Central Hudson Discount Plan Enrollment Rose 28 Percent

The utility reported a significant increase in households utilizing energy assistance programs as of late September.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Utilities

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a stylized utility meter and copper wire against a navy background, representing energy assistance enrollment. — Central Hudson Gas and Electric reported that enrollment in its energy assistance plans rose 28 percent to over 18,300 households by late September. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Enrollment in Central Hudson Gas and Electric assistance plans grew by 28 percent, reaching 18,337 homes by September 30, 2026. This represents an increase of 4,017 households compared to the same period in 2025.

Why it matters

The utility expanded its outreach and launched a dedicated website to help customers navigate rising costs. These efforts aim to connect struggling residents with available financial support for their essential monthly energy expenses.

Central Hudson currently serves 315,000 electric customers and 90,000 natural gas customers. Average monthly bills have reached $185.52 for electricity and $167.85 for natural gas service.

The players

Central Hudson Gas and Electric

This utility provider serves hundreds of thousands of customers across New York state.

Public Service Commission

This state regulatory agency oversees the rates and service standards for public utilities in New York.

The details

Central Hudson increased its communication and media awareness campaigns to drive participation in the Energy Affordability Program. Currently, 10,587 of the total enrolled households participate specifically through the Home Energy Assistance Program.

September 2025: Enrollment stood at 14,320 homes.
July 2026: Central Hudson delivery rates climbed.
September 30, 2026: Enrollment reached 18,337 homes.
January 1, 2027: A new law regarding Public Service Commission rate voting takes effect.

Market Landscape

This expansion of customer assistance programs occurs as the industry faces heightened scrutiny from state regulators over rate increases. The upcoming implementation of the New York PSC utility rate increase rejection law highlights a tightening regulatory environment for utility providers.

Customers are seeing higher delivery charges of 14.554 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity and $1.50 increases in monthly customer fees. Households can check the utility's dedicated website to determine if they qualify for enrollment in affordability programs to mitigate these higher costs.

The takeaway

As energy costs rise, residents should prioritize checking their eligibility for established affordability programs to lower their monthly burdens. Proactive engagement with utility provider resources can identify available financial assistance before the next billing cycle begins.

What happens next

On January 1, 2027, a new law will empower the Public Service Commission to reject utility rate increase proposals, changing how these companies structure future billing adjustments.