POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – August 1, 2025 – Hudson Valley residents now have a powerful new way to manage energy costs – at no cost to them. Central Hudson Gas & Electric, in partnership with the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS), is making it easier than ever for customers to take control of their home energy use with the launch of HomeBoost, a free do-it-yourself energy assessment tool.
For a limited time beginning August 1, Central Hudson customers can borrow a HomeBoost kit from participating MHLS libraries. Each kit includes a smartphone-compatible thermal imaging camera and step-by-step instructions to help users identify areas in their homes where energy efficiency can be improved. Within days of completing the assessment, customers will receive a free personalized report via email that highlights available rebates and provides recommendations to improve efficiency and reduce monthly bills.
“Energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to lower household costs,” said Lauren Preston, Central Hudson’s Customer Services Officer. “By partnering with the Mid-Hudson Library System, we’re able to get this valuable tool into the hands of as many customers as possible – at no cost – so they can learn where energy could be saved, as well as get support and ideas on how to improve their home . Customers can then use the advice to explore energy efficiency programs and rebate programs offered for their area and start saving right away.”
“Helping residents save money is something our libraries do every day,” said Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson Library System. “This new partnership with Central Hudson helps us fulfill our vision for a world in which communities thrive when they have access to information, resources, learning environments and library services that respect the triple bottom line of social equity, economic feasibility, and environmental stewardship. This is a practical, easy-to-use program that will help any homeowner.”
How It Works
To participate, residents must have a library card from an MHLS member library and be an active Central Hudson customer. HomeBoost kits are compatible with both iPhone and Android devices. For the most accurate results, users should have basic home details available, such as the year their home was built, square footage, type of heating system, and window style.
Participating Libraries
HomeBoost kits are available for customers with a library card at these locations:
- Town of Esopus Library
- Kingston Library
- Poughkeepsie Public Libraries (Adriance Memorial and Boardman Road Branch)
- Red Hook Public Library
- Woodstock Library
- Julia L. Butterfield Library (Putnam)
- Catskill Public Library
- Howland Public Library (Beacon)
- Elting Memorial Library (New Paltz)
Free Weatherization Kit Included
While supplies last, customers who complete the DIY assessment will also receive a free weatherization kit to help get a head start on improving their home’s efficiency. Each kit includes:
- Two cans of spray foam
- Door sweeps
- Five outlet gaskets
- Five switch gaskets
- One tube of caulk
These simple tools can help seal up drafts, improve comfort, and lower energy bills – especially during peak heating and cooling seasons.
Building a More Energy-Efficient Community
This initiative marks the second collaboration between Central Hudson and MHLS, following the launch of the MHLS Road Trip program in June 2025. Together, the organizations are working to promote energy efficiency, beneficial electrification, weatherization, electric vehicles, community solar, and sustainability across the region.
Central Hudson has also launched a Community Partner Resource page, where libraries and other organizations can access free resources to help spread the word about clean energy and customer assistance programs.
To learn more, find a participating library, or get started, visit www.cenhud.com/HomeBoost.
ABOUT CENTRAL HUDSON
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., is an energy delivery company headquartered in Poughkeepsie, New York. The utility serves approximately 315,000 electric and 90,000 natural gas customers in eight counties of New York State’s Mid-Hudson River Valley, delivering natural gas and electricity in a 2,600-square-mile service territory that extends north from the suburbs of metropolitan New York City to the Capital District around Albany. Central Hudson supports local community service and business organizations, and offers value-added products and services, including energy efficiency and economic development programs. For more information, visit www.CentralHudson.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, keep up with our adventures on Instagram, learn about our achievements on LinkedIn, and follow us on X.
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Central Hudson customers can check out the HomeBoost kit at participating locations of the Mid-Hudson Library System