WHEREAS, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation (“Central Hudson”) has applied to the New York State Public Service Commission for increases in its electricity delivery rates and its natural gas delivery rates effective July 1, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Central Hudson seeks a rate increase for electric delivery charges that would result in an increase in the monthly bill of $30.12 (31.9% increase on the delivery bill, or 16.4% increase on the total bill) for an average residential customer using 660 kWh per month; and

WHEREAS, Central Hudson seeks a rate increase for gas delivery charges that would result in an increase in the monthly bill of $30.13 (29.2% increase on the delivery bill, or 19.0% increase on the total bill) for an average residential customer using 780 Ccf per year; and

WHEREAS, Central Hudson has stated that the rate increases are justified due to increases in capital investment mainly associated with the replacement of aging infrastructure; increased labor expense; continued and enhanced low income, energy efficiency and heat pump programs; increases due to capitalization and financing costs; and timely recovery of costs associated with responding to major storms and extreme weather.

WHEREAS, customers in a typical home or small business will be experiencing increases in the electric and natural gas delivery bills at a time when many are continuing to experience extraordinary financial hardships due to inflation; and

WHEREAS, Central Hudson’s area of service includes the Town of Wappinger, and Central Hudson’s proposed rate increases will cause unnecessary hardship for residents of the Town of Wappinger, particularly those with fixed or limited incomes, as well as placing an additional financial burden on the Town’s taxpayers as the Town’s own facilities are served by Central Hudson; and

WHEREAS, the proposed rate increases will place additional economic strains on small businesses and employers in the Town of Wappinger and discourage economic development and recovery; and

WHEREAS, upon consideration, the Town Board finds that such rate increases place an undue financial burden on residents, businesses and local governments, including the Town of Wappinger, and discourage further commercial and industrial development in our region;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger does hereby oppose the rate increases for delivery of electricity and natural gas for which Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation has applied; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of the Resolution be delivered by the Town Clerk to the Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, New York State Public Service Commission, the Hon. Rob Rollison, Senator for the 39th District, the Hon. Anil Beephan, Jr., Assemblyman for the 105th District, and to the chief executives of surrounding municipalities served by Central Hudson; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

 

 

Richard L. Thurston, Wappinger Town Supervisor