Sep 8, 2023
Central Hudson Announces Dry Ice Distribution; Restores Power to Thousands

11 a.m. 

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. has restored power to thousands of customers who have been impacted by the powerful thunderstorms that interrupted service to more than 46,000 homes and businesses.  As of 11:00 a.m. on Friday, approximately 22,300 customers have had service restored. Approximately 23,860 customers are without power with the majority of outages located in Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties:

  • Columbia County:      230 customers impacted
  • Dutchess County:        8,670 customers impacted
  • Orange County:          2,420 customers impacted
  • Putnam County:          220 customers impacted
  • Ulster County:            11,460 customers impacted

 

The current forecast is calling for potentially more severe weather on Friday afternoon and into the evening, which could result in additional customer outages. Visit hudsonvalleyweather.com for the latest forecast information.

Dry ice and bottled water distribution will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday at the following locations:

  • Topps Supermarket: 6726 US-9, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
  • Lowes Home Improvement: 650 NY-299, Highland, NY 12528
  • Town of Newburgh EMS Building (back parking lot): 97 S Plank Rd., Newburgh, NY 12550

Residents are advised to exercise an abundance of caution around downed power lines by staying at least 30 feet away, and remember that downed lines can become entangled and hidden in fallen limbs. Residents should also remember to assume any downed power lines are live.

Customers are advised to keep safety in mind, particularly during power interruptions:

  • Never use kitchen stoves or outdoor gas or charcoal grills indoors, as they pose a fire hazard and over time can give off carbon monoxide gas;
  • Beware of fallen trees and limbs, and use caution when traveling;
  • Avoid the use of candles for illumination due to fire hazards;
  • Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions on the use of emergency generators, and be sure to shut off the main breaker when in use and operate the units outdoors;
  • Operate cars and motor vehicles outdoors only, and never inside the garage; and
  • Avoid travel along roadways as hazardous conditions may cause driving accidents, including those involving utility poles which may cause power interruptions.

Customers can prepare for the storm and potential electric service interruptions by:

  • Paying attention to weather advisories, storm outage updates and/or shelter information.
  • Charging electronic devices in order to connect with Storm Central, Central Hudson’s outage information and reporting site;
  • Avoiding opening a refrigerator unnecessarily during outages, so that food lasts longer, an unopened refrigerator can keep food fresh for 4 hours;
  • Keeping handy a flashlight and fresh batteries;
  • Having a battery-powered radio to remain informed of restoration efforts;
  • Confirming adequate packaged or canned foods that require no refrigeration or cooking;
  • Having a non-electric can opener;
  • Keeping an emergency supply of bottled water on hand for drinking and washing; and
  • Filling bathtubs with water as added reserves.

 

Customers can stay informed of storm and restoration conditions in the following ways:

  • By text messaging: Customers should enroll in Central Hudson’s Texting Program to use text messaging to report their power condition and to obtain repair status. To enroll, visit CentralHudson.com/Alerts or text REG to 236483;
  • On the Web: Visit CentralHudson.com/Storms to report outages and obtain restoration updates;
  • Via smart phones: A mobile version of the Central Hudson’s website can be accessed by web-enabled cell phones and mobile devices at https://mobile.CenHud.com. Updated free Central Hudson mobile applications are available for Android and Apple devices by logging onto www.cenhud.com/mobileapp;
  • Through social media: “Like” Central Hudson on Facebook (Facebook.com/CentralHudson) and “Follow” on Twitter (Twitter.com/CentralHudson); and
  • By phone: Call the Central Hudson PowerLine at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714, and please use the automated system to report or monitor your power condition.
  • If a member of your household needs electricity to operate life sustaining equipment, please contact customer service at (845) 452-2700.

 

More information on preparing for storms and emergencies and communicating with Central Hudson is available at www.CentralHudson.com; for information regarding electric and natural gas safety, visit www.CentralHudson.com/Safety.