EnergySwitch is a new feature designed to introduce Customer Energy Choice (Central Hudson’s program that allows customers to select another energy supplier, who will provide the actual electricity and/or natural gas that they use)
to those of our customers who have not yet opted to participate
With EnergySwitch, you do not need to choose a supplier. With your permission, Central Hudson will assign your account to one of our approved suppliers. We will handle the enrollment of your account, and will notify you of the supplier’s name, and your start date. And you’ll receive a one-time discount for trying the program.
Effective with your next meter reading (or on the first of the next month, for gas accounts), you will begin receiving your energy from your new supplier. Your supplier provides the electricity and/or gas to our distribution system, and Central Hudson delivers it to you over our pipes and wires.
Once you begin as a customer of the new supplier, the introductory period begins. The introductory period will be the time covered by your next two bills. During this period, you are completely protected, and cannot pay any more for your energy than you would have paid if Central Hudson were providing it.
During the introductory period, your new supplier will contact you to discuss their products. You will then decide if you wish to continue to be served by this supplier. The decision whether to continue with your new supplier is yours. There is no obligation to continue in the program, and there is never a fee to switch suppliers, or to return to Central Hudson for supply. Note: Although the “switch” occurs on the next meter reading date (or the first of the next month for gas), it is also subject to a minimum 15 days notice.
On your first bill after we enroll you, your energy price will be the same price you would have received from Central Hudson, except your new supplier will give you a discount. This discount is equal to 7% of your average energy supply charge. Since we bill bimonthly (once every 2 months), the discount will be 7% of your energy supply costs on an average bill. To calculate the discount, we’ll use your actual energy supply costs for the past twelve months. The discount is a one-time credit on your bill.
After your first bill, you will continue to be charged Central Hudson’s energy supply price. If you decide to continue to take your energy supply from your new supplier, your supplier will notify us, and we will place your account in the pricing plan that you and the supplier agreed upon.
With EnergySwitch, you will continue to receive one bill, and make one payment. Your bill will contain your energy supply charges from your new supplier, and Central Hudson’s charge for delivering that energy. This is basically the same as the way you are billed today (energy and delivery). The only difference is that the energy is provided by your new supplier.
When you select another energy supplier, you continue to be a Central Hudson customer. We own and maintain the delivery system that brings your energy to you. We continue to read the meters, do the billing, and handle all emergency calls. All of the consumer protections that you have today will remain in effect.
In addition to the introductory discount, customers may have an opportunity to better manage their energy costs. This is because the energy suppliers can offer pricing and products that Central Hudson does not offer. For example, your new supplier may be able to offer you the certainty of a fixed price. Central Hudson does not have a fixed price offering. Some suppliers may also have other services available. Most residential customers will also receive a small tax savings on their delivery charges.
For commercial customers, there may be a significant tax savings. If you pay sales tax, your delivery charges become exempt from the tax when you buy your energy from another supplier.
No matter what happens, you can only pay less by enrolling in EnergySwitch. Your price during the introductory period will continue to be the Central Hudson price, plus you’ll get a discount on the first bill. If you don’t like the offer made to you by your new supplier for the future, you say “no thanks”. Then you return to Central Hudson’s supply service, and our current prices.
- You will be advised of the name and phone number for the ESCO (energy supplier) to which you have been assigned.
- Your EnergySwitch discount will appear on your first bill as a customer of the ESCO.
- Central Hudson will share your contact information (name, address, phone number) with your new energy supplier so they can get in touch with you.
- Your ESCO will contact you during the introductory period, to offer an extended arrangement to be your energy provider.
Central Hudson encourages all customers to take advantage of their right to choose their energy supplier. When a customer switches to another supplier, it in no way affects the service we will continue to provide as their energy delivery company.
To Enroll, or Just to Ask Questions about the
Customer Choice and EnergySwitch programs
please call Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
(800) 527-2714
Q: How do I know if the deal offered by my supplier is good?
A: No one can accurately predict future energy prices. Central Hudson buys, in the open market, the energy it supplies to you. We are subject to the same volatility as any other supplier. When it comes to deciding where to buy your energy, you’ll need to consider your level of comfort with variable prices, and the products and service offered by the supplier.
Q: If we don’t know what will happen to energy prices, why should I pick another supplier, instead of continuing to buy from Central Hudson?
A: In addition to product choice, customers who “switch” will also receive, after the introductory period, a small continuing discount on each bill (currently $.004 per kWh, {$5.00 on 1250 kWh usage} for electric, and $.015 per CCF, {$7.50 on 500 CCF usage} for gas). Also, non-residential customers may be entitled to a sales tax savings.
Q: Will I be able to continue to use budget billing, e-Bills, auto pay, and the other billing and payment services offered by Central Hudson?
A: Yes.
Q: What if I need a payment agreement. Will I be able to get one if I’m buying energy from someone else?
A: Yes. You will still deal with Central Hudson for payment agreements, and if you’re eligible for a payment agreement, it will cover your whole bill, including the energy portion.
Q: If my power goes off, whom do I call?
A: Central Hudson owns and maintains the entire delivery system. You still call us for any emergencies. And all customers get the same service, whether they are buying their energy from us or from someone else.
Q: What if my new supplier doesn’t send my energy into your system for me?
A: In this highly unlikely event, your account would be switched back to Central Hudson’s supply, with no interruption in service.
Q: What if I switch now, and change my mind later?
A: You are free to return to Central Hudson supply service, or to select another supplier at any time. The Energy Switch discount however, will only be given once for the life of your account.
Q: What if I switch, and then decide to sell my home/business?
A: The new owner will have the same supply choices that you have, and will not be obligated to continue with the supplier that you selected.
Q: What are some of the things I should consider when evaluating energy offers?
A: You should consider price first. Then, if the offer requires a commitment (a contract), consider how long the commitment is, and how much the charge will be if you decide to end the agreement early. You do not need to worry about the security of your energy supply. It’s Central Hudson’s responsibility to make sure that you have the energy you need.
Q: How much will the discount be?
A: Your discount will be 7% of the energy supply cost on your average bill. It’s a one-time discount, and will appear on the first bill you receive as a customer of your new supplier.
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