(Washington, D.C.) Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation has been recognized for its recovery efforts in response to the late October 2011 snow storm by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), an association of electric companies representing 70 percent the U.S. electric power industry. The EEI Emergency Recovery Award is presented annually to recognize utilities that face extraordinary events and “put forth an outstanding effort to restore service to the public.”

“For the second time we’ve been honored by this award, and we are very proud to have been selected once again by our peers,” said James P. Laurito, President of Central Hudson, who together with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Steven V. Lant and Senior Vice President of Customer Services Charles A. Freni, accepted the award during ceremonies in Washington, D.C. today. Central Hudson was a recipient of the EEI Emergency Recovery Award in 2011, in recognition of electric service restoration efforts following the major snow storm in February 2010, the most severe in the utility’s history.

“With trees still heavily laden with leaves, the October snow storm, which we dubbed internally as ‘SnowFall,’ caused widespread damage throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley, and impacted nearly every community we served,” said Laurito. “It was the third most severe storm to affect our area, and proved to be a real test for the entire northeastern region of the United States, impacting more than 3 million households and businesses from Pennsylvania to Maine,” he said. “Our employees worked tirelessly, and power was restored quickly and safely, ahead of many other areas affected by the storm. With assistance provided by contractors and mutual aid crews from as far away as Tennessee, repairs were made without a single serious injury.”

Laurito also thanked and acknowledged the region’s municipal and county emergency responders. “Their dedication and commitment to public service helped to safely clear roads and provided needed assistance to speed repairs and restore services. We also thank and recognize our customers and the communities we serve for their patience and support through an unusually stormy season,” he said.

“As with the previous recognition, this award is a reflection of our entire community,” said Laurito. “We are truly honored and proud to serve the communities of the Mid-Hudson Valley.”

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