Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. is responding to a request from Congressman Josh Riley of New York's 19th Congressional District to halt service termination notices for federal workers affected by the ongoing government shutdown. Approximately 4,000 federal employees in Riley's district are impacted by the shutdown, which began on October 1 and has left many without pay.

In a letter to Riley, Central Hudson's CEO, Stephanie R. Raymond, emphasized the company's long-standing commitment to assisting customers in financial distress. She highlighted existing programs such as deferred payment agreements and the Good Neighbor Fund, which provides aid to those who may not qualify for state and federal assistance. The fund is supported by contributions from Central Hudson customers, matched dollar-for-dollar by the company's shareholders. Raymond also urged Riley to ensure federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) remains available to help vulnerable customers with heating bills as the colder months approach.

Raymond invited Riley to visit Central Hudson's headquarters to better understand the work done by their employees. However, she did not specify whether the utility would implement new programs specifically for federal workers during the shutdown.

Riley has also called on Central Hudson and other utilities, including NYSEG and National Grid, to waive late fees and refrain from sending accounts to collection agencies during the shutdown. He criticized Central Hudson for past billing errors and urged the company to provide clarity on whether they would terminate services for federal workers. Riley's office continues to offer resources and assistance to those affected by the shutdown, which has disrupted various government services.

Theresa Lucas