Central Hudson: Help is available with energy bills

GREENE COUNTY―With winter approaching and household budgets already strained by rising costs, Central Hudson Gas & Electric is reminding customers that financial assistance, payment plans and energy-saving programs are available to help manage utility bills during the colder months.

The utility is also advising eligible customers to watch their mailboxes for New York State POWER rebate checks expected to arrive this fall, providing additional financial relief as the heating season gets underway.

The reminder comes as the New York State Public Service Commission forecasts higher electricity prices for the 2026-27 winter season. According to the commission's outlook, market prices for electricity are expected to increase approximately 4.6% compared to last winter, while natural gas prices are projected to decrease about 3.2%.

Those estimates are based on historical trends, and actual costs could be higher if colder-than-expected temperatures drive up demand and household energy consumption.

“Affordability remains one of the most important concerns we hear from our customers,” said Central Hudson President and CEO Steph Raymond. “Affordability is about more than the amount of a bill. Customers also need predictability and access to resources that help them manage household expenses with confidence.”

Raymond said customers should explore available assistance before winter heating costs increase, whether through financial aid, flexible payment arrangements or energy-efficiency improvements.

Assistance programs that can help lower energy costs

Central Hudson customers may qualify for several programs offering financial assistance, monthly bill discounts or emergency support, including:

- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Applications for the federally funded program opened November 2. HEAP helps income-qualified households pay heating and cooling costs, including electricity, natural gas and other heating fuels. Customers enrolled in HEAP are automatically enrolled in Central Hudson's Energy Affordability Program, providing additional savings opportunities.-

- Energy Affordability Program (EAP): Income-qualified customers enrolled in programs such as HEAP, SNAP, Lifeline, Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income may be eligible for a monthly bill credit for up to 18 consecutive months, helping reduce ongoing energy expenses.

- Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP): This two-year pilot program is designed to help moderate-income households that may not qualify for traditional energy assistance programs because of income limits. Eligible customers receive a fixed monthly bill discount, providing consistent savings and greater budget certainty.

- Good Neighbor Fund: Customers experiencing unexpected financial hardship may qualify for emergency assistance through the Good Neighbor Fund after other forms of utility assistance have been exhausted.

Flexible payment options

For customers struggling to keep up with utility bills, Central Hudson also offers payment arrangements designed to make outstanding balances more manageable and help prevent service interruptions. Through a Deferred Payment Agreement, eligible customers can spread past-due balances over monthly installments without interest. Those who remain current with their agreements are not charged late fees or referred to collections.

Opportunities to reduce future energy costs

Beyond direct financial assistance, Central Hudson offers programs aimed at helping customers reduce energy consumption and lower utility expenses over time.

- Free HomeBoost DIY Energy Assessments: Customers with a valid library card can borrow a HomeBoost energy assessment kit at no cost from participating Mid-Hudson and Ramapo Catskill libraries. The kit works with a smartphone to guide users through a home energy assessment and provides a personalized report with recommendations for reducing energy use, lowering bills and improving home comfort.

- EmPower+ and Comfort Home Programs: Through partnerships with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and regional organizations, eligible households may qualify for incentives and assistance with insulation, weatherization, heat pumps and other energy-saving improvements.

- Energy Efficiency Resources and Rebates: Additional rebates, incentives and educational resources are available to help customers make energy-efficient improvements and reduce long-term utility costs.

Central Hudson said the programs are part of a broader effort to make energy costs more manageable for customers throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley. The Poughkeepsie-based utility provides electricity to approximately 315,000 customers and natural gas to 90,000 customers across eight counties, including Greene County.

Customers can review eligibility requirements, explore assistance programs and find additional energy-saving resources at www.centralhudson.com/path2savings. Those having difficulty paying their bills can also contact Central Hudson directly for help identifying available assistance.

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