New York Utility Informs Customers That Default Service Rate Increasing From 8¢ to 13¢

Central Hudson Gas & Electric is advising customers, "to prepare for elevated energy supply prices as a number of external factors, including extended periods of heat in August, have driven electric and natural gas prices higher."

Central Hudson said that the residential price for electric supply will increase from 8.32 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) in August to 13.06 cents per kWh, effective Tuesday, September 13.

Central Hudson also noted that natural gas prices that went into effect on September 1 also increased from 87.1 cents per hundred-cubic-feet (ccf) in August to 97.8 cents per ccf.

Central Hudson informed customers of the availability budget billing and various payment assistance programs, as well as energy efficiency programs and community solar programs that offer savings

Central Hudson further said in a news release that, "Customers may also wish to investigate fixed rate options for electric and natural gas supply offered by Energy Service Companies. Fixed rate options do not necessarily provide the lowest average annual cost but do serve as protection against market volatility and price spikes."

During today's New York PSC session, PSC Chair Rory Christian reiterated that utilities should continue to make customers aware of higher prices in advance (as the PSC directed last winter) and noted the PSC will be holding its annual analysis of winter supply and prices at its next session. While the full analysis will be presented at next session, Christian said that PSC is expecting higher energy prices this winter versus last winter