(Washington, D.C.) Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation is in the top quartile of the nation’s public and private utilities when it comes to supporting solar energy. As reported by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) 2011 Utility Solar Rankings, Central Hudson ranks 40th out of 241 nationally participating utilities in cumulative capacity of customer-installed solar electric systems. SEPA, an educational and non-profit association that helps utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios, has named Central Hudson among the top utilities nationally since 2007.

“This is again an honor for Central Hudson, and for the entire solar industry in our region,” said James P. Laurito, President of Central Hudson. “This ranking is a reflection of the continued interest in the use and development of clean, renewable energy right here in the Mid-Hudson Valley, and we’re glad to be recognized as among the top utilities supporting solar power. We continue to work with solar energy providers and our customers to help New York State meet its renewable energy goals.”

Residents and businesses with electric generating systems using solar or wind energy may participate in Central Hudson’s Net Metering program, which credits users with excess power returned by their systems onto the local electric grid. Currently, more than 990 Central Hudson customers have installed solar electric systems, with 153 additional systems pending and awaiting installation. Together, they have the potential to avoid nearly 4,300 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

For more information on Central Hudson’s Net Metering program, visit www.CentralHudson.com/dg; for information on special incentives and rebates for solar powered systems offered through the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, visit www.PowerNaturally.org; and for more information on SEPA and to view the annual ranking report, visit www.SolarElectricPower.org.

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