Enrollment in low-income discount payment plans offered by Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. has seen a significant increase in October 2025, with 13,443 participants compared to 10,411 in the same month last year. This rise, which equates to an additional 3,032 customers, reflects the ongoing demand for energy assistance programs in the Mid-Hudson Valley region.
As reported to the Public Service Commission, the majority of those enrolled are taking advantage of the Heating Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which had 8,791 participants at the end of October. The enrollment period for the 2025-2026 season commenced on December 1, following a delay due to a government shutdown.
Central Hudson is actively encouraging customers to enroll in HEAP and other energy assistance initiatives. Lauren Preston, Chief Customer Services Officer, stated, “When the temperatures drop, our top priority is making sure our customers are safe and comfortable in their homes. We understand that colder weather often means higher energy use and larger utility bills.”
The utility company serves approximately 315,000 electric and 90,000 gas customers in the region. According to Joseph Jenkins, a spokesperson for Central Hudson, HEAP has historically assisted over 11,000 customers each year, distributing an average of around $4 million annually for the past three years. This program is primarily funded by federal resources.
Central Hudson’s recent statement highlighted that November and December have experienced colder than average temperatures, which has led to increased energy consumption. “This higher energy demand is expected to drive market prices for electric and natural gas higher in the coming months,” the company noted.
Additional Support Programs Available
Alongside HEAP, Central Hudson offers various programs designed to alleviate energy costs. The Energy Affordability Program provides monthly credits on bills for up to 18 months, while the Good Neighbor Fund offers grants of up to $650 based on energy service type and average monthly bill.
Customers can also access flexible payment options, such as budget billing, which balances payments over a year according to historical usage. Additionally, Central Hudson provides deferred payment agreements with zero interest, allowing customers to pay larger balances in manageable installments. The Extra Security Plan offers extended billing due dates for customers reliant on fixed incomes or benefits.
In August, the Public Service Commission approved rate hikes that will affect basic service charges for both gas and electricity. Over the next three years, customers will see basic service charges increase incrementally, with the average residential customer using 630 kilowatt-hours monthly expected to pay significantly more each year. Specifically, this increase will amount to an additional $6.04 or 5.65% in the first year, escalating to an additional $6.25 or 5.54% in the second year, and $6.01 or 5.05% in the third year.
For gas customers, the impact is similarly pronounced, with expected increases of $7.89, $11.27, and $12.21 over the same period for residential consumers using 64 cubic feet of gas.
As Central Hudson navigates these challenges, the utility continues to emphasize the importance of energy conservation during peak demand periods while promoting its range of assistance programs designed to support customers facing financial difficulties.
