Postpones delivery rate changes until the fall

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. is working with New York State regulators in an effort to stabilize customer delivery rates this summer for electricity and natural gas during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our customers and communities are facing financial stress as necessary steps are taken to avoid the spread of the virus, and these conditions are expected to continue in the months ahead,” said Charles A. Freni, President and C.E.O. of Central Hudson. “Throughout the pandemic, Central Hudson has supported the community in many ways, including suspension of service disconnections for non-payment of utility bills, contributions of more than $100,000 to local community support agencies that provide relief to families in need and the launch of the Back to Business funding program, committing up to $1 million in economic development support to provide local small businesses with grants to help pay down new working capital loans taken with participating local banks,” he said.

“State regulators have approved our request to postpone a scheduled increase in delivery rates that was to have taken effect on July 1, 2020, as part of our currently approved rate plan. These rate changes will now take effect on Oct. 1, 2020, providing delivery rate stability for our customers as the economy is reopened during the summer months,” he said.

“Our goal is provide a measure of relief as the pandemic subsides and the economy recovers, while planning for the critical investments in the electric and natural gas infrastructure to address aging infrastructure, expand the interconnection of renewable resources to protect the environment, and enhance services for the benefit and protection of our customers,” he said.

This current schedule was approved by state regulators as part of a three-year rate plan that began on July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2021. The postponement will assist businesses and residents during a critical time this summer as the economy begins to reopen.

For information on Central Hudson’s initiatives and services during COVID-19, go to www.CentralHudson.com/My-Energy/Safety/Coronavirus-Safety/ .