As families in our community face the sudden loss of jobs and income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we urge Rochester Gas & Electric to commit to a full moratorium on utility shut-offs and late fees for the duration of this health emergency. The proposed 30-day suspension is an inadequate response to this crisis.

We also demand that Rochester Gas & Electric cancel their planned rate hike, which threatens to further jeopardize the economic security of families in our region. No company should be putting private profits before the health and well-being of our community members.

Heat and electricity are human needs and should be human rights. The possibility of utility shut-offs and fees in the midst of a health crisis make the necessity of public, community-controlled utilities starkly apparent for the long-term. That is why as we pressure RG&E today, Metro Justice and Rochester DSA will also continue their fight for public power in Rochester NY, so that our community -- not a private company -- can directly ensure heat and electricity for all residents in our city in the future.