POUGHKEEPSIE – Central Hudson Gas and Electric has begun an initiative to reduce energy use during peak demand and to compensate customers who do so.
Called “CenHub Peak Perks,” the voluntary program is designed to replace capital-intensive investment in utility infrastructure related to growing peak demand for electricity with a lower-cost alternative to reduce power use when demands are highest.
Qualifying residential and business customers must be served by the identical circuits, which are located in specific areas of northern Ulster and Greene counties, southern Dutchess and northwestern Putnam. Residential participates must have central conditioning or a swimming pool pump, and will be provided with a Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostat or a program efficiency switch.
An enrollment award of up to $85 for customers with central air conditioning with a recurring annual reward of $50 is offered, and additional awards are available for pool pumps and electric water heaters. Business customers are offered a customized set of incentives based on their equipment and operations.
Through the new program, Central Hudson has identified areas and specific circuits that are approaching capacity on peak days and may require upgrades to reliably serve customers when energy use is highest, typically on the hottest summer days when air conditioning use is highest.
“By working with our customers to control energy use in these locations on peak days, we are seeking to avoid or postpone system upgrades in these areas, ultimately saving money for all our customers,” said utility President Michael Mosher.
