FOLLOWING NOW-CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN’S CALLS TO INVESTIGATE CENTRAL HUDSON’S UNJUST AND UNREASONABLE BILLING PRACTICES, NEW YORK PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION REPORT ALLEGES WRONGDOING
Following Now-Congressman Pat Ryan’s Calls to Investigate Central Hudson’s Unjust and Unreasonable Billing Practices, New York Public Service Commission Report Alleges Wrongdoing
Investigation and today’s announcement were direct result of Ryan, State Senator Hinchey’s efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, a report filed by the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) alleges that Central Hudson demanded unjust and unreasonable charges to thousands of customers and failed to provide adequate service. This investigation began following then-County Executive Pat Ryan’s letter to the PSC in March of this year.
"This is a resounding victory for the people of the Hudson Valley, who for too long have been the victim of corporate greed and gross incompetence from Central Hudson,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Today we showed that when we stand up with unified voices, we can bring about real change. I want to thank Laurie Wheelock and the entire Public Utility Law Project for filing a motion to institute a prudence proceeding, as well as all of our partners in local, state and federal government who’ve worked non-stop in pursuit of this ruling. To the people of the Hudson Valley, know that you have been heard, and I will not stop fighting until Central Hudson is held accountable for their actions.”
“We thank Congressman Ryan for his fierce advocacy to hold Central Hudson accountable for his constituents from the get-go. His efforts, along with those of Senator Hinchey, Assemblymember Cahill, and Acting-County Executive Contreras, demonstrated that something was very wrong at the Company and that’s clear when reading today’s report,” said Laurie Wheelock, Executive Director of the Public Utility Law Project. “The numerous alleged violations are evidence that our motion to compel a prudence review was done in good faith. Although there is much more work ahead, PULP appreciates the work of the Commission and Department Staff and will continue to monitor the proceeding’s progress. Central Hudson must be held accountable.”
“Today, the PSC rightfully found Central Hudson guilty of numerous violations that have caused direct economic harm to its customers, and I’m proud that my office, along with Rep. Pat Ryan, Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, and our partners at PULP, have kept the pressure on to ensure an accurate investigation in support of ratepayers,” said State Senator Michelle Hinchey. “I’m incredibly pleased that my bill to ban estimated billing and require monthly, accurate meter readings has officially been adopted as one of the formal recommendations moving forward. If there is anything this investigation has made clear, it’s that the people of the Hudson Valley deserve better, and passing my bill to protect customers into law has never been more important. Central Hudson customers deserve justice and answers for the hardships they’ve endured, and I’ll continue to fight to hold the company accountable for their negligent actions.”
“On the eve of consideration of our utility intervenor legislation, the Public Service Commission has given us a glimpse of what strong advocacy for consumers and small business can do,” said Assemblyman Kevin Cahill. “The granting of the motion to examine whether Central Hudson put profits over reliability, shareholders over ratepayers is a significant step. It surely would not have been possible without the intensive work and expertise of the Public Utility Law Project. My colleagues, Pat Ryan, Michelle Hinchey and I stood with PULP in insisting on accountability. This proceeding will begin that process.”
“Today, the investigation findings confirmed what we have been hearing for over a year, that Central Hudson’s implementation of their Customer Information System has been disastrous for customers, and the Company failed to perform their due diligence in the process," said Acting Ulster County Executive Johanna Contreras. "I thank Congressman Ryan for initiating this investigation in his role as Ulster County Executive. We are grateful to the Department of Public Service for their leadership on this important matter, and for moving forward with a prudence proceeding which will hold the company accountable for their improper business practices.”
For months, Rep. Ryan has been ringing the alarm bell about Central Hudson’s disgraceful business practices and calling for an official investigation of Central Hudson’s billing practices and related price surges. Since coming to Congress, he has established a form on his website for New Yorkers to submit complaints about Central Hudson directly to the PSC, the Attorney General of New York, and to Central Hudson.
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