For more than 15 months, the Accelerator actively intervened in the 2022 Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) and New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) Rate Case, collaborating with several organizations such as Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE), American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Fossil Free Tompkins, Public Utility Law Project of New York, and Ratepayers and Community Intervenors, to represent consumer interests before the Public Service Commission (PSC). Despite opposition, a settlement agreement was reached in June 2023, leading to substantial rate hikes for consumers with limited progress towards clean energy goals. In response, intervenors, including the Accelerator, continued to oppose the agreement through statements, public hearings, and advocacy efforts aimed at the Governor’s office and the PSC. The utilities' communication fails to fully disclose the actual impact of the rate hikes, which do not sufficiently address fossil fuel use reduction or consider disadvantaged communities, in violation of the State’s climate law.

In January 2023, the Accelerator enhanced its policy and advocacy work by hiring its first Director of Policy and Advocacy, dedicating full-time resources to this critical aspect of our mission. Throughout the year, the Accelerator demonstrated impactful advocacy efforts, collaborating with partners to advocate for and secure the passage of priority bills such as the All Electric Building and Build Public Renewables Acts. This included testifying at the meeting of the NYS Building Code Council, asking them to comply with the All Electric Building Act by amending code to ban fossil fuel combustion in new construction. The Accelerator engaged in direct actions and public engagement initiatives to amplify its advocacy efforts. With local NY Renews partners, a rally was held in Rochester with 50 people attending to call on legislators to pass the Climate Jobs and Justice package. Another press conference to advocate for building decarbonization and the All Electric Building Act drew 25 attendees, including Assemblywoman Sarah Clark and local news channels. The Accelerator also played a role in building momentum behind the NY HEAT Act, which the Senate passed by securing the co-sponsorship of the full Rochester delegation, bringing the total number of Assembly co-sponsors to more than 60. These legislative victories underscore the organization's effectiveness in shaping policy and advancing clean energy initiatives at the state level.

Additionally, the Accelerator engaged in extensive legislative engagement activities, participating in numerous meetings, signing letters of support, and making calls to legislators to advance climate action agendas. The team also employed direct actions and public engagement strategies to amplify its advocacy efforts, organizing rallies, press conferences, and direct actions both locally and in Albany. These efforts reflect a proactive approach to advocacy and public engagement, positioning the Accelerator as a key player in driving policy change and advancing climate solutions in the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region and beyond.