2023-1222023-122
Resolution Opposing Delivery Rate Increases By Central Hudson Gas And Electric
Corporation
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County,
New York, held at Town Hall, 20 Middlebush Road, Wappingers Falls, New York, on
September 14, 2023.
The meeting was called to order by Richard Thurston, Town Supervisor, and upon roll
being called, the following was recorded:
✓ Vote Record - Resolution RES -2023-122
Yes/Aye
No/Nay
Abstain
Absent
❑ Adopted
Q Adopted as Amended
Richard Thurston
Voter
Q
❑
❑
❑
❑ Defeated
William H. Beale
Mover
Q
❑
❑
❑
❑ Tabled
Angela Bettina
Voter
Q
❑
❑
❑
❑ Withdrawn
Christopher Phillips
Voter
Q
❑
❑
❑
Al Casella
Seconder
Q
❑
❑
❑
The following Resolution was introduced by Councilman Beale and seconded by Casella.
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, Pat Ryan, the Hon. Rob Rollison, Senator for the 391' District, the Hon. Anil
Beephan, Jr., Assemblyman for the 105'h 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.
The foregoing was put to a vote which resulted as follows:
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: William H. Beale, Councilman
SECONDER: Al Casella, Councilman
AYES: Thurston, Beale, Bettina, Phillips, Casella
Dated: Wappingers Falls, New York
9/14/2023
Amended.
The Resolution is hereby duly declared Adopted as
P. PAOLONI, TOWN CLERK