Statement From Senator Gipson on the Sale of Central Hudson

For Immediate Release: April 2, 2013
Media Contact: Brian Keeler | 845.463.0840 | keeler@nysenate.gov

STATEMENT FROM SENATOR GIPSON ON THE SALE OF CENTRAL HUDSON

Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-  Senator Terry Gipson today responded to the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) decision to heed his call for more hearings on the proposed acquisition of Central Hudson Energy Group by the Canadian-based Fortis, Inc.

“Hudson Valley families and small businesses, already burdened by outrageous energy bills, deserve transparency and accountability from their power providers,” Senator Gipson said. “While the PSC’s decision represents a small step in the right direction, I am still not convinced that the PSC and the two utility companies are doing enough to assure our community that this sale will not increase energy costs.”

In a recent letter to the PSC, Senator Gipson requested a 90-day extension of the public comment period and asked that representatives of both Central Hudson and Fortis make themselves available to answer questions from local residents. Today, the PSC announced it would extend the public hearing period by 45 days and add two hearings, but would not require representatives from Fortis and Central Hudson to respond to the public.

“The ability of hardworking men and women to provide for their families and small businesses to create good, local jobs, depends on their knowing that they will not be crushed by potentially arbitrary, unfair energy costs,” Senator Gipson added. “The PSC’s decision is a small step in the right direction, but if Fortis remains silent about responding directly to the people of the Hudson Valley I am not optimistic that they will be able to provide our community with the service it needs.”

Senator Gipson urges consumers to attend the hearings as well as contact the PSC directly with comments. The hearings are scheduled for Wednesday, April 17th, 2013, 7:00 pm at Common Council Chambers, Municipal Building, 3rd Floor, 62 Civic Center Plaza in Poughkeepsie and Thursday, April 18th, 2013, 7:00 pm at Council Chambers, Kingston City Hall, 420 Broadway in Kingston.

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