Continued volatility in the energy markets are prompting swings in electricity and natural gas prices. Central Hudson’s residential price for electric supply has fallen 46%, from 21.6 cents per kilowatt-hour (kwh) in February to 11.6 cents per kwh in March, effective March 11. As previously announced, natural gas prices rose 24%, from 73.9 cents per hundred-cubic-feet (ccf) in February to 91.6 cents per ccf in March, effective March 1. Supply prices stated on bills and overall bill impacts will vary for individual customers depending on their billing cycle and energy usage.

Market analysts predict that energy prices will likely remain elevated during the year as compared to last year due to a recovering economy, energy supply constraints, strong energy demands and global events. Central Hudson purchases electricity and natural gas on behalf of full-service customers on the energy market and does not mark up the price of energy supply. The utility hedges energy purchases to dampen market volatility, however market forces continuously drive changes in energy prices.

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Supply prices are variable and are subject to market forces. Central Hudson hedges energy supply purchases to help dampen market volatility.