Central Hudson Initiates Annual Essential Services Program
HEAP recipients to also receive monthly bill credit from Central Hudson

Customers of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation facing financial challenges and whose utility accounts are past due will not have their electric service disconnected this winter under the utility’s annual Essential Services Program. “The program meets the basic heating, lighting and cooking needs of customers who are having difficulty paying their electric bills during the coldest winter months,” said Charles A. Freni, Senior Vice President of Customer Services. This year, the program is implemented from December 1, 2009, through March 15, 2010.

While the program is in effect, an Essential Service Apparatus will be attached to an electric meter on a past due account to provide sufficient energy to operate the heating system, some lights, a refrigerator and an electric stove burner on a limited basis.

“If a customer uses more that a predetermined amount of electricity, the apparatus interrupts electric service, warning that the limit has been exceeded. The apparatus can then be reset by the customer to restore service for those limited needs,” Freni said. All of the utility’s existing notification procedures, including reminder notices and telephone and field contacts, will be completed before an Essential Services Apparatus is installed.

This apparatus provides essential electric service while giving the customer additional time to work out payment or other arrangements to re-establish full electric service, said Freni. “We will continue to reach out with additional programs, such as referral services to state and local agencies, that address their situation to meet their individual needs,” Freni said.

Additionally, customers experiencing a financial hardship are encouraged to seek assistance by applying for a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or an Emergency HEAP grant through their local Department of Social Services or Office for the Aging, he said. Customers eligible for HEAP grants may also qualify for Central Hudson’s Powerful Opportunities Program, which provides temporary financial relief together with energy conservation measures and energy education through EmPower New Yorksm, a service offered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Freni noted that this winter, Central Hudson is offering a monthly bill credit of $5 for up to 12 months to customers receiving HEAP grants toward their active utility account during the 2009-2010 HEAP heating season. “These credits are addition to HEAP grants, and are offered to encourage customers in need of assistance to apply for this important benefit,” he said.
For more information on assistance programs, visit www.CentralHudson.com, and click on “Payment and Special Assistance” in the Residential section.

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