York winters:

• Lake effect snow
• Cold temperatures
• Extended heating season
• Weather risk management

Finger Lakes Region

Regional economy:

• Wine and tourism industry
• Agriculture
• Regional commerce hub
• Economic development

Compare New York Cities

Coordinate across New York locations:

• New York City - Con Edison/National Grid territory
• Buffalo - National Fuel Gas territory
• Yonkers - Con Edison territory
• Syracuse - National Grid territory
• Albany - National Grid territory
• New York statewide

Understanding Your Rochester Gas Bill

Bill Components

Your RG&E bill includes:

1. Delivery Charges (RG&E)

• Customer charge (fixed monthly)
• Distribution charge (per therm)
• Infrastructure charges
• System benefit charges
• Taxes and surcharges

2. Supply Charges

• Gas commodity cost (per therm)
• From RG&E or ESCO
• Shopping here creates savings

Rate Schedules

RG&E commercial rate schedules:

Schedule	Description
SC-3	Small Commercial
SC-4	Large Commercial
SC-5	Industrial

Delivery charges apply regardless of supplier.

Contract Strategies for Rochester

Fixed Rate Contracts

Beneficial for:

• Manufacturing operations
• Healthcare facilities
• Educational institutions
• Winter price protection

Standard terms:

• 12, 24, or 36 months
• Locked per-therm rate
• Early termination fees

Variable/Index Rates

Consider when:

• Flexible budget capacity
• Market monitoring capability
• Shorter-term needs
• Summer operations

Rochester considerations:

• Cold winters increase price risk
• Institutional budgets need certainty
• Manufacturing prefers predictability

Rochester Recommendations

Given Rochester's climate and institutional profile:

• Fixed pricing recommended for most commercial
• Universities and hospitals prefer certainty
• At least partial fixed for winter protection
• Monitor market for opportunities

Learn more: Understanding Natural Gas Deregulation

Energy Efficiency in Rochester

RG&E Programs

RG&E offers commercial efficiency programs:

• Equipment rebates
• Custom project incentives
• Energy assessments
• Technical assistance

Visit RG&E Business for current offerings.

NYSERDA Programs

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority NYSERDA offers:

• Commercial rebates
• Custom incentives
• Technical support
• Financing options

Institutional Efficiency

Campus and facility strategies:

• Building management systems
• HVAC optimization
• Process improvements
• Equipment upgrades

Get Your Free Rochester Analysis

Natural Gas Advisors helps Rochester and Monroe County businesses optimize natural gas costs:

1. Bill Analysis: Review your current RG&E bills
2. ESCO Comparison: Compare licensed energy suppliers
3. Contract Review: Evaluate terms and opportunities
4. Negotiation Support: Secure competitive rates
5. Ongoing Management: Monitor renewals and market

No cost to businesses—suppliers compensate us directly.

Whether you operate an optics company, healthcare system, university campus, or any Rochester business, New York's deregulated market offers real savings opportunities.

Rochester's vision shaped the modern world. Let us help you see clearer energy savings. Contact Natural Gas Advisors today for your complimentary Finger Lakes region energy analysis.