Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation’s Energy Choice plan, which encourages its customers to investigate their options in the deregulated electric and natural gas marketplace, received an important endorsement earlier this month as the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) officially approved the utility’s program. “This plan was designed to help our customers take full advantage of the options available to them under deregulation by offering education, information and web-based tools to aid in evaluating their energy supply choices,” said James R. VanTassell, Director of Retail Access Programs at Central Hudson.

A series of bill inserts and radio and print advertisements are being used to promote Customer Choice, and Central Hudson employees are addressing local groups to explain how customers may choose alternative suppliers. Seminars to bring independent energy marketers and local businesses together to inform them of their energy choices have also been held. In addition, Central Hudson has developed tools on its web site to help both residential and business customers receive electric and natural gas supply offers from independent energy companies.

“Those purchasing their energy from alternate suppliers will still have that energy delivered to them through Central Hudson’s network of electric and gas lines,” noted VanTassell. “Central Hudson will continue to service their accounts, maintain the delivery system, and make repairs during storms and other emergencies, just as we do for all of our customers,” he said.

The plan was developed as a result of a nearly year-long collaborative effort between Central Hudson, the PSC, independent energy marketers and the New York Consumer Protection Board. “As a group, we determined the most effective programs to encourage supplier participation, to make it easier for our customers to obtain information about competitive suppliers and, if desired, to change their energy supplier,” said VanTassell.

“The plan supports our customers’ right to choose, and takes advantage of the initiatives made by the PSC to further develop the competitive energy market in New York,” said VanTassell. “During the year, we will continue to provide our customers with information they need to make informed decisions.”

A list of participating energy supply companies and the web-based tools can be found on Central Hudson’s website at www.CHEnergyGroup.com. For more information on Retail Access, contact Central Hudson at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714, or email RetailAccess@cenhud.com.