Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation ranks nationally in the top quartile of public and private utilities in support of solar energy in 2009, as reported by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), and among the top ten in the eastern region of United States. For new customer installations in 2009, Central Hudson ranks eighth in total installed solar capacity and ninth in total installed capacity per customer in the eastern region; and seventh in total installed solar capacity and fifth in total installed capacity per customer cumulatively since 2007. The eastern region extends from Maine to Florida. The report also ranks Central Hudson 23rd nationally out of 143 participating utilities in cumulative capacity of customer-installed systems.

“This is a tremendous honor for Central Hudson and the solar industry of the Hudson Valley,” said James P. Laurito, President of Central Hudson. “We’re proud to be recognized as leaders in support of solar energy, and this ranking is an indication of the continued interest and commitment in the use and development of clean, renewable energy within our region,” he said. “We will continue to work with solar energy providers and our customers to help meet New York State’s renewable energy goals.”

Currently, 405 Central Hudson customers have installed solar systems, with 120 additional systems pending and awaiting installation. Together, they have the potential to prevent more than 2,800 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

SEPA also named Central Hudson among the top utilities nationally in support of solar energy during 2008 and 2007, ranking 21st among utilities for cumulative installed capacity by customers in 2008, and eighth in 2007.

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 ranking report, visit www.SolarElectricPower.org.

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