(Washington, D.C.) Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation has been recognized for its recovery efforts in response to back-to-back snowstorms in February 2010 by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), an association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies representing 70 percent the U.S. electric power industry. The EEI Emergency Recovery Award is presented annually to recognize utilities that face extraordinary events and “put forth an outstanding effort to restore service to the public.”

“We are very proud to be selected for this award by our peers in the electric industry,” said James P. Laurito, President of Central Hudson, who together with Senior Vice President of Customer Services Charles A. Freni, accepted the award during ceremonies in Washington, D.C. today.

“The storm system last February was the most severe to impact our electrical system in our 110-year history. Restoring electric service required the skill and dedication of each and every one of our employees as well as hundreds of contractors and mutual aid crews from as far away as Michigan, who worked together quickly, safely and without a single serious injury,” he said.

“The event also proved the strength and resilience of our Mid-Hudson Valley community, as municipalities, counties, elected leaders, human service organizations, the local news media and citizens worked together to clear roads, open lines of communication, attend to those in need and support one another in response to what was truly a natural disaster,” said Laurito.

“This award is a reflection of our entire community, and speaks well for the Mid-Hudson Valley as a whole,” said Laurito. “Central Hudson is honored by the award, but the success of our efforts was made possible by the spirit of cooperation that took place here one year ago. We are proud, not just of this recognition, but also of the region we serve.”

To view more information on the February 2010 storm, including video footage, Central Hudson’s EEI nomination form and photographs, visit the February 2010 Storm page on www.CentralHudson.com.

Steven V. Lant, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of CH Energy Group, speaks during the March 2, 2011 Edison Electric Institute awards presentation in Washington, D.C.

From left, Central Hudson Senior Vice President of Customer Services Charles A. Freni, Central Hudson President James P. Laurito and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of CH Energy Group Steven V. Lant accept the Edison Electric Institute's 2010 Emergency Recovery Award on March 2, 2011 in Washington D.C.

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