POUGHKEEPSIE- After pausing past due collection activities in March of 2020, Central Hudson plans to resume collections for residential customers beginning next week. The utility paused residential collection activities as it worked to rectify billing issues and now will restart those activities to protect paying customers from subsidizing bills from those in arrears.
The resumption of the collections process for each service district is scheduled to begin two months after the transition to monthly meter readings. The process will begin in the Kingston district and by late summer of 2024 virtually all customers should expect to be transitioned to the monthly meter reading system.
Company officials say that reintroducing collections processes will allow the company to support customers with the delivery of energy services.
“Over the last few years, we have been diligently focused on rebuilding trust and confidence in our billing process. Now, we are ready to resume collections, ensuring fairness for both our valued customers and dedicated employees,” said Senior Vice President of Customer Services Anthony Campagiorni. “When customers don’t pay the bills for the electric and gas services they utilize, their neighbors bear the added burden. As always, we remain committed to working closely with our customers to provide assistance and support to anyone who may face hardships in paying their utility bills.”
According to company officials, the utility has been issuing reminders to customers with unpaid energy bills to encourage payment or enter into a payment agreement. Despite these efforts, around one out of every four customers has an arrears balance greater than 60 days.
Individuals at risk of service termination will be notified directly by Central Hudson account services. Company officials encourage customers in arrears to make a payment or contact Central Hudson to learn what assistance options may be available to avoid an interruption in service.
