Services for Seniors
If all members of your household are blind, disabled or age 62 or older, please call us. We will mark your account to ensure you receive all protections under New York state law. We will contact you by phone or in person at least three days before we turn off your service for nonpayment to work out a payment agreement with you. If an agreement can’t be reached, we will notify the Department of Social Services and will continue your service for another 15 days. In a case where service is turned off, we will attempt to contact you again in 10 days to offer you a payment plan to restore service.
If you are 62 or older, and applying for a new service, we will not ask you for a deposit unless your service was turned off for non-payment within the last six months. Central Hudson offers billing and payment assistance that can help reduce the impact of higher costs associated with your energy bills. To learn more about these services or how to participate in any of these programs, call our automated phone system at (845) 452-2700, or 800-527-2714, and press "0" (zero) to speak with a customer service representative.
Special Protections
Central Hudson provides special protections for elderly, blind and disabled persons; persons on life support equipment or with medical emergencies; and customers receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits, or additional state payments. We will work with customers to make a satisfactory payment agreement and notify local social services if appropriate. We will not disconnect service during a health or safety emergency. We also protect persons in two-family dwellings where service is not metered separately. Customers who qualify for special services should call us or submit the Special Protections Application form.
Powering Connections (formerly The Senior Times)
When you register, you will also receive a subscription to our free four-color easy-to-read newsletter, Powering Connections, which provides information on senior services, assistance programs, community resources, recipes and other useful information.
Budget Billing
Budget Billing spreads your electric and natural gas bills evenly over 12 months. This avoids fluctuations in bill amounts, as payments will be uniform over 11 months based on your actual usage history. The bill for the 12th month will include an annual plus-or-minus adjustment to reflect the actual usage and price for the year.
Quarterly Billing
A quarterly payment plan is available if you are age 62 or older and your annual bill does not exceed $150.
More Assistance Programs
Find additional programs designed to help customers facing financial difficulties or hospital stays on our Assistance Programs page.