Central Hudson Customers Should Be Aware of

Aggressive Marketing Activities for Electricity and Natural Gas

(POUGHKEEPSIE, NY) Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation is alerting its customers of aggressive telemarketing and door-to-door solicitations for energy supply by independent energy marketing companies.

“Through the Customer Choice program, Central Hudson customers have the option to purchase their natural gas and electricity supply from independent marketers, or they may continue to receive their energy supply from Central Hudson,” said James R. VanTassell, Director of Customer Choice. “Registered independent marketers may legitimately advertise or solicit customers for sale of their energy products,” he added.

“However, we have received complaints from some customers being contacted by aggressive marketers of natural gas and electricity supply contracts who claim they are associated with or represent Central Hudson,” he said.

“Central Hudson does not solicit its customers for electricity or natural gas supply, nor do we provide customer information to marketers for sales or marketing purposes. Customers are advised to be cautious in providing personal information to anyone who contacts them regarding their gas or electric service, and should understand all of the terms and conditions of any offers before providing account numbers or other requested information,” VanTassell said.

Rules against “slamming” (or contract enrollment without customer consent) are also enforced through the Public Service Commission. Customers may also enlist with the national Do Not Call registry at www.DoNotCall.gov to prevent telephone solicitations.

More information is available on the New York State Public Service Commission web site at www.AskPSC.com (click on “Power to Choose”). For a list of approved suppliers and information on Central Hudson’s Customer Choice program, visit www.Central Hudson.com (click on “Energy Choice”).

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