POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — October 30, 2026 — Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. received the Edison Electric Institute’s 2026 Corporate Citizenship Award in the Volunteerism category for its 125 Acts of Service initiative, a year-long effort that mobilized employees and community partners across the Hudson Valley. Launched in recognition of the company’s 125th anniversary in 2025, the initiative resulted in 132 completed service projects and $1.14 million in community investment, exceeding the company’s original goals and benefiting local organizations throughout the region.
Through the initiative, employees volunteered their time, skills, and expertise to support organizations addressing food insecurity, strengthening neighborhoods, expanding educational opportunities, and improving quality of life throughout the communities Central Hudson serves.
Food insecurity was a central focus of the effort. Employees served meals at Dutchess Outreach’s Lunch Box, while a grant to the Poughkeepsie Farm Project helped expand access to fresh, locally grown food through the Poughkeepsie City School District’s Community Schools food pantry. Employees also partnered with Angels of Light to assemble pediatric support bags and deliver essential supplied to families facing serious illness or loss.
Community revitalization projects took employees across the region. Volunteer teams renovated a senior citizen’s home in Red Hook, supported neighborhood cleanup efforts in Newburgh, helped construct a greenhouse promoting learning and food security, and assisted with an Abilities First touch-a-truck event for local families.
To inspire future generations, Central Hudson employees engaged with students and aspiring tradespeople across the region. Volunteers mentored electrical apprentices, provided career guidance and workforce insights to students at Van Wyck Junior High and Faith Christian Academy, taught energy safety to local scout groups, and participated in the SUNY New Paltz Design & Engineering Expo.
In addition to volunteer service, Central Hudson contributed $1.14 million to Hudson Valley communities through charitable giving, sponsorships, and employee-supported initiatives. The company also saw participation in its Employee Matching Gift Program more than double during the anniversary year, further expanding support for local nonprofit organizations.
“It was such an honor to receive this recognition from EEI, but what makes this award truly meaningful is the difference it represents in the lives of our neighbors and communities,” said Steph Raymond, President and Chief Executive Officer of Central Hudson. “Our 125 Acts of Service initiative began as a way to celebrate an important milestone in our company’s history, but it became something much bigger. Together with our employees, nonprofit partners and community organizations, we completed 132 acts of service and contributed $1.14 million to support causes that matter across the Hudson Valley. This recognition reflects the generosity, dedication, and community spirit of the people who make Central Hudson such a special part of this region. We are proud of the impact we’ve made together and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the communities we call home.”
While the award recognizes the achievements of the 125 Acts of Service initiative, the spirit behind the effort continues today. Throughout 2026, Central Hudson employees have continued volunteering with local organizations, supporting community programs, and contributing to causes that strengthen the Hudson Valley. The initiative helped build momentum for an ongoing commitment to service that remains an important part of the company's culture.
The 125 Acts of Service initiative reflects Central Hudson’s longstanding commitment to the communities it serves. Nearly all of the company’s approximately 1,200 employees live in the Hudson Valley, and community involvement remains a core part of the company’s culture. While the anniversary initiative has concluded, Central Hudson will continue investing its time, talent, and resources to support local organization and strengthen the region for years to come.
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 Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs Joseph Hally receives the 2026 Corporate Citizenship Award on behalf of the company from Edison Electric Institute Vice President of State Engagement Kristine Esposo Telford.
Central Hudson Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs Joseph Hally accepts the Edison Electric Institute 2026 Corporate Citizenship Award on behalf of Central Hudson.