Ulster County announced that the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) investigation into Central Hudson has received over 1,000 complaints in the first 48 hours after County Executive Pat Ryan encouraged impacted residents to post public comments on the matter via the DPS webportal.
In response to the formal request, DPS opened matter number 22-00666 to investigate problems with Central Hudson’s billing practices. Other matters open with DPS are an investigation into Central Hudson’s winter storm response (matter number 22-00497) and an audit into Central Hudson’s billing practices (matter number 21-M-0541). Within 48 hours of notifying the public that an investigation had been opened, there were over 1,000 public comments logged on the matter.
Central Hudson customers who have been impacted by the implementation of Central Hudson’s new billing system, and who have not been able to resolve their issues with the utility, may submit public comments to the DPS investigation through the online form.
Due to unusually high call volume, the Ulster County Recovery Service Center is prioritizing Ulster County residents who do not have computer access or a valid email address, and those who fit this criteria may call 845-443-8888 for assistance with submitting public comments on the investigation. All others, please keep the lines open for these folks and use the DPS online form.
There is no deadline to submit complaints, and it’s anticipated that the DPS investigation will go on for several months.