Central Hudson Customers Should Prepare for Winter Weather

With colder temperatures approaching, residents and businesses should prepare by having their heating systems serviced, installing CO detectors, implementing energy efficiency measures and learning of payment options and assistance programs to help manage winter energy bills.

“After sitting idle for several months, heating systems should be checked and serviced to ensure they operate efficiently and safely,” said Denise D. VanBuren, Vice President of Public Affairs and Energy Efficiency. “Exhaust flues and chimneys should also be cleared of obstructions and debris that may have accumulated, which could block flue gases from properly venting, causing a build-up of deadly carbon monoxide gas in the home.”

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas produced by burning any fuel, including oil, propane, wood, natural gas and kerosene. Exposure can cause symptoms including sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, and even death. “Homes should be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector as a safety precaution to warn of its presence, and those with detectors should have the battery replaced regularly,” she said. If carbon monoxide is suspected, the building should be evacuated, and the cause addressed by a service technician. Occupants should seek medical attention as necessary.

“This time of year is also ideal for implementing energy efficiency measures,” said VanBuren. “Central Hudson offers an array of energy efficiency programs for homes and businesses, including rebates on new, high-efficiency natural gas and electric heating systems, setback thermostats and incentives for home evaluation using blower-door testing and duct blasting.” A complete description of Central Hudson’s programs is available at www.SavingsCentral.com.

Other efficiency measures homeowners may take include:

• Insulating ducts and hot water pipes where they run through uninsulated areas, such as crawl spaces, and repairing leaks in the duct system;
• Adding insulation to the attic;
• Turning down thermostats (each degree saves three percent on energy use);
• Keeping radiators and heating ducts clear of furniture to allow heat to circulate freely; and/or
• Sealing air leaks with weather stripping and caulk, which can save up to 10 percent on the use of heating fuels.

Eligible residents may also wish to take advantage of payment assistance programs. “The good news is that supply charges for natural gas are lower than this same period last year, resulting in typical bills which are 15 percent less than September and October of 2008,” said VanBuren. “However, some families may find themselves in need of assistance, and several programs are available to help, including the Home Energy Assistance Program,” she said. “This important benefit is available through the Department of Social Services and Office for the Aging, and can provide eligible families with needed payments toward their heating bills.” For example, under the current program a family of two earning up to $31,848 per year or a family of four earning up to $46,836 per year may be eligible to receive a HEAP grant.

Central Hudson’s Budget Billing program is another way to help manage heating bills, by spreading the estimated annual cost of electricity and natural gas into even, monthly payments. “Budget Billing eliminates seasonal highs and lows in utility bills with a regular and predicable payment, and many customers have also saved time and money by combining Budget Billing with one of our automated payment options,” said VanBuren.

Other payment assistance programs are also available, such as deferred payment arrangements to pay past due amounts over time; the Powerful Opportunity Program to help income-qualified customers manage their monthly Central Hudson bills, reduce their past due amounts and learn about energy efficiency; and the Good Neighbor Fund, a last-resort grant for households that have exhausted all other forms of assistance, funded through donations and contributions from Central Hudson customers and shareholders.

Visit www.CentralHudson.com for more information on payment assistance programs.

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