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Turning Up the Heat: Central Hudson’s Rate Hike and a New Power Proposal

This Weekend in Poughkeepsie

Author

Trevor Redl
February 14, 2025

In partnership with

Good evening, Poughkeepsie!

In today’s Poughkeepsie Weekly:

  • Central Hudson’s proposed rate hikes and the Hudson Valley Power Authority Act

  • City of Poughkeepsie & Dutchess County Consolidated Plan

  • This Weekend ❄️ 

Let’s get to it.

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THE DIGEST

The City of Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County will hold two public hearings to gather input for the 2025-2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan, which will guide the use of HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds for housing and community development needs. Residents are encouraged to participate and share their feedback. The hearings will be on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. in Poughkeepsie City Hall and Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. at the Dutchess County Farm & Home Center in Millbrook, with virtual participation available— meeting link.

Central Hudson Gas & Electric defended its request for gas and electric rate increases, stating the hikes are necessary to maintain quality service and meet New York's clean energy mandates. The utility emphasized that the regulatory process for new rates takes 11-12 months and that its proposed increases—4.6% for electric and 5.8% for gas—are lower than recent industry requests.

In response to growing concerns about rising utility costs, Hinchey and Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha have introduced the Hudson Valley Power Authority Act. This legislation would create the Hudson Valley Power Authority (HVPA), a publicly owned and democratically-run energy utility. The HVPA would be authorized to acquire Central Hudson and operate with a focus on providing low rates, reliable service, clear and accurate billing, clean energy, community benefits, strong labor protections, and environmental justice. Learn more.

Would you support replacing Central Hudson with a publicly-owned utility focused on lower rates, clean energy, and reliable service?

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LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

This past Thursday morning, I volunteered at the Town of Poughkeepsie’s food pantry at Town Hall in partnership with Dutchess Outreach. The food pantry will be held monthly at the Town of Poughkeepsie Town Hall and once a month at the Galleria Mall. Additionally, there is a food pantry in the City of Poughkeepsie. You can learn more here.

@POUGHKEEPSIEWEEKLY

 📷️ Eva Rizzi Photography

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

With snow expected in Poughkeepsie this weekend, it’s a great time to embrace hygge—the Danish tradition of coziness and simple comforts. Light some candles, grab a blanket, and enjoy the quiet moments at home while the snow falls.

Saturday

8:00 - 10:00 PM: Dylan Doyle at 1915.

Sunday

CIVIL NEWS ⚖️ 

WEATHER 

Saturday

33 🌡️ 21 | ❄️ 

Sunday

40 🌡️ 27 | 🌧️ 

Monday

28 🌡️ 16 | ⛅️ 

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