Local businesses are now just a mouse click away from exploring their energy options in the competitive electric and natural gas marketplace thanks to a new web site feature available from Central Hudson. By using “Market Match,” businesses may authorize Central Hudson to share their contact information and energy-use profiles with independent electric and natural gas energy suppliers so that they may prepare an offer for energy supply. “This features makes it easier than ever to investigate energy choices by eliminating the need for our customers to contact each supplier individually,” said Charles A. Freni, Senior Vice President of Customer Services. “It’s all part of Central Hudson’s commitment to help our customers manage their energy costs and take advantage of the deregulated marketplace.”

The competitive energy market is growing, and Central Hudson customers now have the option of choosing from among 13 companies for their electric supply, and 12 companies for their natural gas supply. The energy provided by these companies is still delivered over Central Hudson’s network of electric and natural gas lines. “No matter from whom our customers purchase their energy, Central Hudson will continue to service their accounts, maintain the delivery system, and make repairs during storms and other emergencies, just as we do for all of our customers,” noted Freni.

Central Hudson is helping its customers to identify independent energy supply companies and providing information and assistance to aid in evaluating their products and services. A series of radio and print advertisements is being made available through the local media to promote the program, and Central Hudson employees are addressing local groups to explain the Customer Choice program. Seminars to bring independent energy marketers and local businesses together to inform them of their energy choices have also been held. To date, 3,065 electric customers (representing more than 20 percent of the region’s electric use) and 1,502 gas customers (representing more than 25 percent of the region’s natural gas use) have switched to independent suppliers.

Central Hudson also offers a web-based tool to help homeowners compare offers from among independent suppliers. Homeowners may register on-line to be contacted by energy marketers regarding their energy supply.

Qualified marketers offering energy for sale in the Mid-Hudson Valley have completed a registration process with Central Hudson, the Public Service Commission, and for electric suppliers, the New York Independent System Operator, to ensure they are in compliance with New York’s and Central Hudson’s operating and financial requirements. Also, the Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA) provides all customers with the same consumer protections, whether they purchase their energy from Central Hudson or from a marketer.

A list of participating energy service companies and the Market Match feature can be found on Central Hudson’s website at www.CHEnergyGroup.com (click on Customer Services, then Customer Choice). For more information contact Central Hudson at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714, or email RetailAccess@cenhud.com.