Central Hudson to Implement Annual Essential Services Program

Mid-Hudson Valley residents whose utility accounts are past due won’t have their electric service disconnected this winter under the annual "Essential Services Program" of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. The program is designed to meet the needs of customers who are having difficulty paying their electric bills, while assuring that they do not live in unheated dwellings during the winter weather between December 15 and February 29.

"It’s also designed to protect the interests of the great majority of customers who pay for electricity on a timely basis, as unpaid account balances are ultimately spread across and collected through the bills of all our customers," said John Checklick, Central Hudson’s Vice President of Customer Services & Marketing.

Checklick explained that an Essential Services Apparatus will be attached to an electric meter to provide sufficient energy to operate the heating unit, some lights, a refrigerator and an electric stove burner on a limited basis.

"If a customer uses more than a predetermined amount of electricity, the apparatus interrupts electric service, warning that the limit has been exceeded. The apparatus can then be reset by the customer to restore electric service for those limited needs," Checklick said.

All of the utility’s existing notification procedures, including reminder notices and telephone and field contacts, will be completed before an Essential Services Apparatus is installed. This apparatus provides essential electric service while giving the customer additional time to work out payment or other arrangements to re-establish full electric service, said Checklick.

"We will also continue to reach out to customers with our Extend-A-Hand Program, which was initiated to address the financial hardships being experienced by customers who are having difficulty making payments. The program packages options such as payment arrangements, referral services, and our Good Neighbor Fund in order to help them meet financial difficulties," Checklick said.

Additionally, customers experiencing a financial hardship are encouraged to seek assistance by applying for a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or an Emergency HEAP grant, through their local Department of Social Services Office or Office for the Aging.