Central Hudson has emphasized its commitment to assisting customers struggling to pay utility bills following a request from U.S. Representative Josh Riley, a Democrat from Ithaca. In a letter dated October 27, 2023, Riley urged utility companies in his district to suspend service terminations for federal employees affected by the ongoing government shutdown.
In response to Riley’s concerns, Stephanie R. Raymond, Central Hudson’s president and CEO, outlined the utility’s existing support programs. “Central Hudson has compassionately worked with customers for more than 125 years and we have an unwavering commitment to continue to help customers through difficult times with dignity and understanding—including our customers impacted by the federal government shutdown,” Raymond stated in her letter.
Central Hudson offers various forms of assistance, including deferred payment agreements and collaboration with local organizations to support customers who are unable to meet their utility bills. One of the key initiatives mentioned is the Good Neighbor Fund, which provides aid to customers who may not qualify for other state and federal programs. Raymond noted that this fund receives support from contributions made by other Central Hudson customers, with the company matching those donations dollar-for-dollar.
As winter approaches, Raymond urged Riley to advocate for continued federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), emphasizing its importance for vulnerable customers. “These funds are critically important to assist customers with their heating bills,” she added. Raymond encouraged Riley to engage in more constructive dialogue regarding the pressing issues faced by their constituents, stating, “During these challenging times, people are looking for thoughtful leadership and sustainable solutions to important issues.”
In her letter, Raymond also invited Riley to visit Central Hudson’s headquarters to gain a better understanding of the efforts made by the utility’s employees in serving customers daily.
Despite Central Hudson’s assurances, Riley expressed dissatisfaction in a statement sent to local media. “After years of billing errors and shipping our hard-earned dollars overseas, no one in Upstate New York trusts Central Hudson to do the right thing,” he remarked. He called for immediate clarity on whether the utility would proceed with shutting off service for thousands of federal workers in his district, particularly as they are currently not receiving pay due to the shutdown.
Riley specifically highlighted the plight of approximately 4,000 federal workers residing in his district, insisting that their utility services should not be terminated during this period of financial uncertainty. He also requested that utilities, including Central Hudson, refrain from charging late fees or sending accounts to collection agencies during the shutdown.
“If these companies can afford executive bonuses and armies of lobbyists, then they can afford to give a little grace to working families who are already paying some of the highest utility bills in the country,” Riley stated. He has directed similar requests to other utility providers, including NYSEG and National Grid, urging them to uphold their responsibilities to customers during these tough times.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on balancing corporate responsibilities with the needs of the community, particularly for those most affected by the current economic climate.
