POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – December 29, 2025 – With colder-than-average temperatures increasing energy use and costs across the Hudson Valley, Central Hudson is urging customers to explore available assistance programs and payment options to help manage winter bills and keep accounts in good standing.
“When the temperatures drop, our top priority is making sure our customers are safe and comfortable in their homes,” said Lauren Preston, Chief Customer Services Officer. “We understand that colder weather often means higher energy use and larger utility bills. Central Hudson is proud to offer several programs that can ease the burden and help families manage seasonal energy costs.”
Much of the Northeast has experienced colder than average temperatures in November and December, resulting in increased energy consumption. This higher energy demand is expected to drive the market prices for electric and natural gas higher in the coming months, leading to higher supply costs on customer bills.
Central Hudson purchases energy on behalf of its customers on open energy markets, where prices fluctuate daily based on international, national and regional factors – including average temperature and customer demand. Utilities in New York State are prohibited from marking up supply prices or profiting from them.
As the cold snap continues, Central Hudson encourages customers to safely conserve energy whenever possible, and to take advantage of programs designed to help manage costs and maintain monthly budgets.
Assistance Programs
Several assistance programs are available to qualifying customers to help reduce energy costs:
- Central Hudson’s Energy Affordability Program provides a monthly credit on bills for up to 18 months;
- The Home Energy Assistance Program provides federally funded assistance for income qualified customers. Emergency HEAP benefits will be available starting Friday, January 2; and
- The Good Neighbor Fund offers grants of up to $650 based on energy service type and average monthly bill.
Payment Programs
In addition to assistance programs, flexible payment options are also available:
- Budget Billing helps customers manage extreme weather and usage spikes by leveling out their payments over 11 months based on their historic usage, with the 12th month adjusted to reflect actual costs;
- Zero cost, zero interest Deferred Payment Agreements allow customers to pay off larger balances in monthly installments; and
- The Extra Security Plan provides an extended billing due date for customers on a fixed income or those receiving Social Security, disability, or survivor benefits as their only source of household income.
To learn more about eligibility requirements and enroll in assistance or payment programs, visit www.cenhud.com/en/account-resources/assistance-programs.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority also offers a number of programs aimed at helping customers save money through energy efficiency and other rebates. To learn more and find out which programs are available, visit www.nyserda.ny.gov.
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 www.CentralHudson.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, follow our updates on Instagram, learn about our achievements on LinkedIn, and stay informed on X.