Central Hudson Invests in the Local Energy Delivery System

 Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation has invested more than $40 million in the region’s electric and natural gas infrastructure to date in 2010 to improve system capacity and reliability. “We invest in the electric and natural gas systems each year to ensure reliable service, more than $135 million since 2008, and several projects have been completed or are underway this year that will provide substantial service benefits to our customers,” said James P. Laurito, President of Central Hudson. “These investments are critical in maintaining the area’s energy delivery system, and additional investments are planned in the remaining months this year as we work to provide safe, adequate and reliable energy service to our customers.”

Projects underway in 2010 include:

• Construction of new electric distribution lines to improve reliability and system capacity on Spackenkill Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie; Valley Farm Road in the Town of Washington; and Market Place in the Town of Newburgh;
• Replacement of a section of the underground electric distribution network in the City of Poughkeepsie to improve service reliability;
• Construction of a new electric substation on Spackenkill Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie to enhance system capacity and meet growing electric use;
• Transmission line structure replacements in the towns of New Windsor, Poughkeepsie, Wappinger and LaGrange to increase line height and improve clearances;
• Electric substation breaker upgrades in the towns of New Windsor, Neversink, Poughkeepsie, Esopus and the City of Kingston.
• Substation upgrades in the Towns of Plattekill, Shawangunk, New Windsor, Hurley, East Fishkill and Newburgh;
• Natural gas transmission gate station rebuild and upgrade at Cedar Hill; and
• Replacement of older natural gas distribution mains and services in the City of Newburgh on Robinson Avenue and Roe Street; Town of New Windsor on Walnut Street and Ruscetti Road; Town of Cornwall on River Avenue and Riverbank Lane; Town of Wappinger on Swenson Drive; and City of Kingston on Clinton Avenue and Broadway.

 In addition to infrastructure investments, Central Hudson continues to focus on a comprehensive tree trimming program that balances the need for electric service reliability with aesthetics. “Our tree trimming program is designed to improve service reliability while protecting our natural resources,” said Laurito. Nearly $33 million was invested in tree trimming and vegetation management during 2008, 2009 and 2010, and as a result service reliability has met or exceeded the goals set by New York State, he said. 

“We develop long-term plans for infrastructure improvements to reinforce and upgrade our electric and natural gas systems, investments that work in concert with comprehensive inspections and routine maintenance to ensure a safe and reliable energy delivery system,” Laurito said.

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