Rochester Gas & Electric Asbestos Lawsuit [2025 Update]

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Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) used asbestos in its coal and nuclear-power generation facilities. Anyone who worked at Rochester Gas & Electric as an employee or contractor may have been exposed to asbestos on the job. People are filing lawsuits because they developed mesothelioma from asbestos at Rochester Gas & Electric.

On this page, we explore Rochester Gas & Electric’s history, why it used asbestos, and who is at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. We also discuss what health effects people experienced after inhaling asbestos at Rochester Gas & Electric and who qualifies for compensation to cover their medical bills and other damages. You can also learn about past asbestos lawsuits involving people who worked at Rochester Gas & Electric and how to file your own.

About the Rochester Gas & Electric Asbestos Lawsuit

History of Asbestos Use at Rochester Gas & Electric

Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) is a power generation company that was founded in Rochester, New York, in 1848. RG&E was known as the Rochester Gas Light Company until 1919. The plant was part of an industrial-era push for modern power-generating facilities.

Rochester Gas & Electric is still in operation today. It currently provides natural gas and electricity to nine counties in New York. It uses hydropower, nuclear power, coal, and other sources.

The plant is located in Monroe County and is adjacent to the Genesee River. RG&E still serves more than 700,000 customers in Western New York and is currently owned by Avangrid.

Upstate New York has a long history of industrial asbestos exposure. People who worked at RG&E facilities may have encountered asbestos while performing standard job duties. Some places where asbestos was used at the Rochester Gas & Electric Plant include:

• Boilers
• Turbines
• Pipes
• Gaskets
• Joint compound
• Wall boards
• Flooring
• Roofing
• Electrical wiring

As the company expanded and built more facilities, these new installations incorporated asbestos into their operations as well. Asbestos was commonly used because it was resistant to heat and fire, which were often present in the power-generating facilities.

Rochester Gas & Electric has decommissioned and demolished older buildings over the years. However, workers employed at these former job sites were often exposed to asbestos. Some of them went on to develop mesothelioma and other diseases from their previous asbestos exposure.

Additionally, Rochester Gas & Electric may have been careless in how they removed asbestos-containing materials in the demolition process. Because of this, demolition workers may have been exposed to unusually high amounts of asbestos at Rochester Gas & Electric sites.

Why Was Asbestos Used at Rochester Gas & Electric?

Asbestos was used at Rochester Gas & Electric because it is resistant to extreme heat and fire. Generating power involves high heat and pressure, and asbestos was used for thermal insulation for steamlines, boilers, pumps, and turbines.

Rochester Gas & Electric heavily relied on asbestos until the 1970s, when a shift in OSHA rules  required many companies to turn to safer alternatives. However, existing asbestos was mainly left intact until the Rochester Gas & Electric sites were decommissioned. So, people who worked at older Rochester Gas & Electric plants as full-time employees or contractors were often exposed to free asbestos fibers.

Rochester Gas & Electric Facilities Linked to Asbestos Exposure

Many of Rochester Gas & Electric’s facilities were built when asbestos was widely used to insulate piping, electrical wires, ceilings, gaskets, and other materials. Some of the Rochester Gas & Electric sites that were contaminated with asbestos include the Ginna Nuclear Plant, East and West Coal Manufacturing Plant, Beebee Station, and Russell Station.

Beebee Station (Station 3)

Beebee Station was built between 1880 and 1959 and was constructed with asbestos. Beebee Station generated electricity, and asbestos-containing materials were used to insulate high-intensity systems and to prevent heat and fire damage during the process. The pipes, insulation, and other asbestos-containing materials at the Beebee Station required frequent maintenance and replacement.

These activities would release asbestos dust, which would be inhaled and circulated throughout work areas. Demolition plans for Rochester Gas & Electric were planned in December 2013 and carried out the following year.

Russell Station (Station 7)

Russell Station was a coal power plant that was built in the 1940s and 1950s. Asbestos and lead paint were used throughout the facility, a common practice in power generation at the time. However, many believe that Rochester Gas & Electric and its partners were aware of the dangers of asbestos, and these warnings were not communicated to workers.

In 2012, Rochester Gas & Electric announced plans to demolish Russell Station. Part of those plans included trying to remove the asbestos-containing materials safely to prevent further contamination of the air, soil, and other locations during the demolition.

Ginna Nuclear Power Plant

The Ginna Nuclear Power Plant was built in 1966 by Rochester Gas & Electric, and it is one of the smallest and oldest nuclear power plants in the United States. Rochester Gas & Electric sold the Ginna plant to Constellation Energy in 2004. The Ginna Nuclear Power Plant contains asbestos throughout its piping, steam systems, insulation, gaskets, and other components.

Containing heat and minimizing fire spread are key in nuclear cycle facilities, like the Ginna Nuclear Power Plant. Many believe that Rochester Gas & Electric did not inform workers about the risks of asbestos or provide adequate personal protective equipment. The Ginna Nuclear Power Plant is still in operation. However, some of the asbestos-containing material was replaced when OSHA updated its asbestos guidelines in 1971.

East and West Manufactured Gas Plants

Rochester Gas & Electric’s East and West plants manufactured and refined gas in the 1950s through the late 1970s. The plant was initially constructed in 1872 as a coal carbonization facility. Asbestos was used to insulate these high-heat activities and prevent the spread of accidental fires.

Rochester Gas & Electric promised the New York government it would clean up environmental contamination at the East and West coal manufacturing facilities. Workers who worked at or performed maintenance on the East and West coal plants owned by Rochester Gas & Electric were exposed to asbestos fibers that were freed during routine maintenance, replacement of old parts, and during normal operations.

Rochester Gas & Electric Workers Exposed to Asbestos

• Working with and applying friable insulation
• Mixing asbestos-containing cement
• Removing, replacing, and working on gaskets contaminated with asbestos
• Breathing in freed asbestos fibers circulating throughout confined work environments (like power houses)
• Inadequate or missing personal protective equipment
• Demolition activities that disturb asbestos and release it into the air, and create contaminated dust

Although some of the asbestos-containing materials were phased out during remodeling projects, existing asbestos stores remained on site. People who were in these contaminated spaces encountered asbestos in the air and dust at Rochester Gas & Electric.

High-Risk Job Roles at RG&E

Rochester Gas & Electric workers who were at risk of breathing in asbestos include:

• Boiler operators
• General contractors
• Demolition crews
• Electricians
• Engineers
• Insulators
• Machinists
• Maintenance crew
• Millrights
• Pipefitters
• Power plant operators
• Sheet metal workers
• Steamfitters
• Turbine mechanics
• Welders

Rochester Gas & Electric employed regular workers as well as contractors to keep its facilities running. In later years, Rochester Gas & Electric hired outside crews to demolish old sites that were deteriorating. Members of these demolition teams encountered asbestos while inspecting the defunct plants, removing contaminated materials, and completing these demolitions.

Maintenance Shutdowns and Routine Exposure

Rochester Gas & Electric would regularly shut off its facilities to perform routine maintenance. During these outages, workers would replace worn-out insulation, scrape packing, and inspect boilers and turbines. These activities would increase the amount of asbestos dust circulating at Rochester Gas & Electric sites. Many of these spaces were poorly ventilated, so asbestos fibers would linger and accumulate in tight spaces.

Was Office Staff Exposed to Asbestos at RG&E?

Yes, office workers and administrative staff may have been exposed to asbestos while working at Rochester Gas & Electric. When plant workers disturbed asbestos during maintenance and repair activities, asbestos fibers traveled throughout the facility. This means that all workers at plants that used asbestos could develop an asbestos-related disease.

Health Effects from Asbestos Exposure at Rochester Gas & Electric

Being exposed to asbestos at Rochester Gas & Electric plants can cause a range of illnesses. The most common is mesothelioma, which develops years after asbestos exposure. Some Rochester Gas & Electric workers showed the first symptoms of mesothelioma 30 years after they worked at the facilities.

Other Rochester Gas & Electric workers developed asbestosis and lung cancer from breathing in asbestos fibers. There is no safe level of asbestos, so even Rochester Gas & Electric workers whose asbestos exposure was minimal could develop cancer.

Former workers should let their doctors know they may have been exposed to asbestos at RG&E plants. Their physicians can then decide on what healthy monitoring is appropriate for the worker and discuss symptoms of mesothelioma.

Past RG&E Asbestos Lawsuits and Legal Precedents

Although Rochester Gas & Electric has been sued by former workers because of asbestos-related illnesses, most people file lawsuits against companies that made products used at the plant. Mesothelioma lawsuits are typically filed against companies that made asbestos products like insulation. However, RG&E has been named in other lawsuits for workplace accidents.

David Simpson v. Pittsburgh Corning (1990)

David Simpsom was a steamfitter at Rochester Gas & Electric who developed mesothelioma decades after he worked for the company. A federal jury decided that Unibestos, which manufactured asbestos-containing insulation, was at fault for David’s mesothelioma. The jury thought that Unibestos should have warned David about the risks so he could have better protected his health. David was awarded compensatory damages for his medical bills and other losses, as well as punitive damages to punish Unibestos for its misconduct.

Consolidated RG&E Asbestos Retirees Settlement

In 2000, seventeen men who worked at Rochester Gas & Electric filed and won a lawsuit over asbestos exposure from their time with the utility company. All the men retired from Rochester Gas & Electric and were diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and pleural plaques. The utility workers were employed by Rochester Gas & Electric from the 1950s onward. They received a $2 million settlement for their losses.

Enderlin v. RG&E (1996)

Contractors who did work for Rochester Gas & Electric on a temporary basis may not be able to hold the utility company directly liable for their losses. However, an asbestos manufacturer (like Unibestos) may be at fault. The contractor may bring a lawsuit against the asbestos manufacturers if suing Rochester Gas & Electric is not possible.

For example, George Enderlin sued Rochester Gas & Electric because he slipped and fell off a poorly balanced ladder while doing an on-site contract job. The court decided that Rochester Gas & Electric was not involved in supervising and controlling George’s contract-based work at the company. Because of this, the court said George could not hold Rochester Gas & Electric responsible. However, George could bring lawsuits against others, like the contractor he worked for.

Other Notable Asbestos RG&E Claims

David Creighton worked as a turbine mechanic at Rochester Gas & Electric in the 1960s. He would breathe in asbestos from stripping turbines. Thirty years after his time at Rochester Gas & Electric, he was diagnosed with asbestosis, which is scarring of the lung tissue from prolonged exposure to asbestos. Creighton received out-of-court settlements from asbestos manufacturers and distributors. He also secured disability and work injury benefits.

Who Can File a Rochester Gas & Electric Asbestos Lawsuit?

People who worked at Rochester Gas & Electric and developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease may qualify for compensation. Workers at Beebee Station, Russell Station, Ginna Nuclear Power Plant, and former coal or manufactured gas sites may all be eligible.

People who can file include:

• Employees of RG&E
• Workers contracted to work at RG&E
• Family members of RG&E workers who experienced secondary exposure
• Family members of RG&E workers

If someone lost a loved one to mesothelioma, they may be able to receive wrongful death compensation. This compensation could be awarded if the family member passed away before their asbestos lawsuit against Rochester Gas & Electric is filed or resolved. Similarly, family members may be able to file mesothelioma lawsuits on behalf of a family member who cannot do so for themselves.

People who developed mesothelioma or a related illness from asbestos brought home from Rochester Gas & Electric by their loved ones may also request a payout.

How Can I File a Rochester Gas & Electric Asbestos Lawsuit?

In order to file a successful asbestos lawsuit, you will want to work with an experienced attorney who can create a plan that secures you the best compensation possible.

You can start a Rochester Gas & Electric asbestos lawsuit by:

• Meeting with a reputable asbestos lawyer to determine if you qualify for compensation from Rochester Gas & Electric or its partners
• Helping your lawyer gather evidence to show that you worked at Rochester Gas & Electric and later developed a related disease
• Supplying information on job duties and asbestos products you may have come in contact with
• Answering questions as your lawyer completes a well-supported legal complaint and files it within the proper courts
• Remaining engaged while your lawyer pursues other compensation avenues to connect you with a fair asbestos payout

If you think you are eligible for an asbestos settlement involving Rochester Gas & Electric, reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. They can thoroughly investigate your claim, advise you of your legal options, and pursue those on your behalf.

Is There a Deadline to File a Rochester Gas & Electric Asbestos Lawsuit?

You can file a Rochester Gas & Electric lawsuit anytime before the statute of limitations expires. The deadline may be within a few years after you were diagnosed with mesothelioma and discovered it may be related to your time at Rochester Gas & Electric. In New York, the deadline is typically within 3 years of diagnosis . However, depending on your circumstances, different deadlines may apply. Statutes of limitations are best navigated by experienced attorneys.

These filing rules are highly case-specific and technical. So, talking to an asbestos attorney is the most effective way to determine if you can file a claim because of asbestos exposure at Rochester Gas & Electric.

Rochester Gas & Electric Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

Asbestos settlements for Rochester Gas & Electric claims will reflect the individual or family’s situation and the law that applies to their case. Some mesothelioma settlements involving Rochester Gas & Electric may be up to $1 million or more. However, a payout is not guaranteed. An attorney who handles asbestos cases can help you estimate what your settlement may be.

King Law Is Accepting Rochester Gas & Electric Mesothelioma Cases

King Law fights for mesothelioma patients who were exposed to asbestos at Rochester Gas & Electric. Our firm has a carefully curated personnel and resources to help us track asbestos exposure from decades ago. We can identify all possible at-fault asbestos manufacturers and help you develop a strong legal strategy.

We can also file multiple asbestos legal actions for you, including asbestos trust fund claims and personal injury lawsuits. Our law firm provides free case evaluations for people who were diagnosed with asbestos because of exposure at Rochester Gas & Electric.

Contact a Rochester Gas & Electric Mesothelioma Lawyer Today

Give us a call today at (585) 496-2648 if you were diagnosed with mesothelioma and you worked at Rochester Gas & Electric. Our team can provide a free case review in a confidential setting at no cost to you. Our attorneys and legal partners have been working on asbestos cases for decades. We will support you and your family throughout the filing process.

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