October 29, 2008

For Release:            Immediately

Contact:            John Maserjian, (845) 471-8323

Central Hudson Urges Residents to Prepare for Winter Weather 

Preparing now will help customers of Central Hudson use energy efficiently this winter, while taking advantage of payment and assistance programs can help families better-manage their heating bills.

“Although the market supply price of natural gas has declined in recent weeks and is projected to be lower than other heating fuels this year, the Department of Energy predicts energy prices will still be higher than last year,” said Denise D. VanBuren, Vice President of Public Affairs and Energy Efficiency. Central Hudson does not mark-up the energy supply costs for natural gas or electricity, which together with taxes makes up nearly 80 percent of utility bills.

“With higher market prices for energy, our customers should be aware of ways to manage their energy use,” said VanBuren. Installing storm windows, sealing leaks and cracks with caulk and weather stripping, and adding insulation can help to significantly reduce energy use, particularly in older homes, with the potential to save up to 10 percent on the use of heating fuels. “Also, have heating systems professionally serviced to ensure they operate as safely and efficiently as possible,” VanBuren said. “Contractors will check units for proper operation, including combustion efficiency and the condition of the chimney or flue, and make any necessary adjustments so that your system is not only running efficiently, but also safely,” she said. Other efficiency steps include:

• Opening drapes during sunny days to warm the home, and closing them at night to keep in the heat;
• Keeping radiators and heating ducts clear of furniture to allow heat to circulate freely;
• Insulating ducts and hot water pipes where they run through uninsulated areas such as crawl spaces, and repairing any leaks in the duct system;
• Turning down thermostats (each degree lowered saves three percent on energy use), and installing set-back thermostats, which automatically turn down the heat at night or when the home is unoccupied, potentially saving up to 10 percent. 
• For safety’s sake, install a carbon monoxide and smoke detector, and ensure that the batteries are fresh.

Eligible residents may also wish take advantage of assistance programs, particularly the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).  “This important benefit has been expanded this year to reach more families, and qualifying Hudson Valley households should apply,” said VanBuren. Under the current year’s program, a family of two earning up to $30,804, or a family of five earning up to $52,560 may receive a HEAP grant that would pay for about a one-month heating bill. Applications are available through the county departments of Social Services and Office for the Aging.

Central Hudson’s Budget Billing program is another way to help manage heating bills, by spreading out the estimated annual cost of electricity and natural gas into even, monthly payments. “Budget Billing eliminates the seasonal highs and lows in utility bills with a regular and predictable payment, and many customers have also saved time and money by combining Budget Billing with one of our automated payment options,” said VanBuren.

Other payment assistance programs are also available, such as deferred payment arrangements to pay past due amounts over time; the Powerful Opportunities Program to help income-qualified customers with past due amounts reduce their arrears and learn about energy efficiency; and the Good Neighbor Fund, a last-resort grant for households that have exhausted all other forms of assistance, funded through donations and contributions from Central Hudson customers and shareholders.

Visit www.SavingsCentral.com for additional energy efficiency measures, and www.CentralHudson.com for more information on Central Hudson’s payment assistance programs.

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