Approximately 5,433 people have signed a Change.org petition addressed to New York’s Attorney General and Governor, calling for immediate regulatory action against Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. The petition, led by residents and business owners across eight upstate counties, condemns what they describe as unjustifiably high delivery charges for electricity and gas.
The petition cites a stark imbalance between supply and delivery costs—often with delivery fees far exceeding the actual cost of energy—and points to a history of billing problems, including thousands of consumer complaints and a $64.59 million settlement as evidence of systemic overcharging.
Comments left on the petition echoed these concerns.
“My bill has more than doubled from last winter to this winter despite using less electricity,” wrote one petition signer, with many others sharing outrage at dramatic and sudden increases in charges.
Commenters also complained about being unable to resolve billing issues.
“I have bills that are not accurate, the billing department does not help and it’s impossible to get a supervisor on the phone. Help is needed desperately,” another petitioner wrote.
More drastic measures are being considered elsewhere. The Kingston City Council voted unanimously in February to pursue public acquisition of Central Hudson, and turn it into a publicly-owned energy utility. The initiative represents a massive investment and faces an uphill battle of resistance from lobbyists, politicians, some labor leaders, regulators, lawyers, and skeptics in the community.
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