POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – November 2, 2026 –  As many Mid-Hudson Valley households continue to balance rising everyday expenses, Central Hudson Gas & Electric is encouraging customers to explore available resources designed to help make energy costs more manageable. Customers may also be eligible to receive a New York State POWER rebate check this fall, providing additional financial relief to qualifying households.  

“Affordability remains one of the most important concerns we hear from our customers,” said Steph Raymond, President and CEO of Central Hudson. “Affordability is about more than the amount of a bill. Customers also need predictability and access to resources that help them manage household expenses with confidence. Whether it’s bill assistance, a flexible payment arrangement, a budget billing option, or an energy-efficiency program, we want customers to know support is available and encourage them to explore these opportunities before winter heating costs increase.” 

The New York State Public Service Commission recently released their outlook for the 2026-2027 winter season. This outlook forecasted an increase in the market price for electricity (about 4.6 percent vs. last year) and a slight decrease in the market price for natural gas (about 3.2 percent vs. last year). These forecasts are based on historical trends. A colder than expected winter would cause increases in demand, usage and ultimately, customer bills.  

As customers prepare for the winter heating season, Central Hudson is encouraging customers to take advantage of available assistance programs, payment options and energy efficiency resources that can help reduce energy costs and improve bill predictability.  

Assistance Programs That Can Help Lower Energy Costs 

In addition to POWER rebate checks arriving in customer mailboxes, customers may qualify for a variety of programs that provide direct financial assistance, monthly bill discounts or emergency support, including: 

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Applications for the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program opened on November 2, 2026. This program helps income-qualified households pay heating and cooling costs, including electricity, natural gas and other heating fuels. Customers enrolled in HEAP are automatically enrolled in Central Hudson’s Energy Affordability Program, providing additional savings opportunities.   

• Energy Affordability Program (EAP): Income-qualified customers enrolled in programs such as HEAP, SNAP, Lifeline, Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income may be eligible for a monthly bill credit for up to 18 consecutive months, helping reduce ongoing energy expenses.  

• Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP): This two-year pilot program is designed to help moderate-income households that may not qualify for traditional energy assistance programs due to income limits. Eligible customers receive a fixed monthly bill discount that provides consistent savings and greater budget certainty. Learn more about eligibility requirements here. 

• Good Neighbor Fund: Customers experiencing unexpected financial hardship may qualify for emergency assistance through the Good Neighbor Fund after other forms of utility assistance have been exhausted. 

Flexible Payment Options 

Customers who are experiencing difficulty managing energy bills may be eligible for payment solutions that can help avoid service interruptions and spread costs over time.    

• Deferred Payment Agreement: Customers who are having difficulty keeping up with energy bills may be eligible for a no-interest payment plan that spreads past-due balances over affordable monthly installments. Customers enrolled in a Deferred Payment Agreement are not charged interest or late fees and are not referred to collections while meeting the terms of the agreement. 

Opportunities to Reduce Future Energy Costs 

For customers looking to take greater control of their energy costs, reducing energy use at home can lead to meaningful savings throughout the year. Central Hudson offers a variety of tools, resources and incentives to help make energy-efficiency improvements more accessible and affordable. 

• Free HomeBoost DIY Energy Assessments: Central Hudson customers with a valid library card can visit participating Mid-Hudson and Ramapo Catskill libraries to borrow a HomeBoost DIY energy assessment kit at no cost. The HomeBoost kit pairs with a smartphone to guide customers through a simple home energy assessment. Participants receive a personalized report with practical recommendations to help reduce energy use, lower monthly bills and improve home comfort.  

• Empower + and Comfort Home Programs: Through partnerships with NYSERDA and regional organizations, eligible customers may qualify for incentives and support for insulation upgrades, weatherization improvements, heat pumps and other energy-saving home improvements that can reduce energy consumption and long-term utility costs.  

• Energy Efficiency Resources and Rebates: Customers can explore additional rebates, incentives and educational resources designed to help reduce energy consumption and improve home comfort.  

Part of a Broader Customer Affordability Initiative 

As part of its ongoing commitment to affordability, Central Hudson continues to expand awareness of assistance programs, payment options and energy-saving opportunities available to customers throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley. Through its affordability resource center, customers can quickly identify programs and tools that may help lower energy costs, improve bill predictability and better manage household budgets.  

Customers who are looking for ways to reduce energy costs, need help managing their bills or want to improve their home's energy efficiency are encouraged to learn more about available resources at www.centralhudson.com/path2savings or contact Central Hudson for assistance identifying programs they may qualify for. 

ABOUT CENTRAL HUDSON 

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., is an energy delivery company headquartered in Poughkeepsie, New York. Central Hudson provides electricity to approximately 315,000 customers and natural gas to 90,000 customers across eight counties in New York State’s Mid-Hudson River Valley. The company serves a 2,600-square-mile territory that stretches north from the suburbs of metropolitan New York City to the Capital District around Albany. Central Hudson actively 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 https://www.CentralHudson.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, follow our updates on Instagram, learn about our achievements on LinkedIn, and stay informed on X. 

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