(Poughkeepsie, NY)  More than 100 shareholders gathered in Poughkeepsie, New York, today to conduct the 82nd Annual Meeting of CH Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:CHG), an energy firm serving approximately 432,000 customers with holdings in 11 states and Washington, D.C. Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Steven V. Lant reported on the Company’s 2009 performance, 2010 outlook, strategy and governance before welcoming questions regarding the holding company and its two primary subsidiaries, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation and Central Hudson Enterprises Corporation (CHEC).

“We are pleased with CH Energy Group’s performance in 2009, as earnings recovered from the depressed levels of the prior year, rebounding to $2.76 per share compared with $2.22 per share in 2008,” Lant told shareholders. He attributed this improvement in large part to new delivery rates for subsidiary Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, approved by the New York State Public Service Commission in July 2009, that better reflect the cost of providing service, a successful partial divestiture by Griffith Energy Services and improvements in continuing operations resulting from cost reductions. “These accomplishments helped to increase earnings by 24 percent, and were instrumental in returning earnings toward a positive trend,” Lant said to shareholders.

Lant reviewed the highlights and accomplishments of 2009, including the excellent customer service performance and national recognition for safety and innovation for the utility Central Hudson; a strategic repositioning and strong performance by Griffith; and an increase in the Company’s investments in renewable energy through a major wind project investment in Wisconsin that is expected to contribute 8 cents per share by 2012. “In 2009, we also recognized the accomplishments of Carl Meyer, who retired as President and Chief Operating Officer of Central Hudson, and welcomed Jim Laurito this year as its new President,” said Lant.

Looking ahead, Lant told shareholders that prospects are bright for CH Energy Group, and reviewed future opportunities. “We continue to invest in the utility infrastructure at Central Hudson, and put new technology to work to improve quality and reliability and to reduce maintenance expenses,” said Lant. “We are also exploring Smart Grid opportunities, preparing for the introduction of electric vehicles, and will explore the potential to acquire another regulated utility of equal or smaller size.”

Lant also indicated that the unregulated subsidiary Central Hudson Enterprises Corporation has focused on renewable investments that provide predictable and steady returns, and is targeting wind and landfill gas investments.

A video presentation on the utility’s successful response to the unprecedented snowstorms of late February 2010 was also shown.

An audio recording of Mr. Lant’s remarks can be found in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s web site at www.CHEnergyGroup.com. During the meeting, shareholders re-elected three members to the Board of Directors: Steven V. Lant, Edward T. Tokar and Jeffrey D. Tranen. These directors now serve one-year terms, following approval to declassify the Board by 2012 at the 2009 meeting. Shareholders also voted in favor of hiring an independent audit firm, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, LLC.

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