Central Hudson Ranks Among Top Five Eastern Utilities

In Support of Solar Energy

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation ranks among the top five public and private utilities in the eastern region of United States in support of solar energy in 2008, as reported by the Solar Energy Power Association (SEPA). For new customer installations in 2008, Central Hudson ranks fourth in total installed solar capacity and fifth in total installed capacity per customer. For cumulative installed capacity as of December 2008, Central Hudson ranks fifth in total capacity and fourth in total capacity per customer. The eastern region extends from Maine to Florida. The report also ranks Central Hudson in the top quartile (21^st) nationally for cumulative installed capacity.

“We’re honored to be recognized as a leader in support of solar energy, and this ranking highlights the interest and commitment by our region in the use and development of this clean and renewable energy source,” said Carl E. Meyer, President and Chief Operating Officer of Central Hudson. “We continue to work with solar energy providers and developers in the Hudson Valley to help meet New York State’s renewable energy goals.”

Currently, 405 Central Hudson customers have installed solar systems, with 120 additional systems pending and awaiting installation. Together, they have the potential to prevent more than 1,800 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

Last year, SEPA named Central Hudson among the top ten investor-owned utilities nationally in support of solar energy during 2007. In that year, Central Hudson ranked eighth nationally among investor-owned utilities in total solar electric capacity installed by its customers, and fifth nationally in installed solar electric capacity by its customers as a percent of all customers.

Central Hudson’s parent corporation, CH Energy Group, Inc., is actively involved in renewable energy projects outside of the Hudson Valley, including those that produce electricity from wind, biomass and landfill gas. Through the state energy planning process, Central Hudson is proposing a greater utility role in developing renewable energy sources as part of their electricity procurement activities.

For more information on Central Hudson’s Net Metering program, visit www.CentralHudson.com/dg; for information on special incentives and rebates for solar powered systems offered through the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, visit www.PowerNaturally.org; and for more information on SEPA and to view the ranking report, visit www.SolarElectricPower.org

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