KINGSTON – Central Hudson is proposing double-digit hikes for electricity and gas service, and Ulster County residents told the state Public Service Commission Wednesday evening that they are not worthy of any rate increases.
The utility is seeking to raise its electrical service rate 16.4 percent, or $139.5 million and its gas service rate 19 percent, or $ 41.5 million. This has angered many elected officials and residents since the post-COVID billing and customer service fiasco that still affects many Hudson Valley customers.
“The proposed double-digit increase is unconscionable on the heels of what thousands of Central Hudson customers have endured over the last two years,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger.
Susan Nickerson, of Saugerties, shared her experiences and dismay with the utility at the public hearing.
“In January 2022, I received an outrageous bill for my electric. I live in modest house. My husband, just the two us, we’re seniors,” she said. “I could have lit up the entire Town of Saugerties with what my bills look like. I didn’t even put up Christmas lights to have the extra electric.”
The office of New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey has worked to help her constituents with the utility’s billing issues. Hinchey blames the company and is against any rate hikes.
“Hudson Valley residents still today face issues with inaccurate and inflated bills, large, automated withdrawals from their saving account after not receiving bills for many months, unclear and confusing bills and other receiving multiple bills in one month,” she said. “Because of the company’s own errors, a rate increase should not be on the table.”
