Modernization of Substation 42 in Rochester to Help Reduce Outage Duration for Customers
Upgrades will improve reliability
$4M investment part of Company’s commitment to upgrade aging grid
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — November 24, 2025 — Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) is beginning upgrades on Substation 42 in the City of Rochester, which serves 5,666 customers. The improvements will enable RG&E to provide a faster response to system events, reducing the likelihood of widespread outages.
Crews will be replacing circuit breakers and upgrading substation equipment. These enhancements are critical to maintaining the reliability of the substation and reducing the risk of equipment failure that could disrupt electrical service.
“These improvements mean the difference between customers having a few minutes without power, compared to hours,” said Project Manager for RG&E, Jesus Venegas Salazar. “These modern upgrades ensure customers have power when they need it.”
“A safe, reliable, and affordable power supply is vital to the health and safety of Rochester’s residents and the success of our employers,” said Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans. “I am pleased to see RG&E make this investment at the Yarmouth Road substation, which will reduce outages and minimize interruptions in the critical commercial districts near Winton and Blossom roads. By strengthening and modernizing its grid, RG&E is helping us realize Rochester’s full potential by serving and investing in all of its people.”
“Investing in our aging infrastructure is not just necessary, it is essential to the future stability and resilience of our community,” said Rochester City Council President Miguel Melendez Jr. “As we continue to experience increasingly harsh weather events, strengthening and modernizing our systems is a responsibility we cannot afford to delay. These investments reflect the commitment required to ensure every resident benefits from safe, reliable, and forward-looking infrastructure.”
The $4 million project is made possible through funding from the prior rate case, which will modernize the substation and its equipment, which was originally built in the 1950s. Additionally, steel structures, disconnect switches, and electrical panels will be replaced. Construction is expected to begin this month, and work is scheduled to be completed in 2026.
This project is essential to ensure system reliability, improve safety, and align with current operational standards. It demonstrates the Company’s commitment to making investments to improve service for customers. RG&E continues to modernize an aging grid using new technology that allows the Company to respond to outages more quickly. These improvements ensure the utility can meet today’s challenges and anticipate those of tomorrow.
Media Contact:
Alexis Arnold