Offering support
Home > Account Resources > Energy Resources Blog > Keeping the Lights On: Central Hudson’s Support for At-Risk Customers

Keeping the Lights On

Central Hudson’s Support for At-Risk Customers

At Central Hudson, we understand that behind every utility account is a family, a home, and a community. When a customer faces disconnection due to nonpayment – especially when it impacts multiple family dwellings – the stakes are incredibly high. 

Disconnection is always a last resort. Before taking this step, we exhaust every available option to work with our customers. We reach out, offer payment plans, and connect individuals and property owners with financial assistance programs and community resources. Our goal is to keep the power on and families in their homes. 

 

How Central Hudson supports customers facing eviction

Our assistance programs are designed to provide help with energy bills to customers experiencing financial hardship. These include: 

  • Bill Discount Program: Offers monthly discounts to income-eligible customers to help reduce their energy bills. 
  • Good Neighbor Fund: Provides emergency financial assistance to customers facing unexpected financial challenges. 
  • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): A federally funded program that helps eligible households with heating and cooling costs. 

For more information on these programs and how to apply, visit our Assistance Programs page. 

 

Community resources 

In addition to our internal programs, these local organizations offer housing and eviction prevention services, such as: 

  • Legal Services of the Hudson Valley: Visit https://lshv.org/
  • Housing Resource Center (HRC): Operated by Catholic Charities, HRC helps individuals and families facing housing crises, including eviction. Located at 3 Washington Center. Contact: (845) 862-5150. 
  • Orange County Department of Social Services: Offers housing and financial support. Newburgh office: (845) 862-5100. 
  • Dutchess County Eviction Prevention Line: Call 2-1-1 and press 7 to get help with eviction prevention and referrals. 
  • Dutchess County Department of Community & Family Services: Provides emergency housing assistance. Contact: (845) 486-3300.
  • Hudson River Housing: Offers shelter, transitional housing, and low-income support in Poughkeepsie. Contact: (845) 454-5176.

 

Our commitment

We recognize the profound impact that utility disconnection can have on individuals and communities. That’s why we do everything in our power to prevent it. We urge any customer who is experiencing a financial hardship to contact us as soon as possible. Together, we can explore every available resource and find a way forward. 

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our Assistance Programs page or reach out to our customer service team directly. 

At Central Hudson, we’re here to help – because every home matters.