UPDATE: Central Hudson Gas & Electric has just responded to U.S. Rep Josh Riley, D-Ithaca, amid urgent calls to suspend utility shutoffs for federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown. In a letter delivered on October 27, 2023, Central Hudson’s CEO, Stephanie R. Raymond, emphasized the company’s commitment to assist struggling customers.
Riley’s plea is particularly pressing for the approximately 4,000 federal workers in his district, who are facing financial strain due to halted paychecks. He urged utilities, including Central Hudson, to cease service terminations and to refrain from charging late fees or sending accounts to collection agencies during this crisis.
In her letter, Raymond outlined the various support programs Central Hudson offers, including deferred payment agreements and assistance through the Good Neighbor Fund. This fund, she noted, is bolstered by contributions from customers and is matched dollar-for-dollar by the company. She stated, “Central Hudson has compassionately worked with customers for more than 125 years and we have an unwavering commitment to help customers through difficult times.”
As winter approaches, Raymond called on Congress to ensure continued funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), highlighting its crucial role for vulnerable customers needing help with heating bills. “These funds are critically important,” she added.
Despite her reassurances, Riley expressed frustration with Central Hudson. He criticized the utility for its past billing errors and called for transparency. “No one in Upstate New York trusts Central Hudson to do the right thing,” he said. “If they want a productive conversation, they can start by giving thousands of federal workers a straight answer: will they shut off their power and heat, and send them to collections?”
The congressman has extended similar demands to other utility companies, including NYSEG and National Grid, urging them to take immediate action to protect federal employees.
Raymond did not explicitly address Riley’s requests for a halt to shutoffs but invited him to Central Hudson’s headquarters for a firsthand look at their operations. “I think you’ll gain greater appreciation for the excellent work our front-line employees provide our customers every day,” she wrote.
As federal workers face the fallout from the government shutdown, the urgency for a resolution grows. The next steps remain uncertain, but the dialogue between Riley and Central Hudson is expected to continue, with many watching closely for further developments.
Stay tuned for more updates on this critical situation affecting thousands of families in New York.
