Public Service Commission Makes a Decision

Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) applauds the decision from the Public Service Commission (PSC) to install an independent monitor to oversee Central Hudson.

After months of intense pressure from the State Legislature and other elected officials, Central Hudson will now be forced “to verify system and operational improvements to correct billing system errors, and to accelerate its plans to perform monthly meter reading for its customers” by the end of 2024.”

Jacobson said, “At long last, relief is finally on the horizon for Central Hudson customers. Since December 2021, customers have suffered every imaginable type of billing error. Senator Michelle Hinchey and I introduced legislation to curtail the two major issues causing customers stress: late billing and estimated billing. Now, the Department of Public Service is installing an independent monitor—to be paid for by Central Hudson—to ensure the utility gets its billing program corrected so that customers receive timely and accurate monthly bills. Time to make things right, Central Hudson.

“Customers experienced nearly two years of late bills, no bills, excessive estimated bills, and/or grossly inaccurate bills. While I am pleased with the PSC’s decision, Senator Hinchey and I will continue to pursue our utility reform legislation to ensure that Central Hudson and all utilities follow the law,” continued Jacobson.

“I wish to applaud my colleagues, Representative Pat Ryan and Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger for their advocacy in our common quest to bring sanity to the billing process and hold Central Hudson accountable,” concluded Jacobson.