Nov 4, 2025
Central Hudson Shareholders Donate $55k to Local Community Action Organizations

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY, November 4, 2025 – In response to growing concerns over federal assistance program funding, Central Hudson Gas & Electric shareholders have donated $55,000 to Community Action Partnership organizations in every county the utility serves. These contributions aim to help residents access food and pay their utility bills during a time of heightened need.

“The government shutdown has placed a real strain on families across the Hudson Valley, and we’re committed to helping ease that burden because we believe in standing with our neighbors during times of uncertainty,” Central Hudson President and CEO Steph Raymond said. “By supporting local Community Action Organizations, we’re ensuring that those facing food insecurity and struggling with utility bills have access to the resources they need to stay safe, nourished, and warm.”

The shareholder donation was distributed to the following organizations:

"We are so grateful for this generous food donation that will help support low-income families during this challenging time,” said Linda Haas Manley, CEO of Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County, Inc. “The families we serve have expressed that this support has been so important as costs have risen and government programs have been reduced or disrupted."

“The generous donation from Central Hudson comes at a critically important time. With the unexpected delay in federal SNAP and HEAP benefits, many low-income families are facing an immediate and frightening gap in resources,” Marisa O’Leary, Director of the Putnam Community Action Partnership added. “This funding will allow Putnam CAP to step in immediately, providing essential support that helps stabilize these households. We are deeply grateful for Central Hudson's commitment to the well-being of our shared community.” 

As winter approaches, Central Hudson reminds customers of the various assistance and payment programs available. Customers who qualify for programs such as SNAP and HEAP are also eligible for Central Hudson’s Bill Discount program. Additional support options include:

  • Deferred Payment Agreements: Allow customers to pay past-due balances in monthly installments.
  • Extra Security Plan: Offers extended billing due dates for qualified customers on fixed incomes.
  • Good Neighbor Fund: Provides emergency grants to families who have exhausted all other assistance options.
  • Budget Billing: Aims to spread customers’ monthly payments evenly throughout the year based on their usage history. 

For more information, visit www.cenhud.com/account-resources/assistance-programs.

Enrollment for the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has been delayed until further notice due to the government shutdown. Central Hudson is communicating with customers to make them aware of available options.

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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From Left to Right: Central Hudson Chief Financial Officer Lora Gescheidle, Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County Family Resource Coordinator Tamesha Garvey, and Central Hudson Regional Affairs Liaison Linda Selcanin.