(Albany, NY) Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation was honored by the New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) as “Utility of the Year” for voluntarily extending its solar net metering program, and for supporting solar initiatives in the Mid-Hudson Valley. The award was accepted by Carl E. Meyer, Central Hudson’s President and Chief Operating Officer, at the Solar New York Conference and Exhibition, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Albany today.

“It is an honor to be recognized for our net metering program, and a great privilege to help promote the development and use of this clean, renewable energy source,” said Meyer. “Interest in the use of solar energy systems in the Mid-Hudson Valley is steady, and our program benefits both the environment and supports New York State’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Net metering permits users of photovoltaic systems, which convert sunlight to electricity, to “sell” excess energy they may produce to power their homes back to the utility through their electric meter, literally spinning it backwards. Central Hudson voluntarily increased its net metering program level set by New York State from 800 kilowatts (kw) to 1,200 kw of connected solar capacity. The extension raises the number of potential participants, and was approved by the New York State Public Service Commission earlier this year. Central Hudson’s program is the first in New York to surpass its initial threshold.

Currently, 155 Central Hudson customers have installed net-metered solar systems, with 41 additional systems pending and awaiting installation.

For more information on Central Hudson’s Net Metering program, visit www.CentralHudson.com; 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 NYSEIA, visit www.nyseia.org.

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