For Release: Immediately

Contact: Denise D. VanBuren, (845) 471-8323

With public safety in mind, and in cooperation with the New York State Public Service Commission, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. will be conducting a new series of tests of its utility poles and electric facilities beginning this month. The utility will be testing poles, guy wires and pad mount transformers for the possibility of low levels of voltage that should not ordinarily be present. “Although we anticipate that an occurrence of this condition would be rare, locating such ‘errant’ voltages through this test procedure allows us to identify and correct problems so that we may eliminate any potential safety hazard to the public,” said James P. Lovette, Vice President of Engineering and Environmental Affairs.

The tests are being contracted through Lewis Tree Service of Rochester and Precision Pipeline Solutions of Newburgh. Employees of these contractors, who will be in marked vehicles and carrying identification, will be seen along roadways, in parking lots, fields, residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, community areas – essentially any location with utility poles or other electric facilities – as they perform these test procedures. In some cases, they may be required to walk onto private property to conduct the tests, and will readily provide identification when requested. “We ask all property owners to cooperate with the contractors by allowing them access to Central Hudson’s electric facilities,” said Lovette.

The tests will begin in the communities of Fishkill, Beacon and Newburgh starting on May 17, and will continue until late summer in 2006, when all areas within Central Hudson’s service area are expected to have been tested.

“These tests supplement Central Hudson’s ongoing electrical facilities inspection program,” noted Lovette. “As a result of our efforts to maintained a safe and reliable transmission and distribution system, we have not experienced problems associated with errant voltage. This new comprehensive testing program will further assure that all facilities are functioning properly.”

Later this year, Central Hudson will also begin testing facilities owned by Mid-Hudson Valley municipalities, counties and state agencies, including their street and traffic light poles. “We are working with the region’s municipalities and public agencies to compile an inventory of their facilities, and, once received, anticipate starting these tests this summer,” said Lovette. “Central Hudson personnel will also be testing manholes, pull boxes and substation facilities as part of the testing program,” he noted.

“The testing will become an integral part of our ongoing safety and inspection program,” said Lovette. “We appreciate our customers’ understanding as we implement this initiative.”