Rochester Gas & Electric : Powering Upstate New York

Building on nearly two centuries of success serving the electricity and gas needs of Upstate New York, Rochester Gas & Electric is entering a new era of transformation defined by operational evolution. As it continues to modernize its networks and strengthen community connections, the utility company is repositioning itself not only as a service provider, but as a true partner to the communities it serves.

POWERING UPSTATE NEW YORK

Established in 1848 as a subsidiary of leading US sustainable energy company, Avangrid, Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) operates 8,800 miles (mi) of electric distribution lines and 1,100 mi of electric transmission lines across a nine-county region in New York State, centered around its fourth-most populous city, Rochester.

RG&E also operates approximately 10,600 mi of natural gas distribution pipelines and 105 mi of gas transmission pipelines.

Faithfully serving its electricity and natural gas customers alike, RG&E plays a central role in powering homes, businesses, and communities across upstate New York, forming a critical part of the state’s wider energy ecosystem.

Alongside its sister company, New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG), RG&E’s significant operational footprint underscores both its scale and responsibility.

Part of Avangrid’s wider portfolio, both companies benefit from the strength of a national energy leader whose operations span 24 states.

Combining localized utility experience with the vast financial, technical, and innovative resources of Iberdrola Group – a global energy leader and benchmark in electrical networks and renewable energy – specialized advantages in sustainability, grid modernization, and risk management can be keenly felt by Avangrid customers.

LEADING THROUGH CHANGE

Since 2022, RG&E and NYSEG have been led by Patricia Nilsen, CEO – the first woman in the companies’ 175+ year history to serve in this role.

An experienced leader focused on delivering great outcomes for RG&E’s customers and communities, Nilsen embodies a shift in culture for the companies as they continue to break the glass ceiling.

Having originally joined RG&E more than three decades ago, Nilsen’s appointment represents not only a personal milestone but a defining moment in the company’s history as it places growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion at the highest levels.

Prior to stepping into the CEO role, she held senior positions focused on system resilience and emergency preparedness – areas that have become increasingly critical as utilities contend with more frequent extreme weather events.

This experience has proven particularly valuable in an industry where reliability and responsiveness are paramount.

From early roles in human resources to leadership positions in customer services, communications, and emergency preparedness, Nilsen has developed a well-rounded perspective on both the operational and cultural dynamics of the utilities sector – both of particular importance as the sector contends with extreme weather events and rising customer expectations.

Today, her leadership is defined by delivery of safe, reliable services while guiding the organization through a period of significant transformation.

SHIFTING ENERGY LANDSCAPE

As the demand for energy increases – driven by rapid population growth and digital transformation – the environment in which RG&E operates is changing.

A significant contributor is the recent expansion of data centers and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies.

These facilities require vast amounts of power, placing additional pressure on infrastructure that was not designed to support such intensive usage.

The advanced testing and maintenance of battery systems, such as those offered by Battery Research and Testing, Inc., supports safer integration of storage technologies into increasingly complex grid environments and compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) protocol.

At the same time, the number of connected devices in the average US household is growing – from smart appliances to electric vehicles (EVs) and charting points – which has also increased baseline consumption.

For utility companies like RG&E, this shift presents a complex balancing act – the company must expand capacity and modernize its network while maintaining affordability for customers.

It must also align with statewide climate goals such as those set by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which calls for significant emissions reductions and a transition to clean energy.

Indeed, the traditional energy model is subsequently evolving as mounting pressures continue to reshape the utility model, and companies aligned with RG&E must leverage technology, data, and innovation to keep pace.

RELIABILITY AT THE HEART

In response, RG&E, alongside NYSEG, has developed a comprehensive strategy to future-proof their operations.

Powering NY is a multi-year investment plan designed to rebuild aging infrastructure, enhance grid resilience, and support economic growth across the region.

Spanning five years and with billions allocated to upgrading critical assets and expanding system capacity, the plan represents a significant financial commitment.

One of Powering NY’s key priorities is addressing legacy infrastructure, much of which has been in place for decades and is increasingly vulnerable to failure given modern demands.

As such, RG&E and NYSEG are on a mission to create a more robust and adaptable grid by replacing outdated equipment, reinforcing transmission networks, and introducing more advanced technologies.

This has become particularly important in the face of extreme weather events, such as Winter Storm Hernando in February 2026, which have become increasingly frequent.

Ultimately, reliability is at the heart of the initiative, with investments being directed toward reducing outage frequency, improving response times, and ensuring power can be restored quickly when disruptions occur.

At the same time, the plan seeks to support economic development by enabling new businesses and industries to connect to a reliable energy supply.

Powering NY also reflects significant input from a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, businesses, and policymakers.

This collaborative approach ensures investment priorities align with the needs and expectations of the regions served.

PARTNERSHIP ECOSYSTEM

A critical enabler of RG&E’s ability to deliver on its long-term infrastructure and service commitments is its wider ecosystem of specialist partners.

These collaborations play an essential role in supporting the technical, operational, and environmental dimensions of grid modernization, ensuring investment translates into tangible improvements to reliability, safety, and performance across the network.

Among these partners is Battery Research and Testing, Inc., which supports RG&E in advancing energy storage capabilities and testing frameworks.

As battery technologies become increasingly important to grid stability and renewable integration, its expertise helps ensure RG&E’s systems are rigorously evaluated for safety, performance, and long-term resilience.

This contribution is particularly important today as utilities continue to adapt to changing electrification demands.

Bell Lumber & Pole also plays a vital role in the supply and treatment of utility poles, supporting RG&E’s large-scale infrastructure renewal programs.

By providing durable, treated wood products designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, the company helps enhance the longevity and reliability of distribution assets – an essential factor in terms of strengthening storm response capabilities.

“Utilities like RG&E are rebuilding the grid for the next 50 years while keeping the lights on. That takes a robust partner ecosystem – engineers, suppliers, and crews – that move in sync.

“Bell Lumber & Pole is proud to support that ecosystem – delivering poles and engineered structures when and where they’re needed, even showing up at 4 a.m. when the storm won’t wait. The relationship is the product,” Dan Imholte, VP of Sales, Bell Lumber & Pole.

In the engineering and design space, both Colliers Engineering & Design and OHM Engineers provide critical technical expertise across planning, infrastructure design, and project delivery.

Their involvement supports the safe and efficient execution of complex grid upgrades – from transmission enhancement to substation modernization.

Environmental stewardship is accelerated at the community level through Earth Sensitive Solutions’ innovative outreach approach to clean heat conversion in natural gas-constrained areas.

TransGard, meanwhile, provides innovative wildlife protection solutions, helping to reduce outages caused by animal entry into substations and subsequent contact with sensitive electrical infrastructure.

TransGard’s technology supports system reliability and uses animal species’ own instincts to deter their interest in substations.

Then there’s WEG Transformers USA, whose critical transformer technology underpins the stability and efficiency of RG&E’s grid.

As demand increases and infrastructure is modernized, reliable transformer capacity is essential to maintaining consistent service and enabling future growth.

Together, these partnerships form a deeply integrated support network that enables RG&E to deliver efficiency, resilience, and environmental responsibility for its customers.

RESILIENCE AND EFFICIENCY

As it upgrades thousands of miles of electricity lines, substations, and utility poles to meet current and future requirements, it’s clear that modernization is a critical component of RG&E’s strategy.

Indeed, a notable initiative the company is currently undertaking involves the replacement and reinforcement of aging utility poles.

With a significant proportion of existing poles approaching or exceeding their intended lifespan, upgrading these assets is essential to improving system resilience.

Durable, treated utility poles from Bell Lumber & Pole support long-term resilience across RG&E’s infrastructure renewal programs, complete with 24/7 emergency response and compliance with world-class safety and environmental standards.

“Being a good partner to a utility like RG&E means transparent communication, flexible delivery when space or timing is tight, and proactive guidance toward achieving certainty of supply,” says Dan Imholte, VP of Sales, Bell Lumber & Pole.

Stronger, more durable materials are therefore being deployed to better withstand high winds, ice, and other environmental pressures.

Engineering expertise from Colliers Engineering & Design underpins complex transmission upgrades and substation modernization efforts, providing the engineering and surveying expertise required to help RG&E update their infrastructure.

OHM Engineers, meanwhile, provides technical support across system design and planning, strengthening grid reliability and operational performance supported by an in-house team of experts who collaborate with RG&E throughout, from inception to close-out.

OHM Engineers performs Electrical System and Transient Studies at the conceptual stage to assist RG&E in the selection of Primary Equipment.

During the detailed engineering stage, OHM Engineers – together with experienced Northeast and Avangrid teams – collaborate with RG&E engineers for efficient and timely delivery of projects.

OHM Engineers has proven to be a reliable and dependable partner to RG&E, demonstrating a solid understanding of Avangrid’s operating environment, standards, and internal practices.

Its familiarity with these requirements has allowed efficient coordination and reduced the need for rework or extensive oversight.

These upgrades, however, are about more than just durability – they also support increased capacity when it comes to carrying higher loads without compromising on performance or safety.

By investing in modern materials and design standards, RG&E is laying the foundation for a more resilient and efficient system.

In parallel, the company is rolling out advanced metering infrastructure, including smart meters, which enables real-time monitoring of energy usage and faster identification of outages.

By providing greater transparency and control, this has enhanced both operational efficiency and the customer experience.

MAINTAINING GRID STABILITY

Beyond its distribution networks, RG&E is investing in large-scale transmission projects.

Among these is the Rochester Area Transmission Line Enhancement Project – a major initiative designed to improve reliability and capacity within a critical part of the network.

The project involves the construction of a new transmission line alongside the upgrade of existing infrastructure, creating an additional pathway for electricity to flow across the region.

By strengthening connections between key substations, it is hoped the project will enhance system redundancy and ensure power can be rerouted in the event of disruption.

This type of investment is essential when it comes to maintaining grid stability – particularly as demand grows and energy sources become more widely distributed.

High-performance transformer technology from WEG Transformers USA supports grid efficiency and capacity during system upgrades.

It also supports compliance with evolving regulatory standards such as those set by NERC, which require utilities to demonstrate higher levels of reliability and resilience.

Scheduled for completion in 2028, this project represents a long-term commitment to infrastructure excellence which, once complete, will deliver tangible benefits to RG&E and NYSEG customers, reducing the threat of outages and improving overall service quality.

DIGITAL EVOLUTION

As expectations evolve, RG&E is committed to improving the customer experience as it invests in new systems and tools designed to make interactions more intuitive and transparent.

Digital platforms such as advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) – more commonly known as smart meters – are being enhanced to provide customers with better visibility into their energy usage, billing, and account management.

These tools empower users to make more informed decisions, helping them to manage costs and reduce consumption where possible.

At the same time, improvements are being made to customer support services, including call centers and response systems.

By increasing staffing and upgrading technology, RG&E aims to ensure customers can access timely and accurate assistance when they need it most.

RG&E’s growing focus on service delivery reflects a broader shift within the wider industry.

Utilities are no longer solely seen as providers of essential infrastructure; they’re increasingly expected to deliver a high-quality customer experience that can compete with that of other service sectors.

LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY

Part of the Avangrid family, RG&E is deeply committed to advancing environmental stewardship – a commitment which is embedded in both its day-to-day operations and long-term planning.

As such, a key priority for the company is building resilience in the face of climate change, which it is achieving by strengthening its infrastructure and adopting forward-looking design standards.

Today, the company is better equipped to withstand extreme weather and environmental challenges than ever before.

Elsewhere, RG&E is supporting the transition to cleaner energy, with initiatives in place to support this outlook.

For example, it is enabling customer-owned renewable energy generation, promoting energy efficiency programs, and facilitating the adoption of EVs to reduce emissions.

Efforts to preserve natural resources also play an important role – from wildlife protection measures to vegetation management programs, the company is working to minimize its environmental impact.

TransGard reduces animal-related outages by using climbing animals’ own behavior to humanely reinforce that the substation environment is not an advantageous source of food and shelter.

TransGard has enhanced grid stability and service continuity for both RG&E and NYSEG, and has remained partners with both companies for nearly 30 years.

Elsewhere, RG&E’s environmental goals are supported by Earth Sensitive Solutions, which brings innovation and specialized expertise in geothermal and other clean heat technologies to advance environmental stewardship.

RG&E is currently focused on reducing emissions through the replacement of aging pipelines and implementation of more efficient technologies.

These efforts have contributed to a broader strategy that balances the state’s current energy needs with long-term sustainability goals.

ENERGY SYSTEM OF TOMORROW

With Avangrid consistently recognized as one of the world’s most ethical companies, RG&E has a proven model to follow in terms of its own commitment to ethical and responsible business practices.

Avangrid’s recognition underscores the importance it places on consistently maintaining high standards of integrity, compliance, and transparency.

For RG&E, this means prioritizing long-term value over short-term gain – from governance and risk management to community engagement.

As trust and reliability are fundamental in the utilities sector, this approach is particularly important, with customers dependent on consistent service and stakeholders expecting accountability and performance.

As it looks to the future, RG&E’s priorities are clear – continued investment in infrastructure, a commitment to customer service, and focus on sustainability will remain central.

At the same time, it will prepare for future growth and diversification as new technologies continue to emerge and energy systems become increasingly interconnected.

Ultimately, RG&E’s role extends beyond delivering power – it’s about enabling communities to thrive by supporting economic development, improving quality of life, and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Under Nilsen’s leadership, the company is poised to navigate the challenges ahead.

With a strong foundation, clear vision, and commitment to progress, RG&E is not only powering upstate New York – it is shaping the energy system of tomorrow.

ROCHESTER GAS & ELECTRIC PARTNERS