Public Service Commission Extends Public Comment Period in Central Hudson/Fortis Merger

March 22, 2013

Albany, NY – Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D – Ulster, Dutchess) announced today that the Public Service Commission has agreed to extend the public comment period on the proposed acquisition of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Company by Fortis Inc. The notice from the PSC was issued in response to requests for a ninety day extension from Assemblymember Cahill and other state and local elected officials, as well as community advocates.

“It has become increasingly more apparent that residents in the Central Hudson service area are not entirely on board with the proposal as is,” Cahill said. “Although we did not get a ninety day extension, I am glad to see that the PSC, who is legally required to act in the interest of the public, decided to hear further comments before making a decision.”

“Since the original announcement of the proposed acquisition of Central Hudson by Fortis, the news in the region has been largely controlled through the public relations apparatus of the company,” Cahill said. “That changed a great deal when the recent round of public hearings was scheduled for Kingston and Poughkeepsie. I encourage folks to take advantage of the extended time to voice their opinion on this issue and recommend the PSC conduct more local hearings.”

Assemblymember Cahill urges consumers to weigh in with the Public Service Commission. Comments can be sent to Empire State Plaza, Agency Building 3, Albany, New York 12223-1350 or emailed to Hon. Jeffrey C. Cohen, Acting Secretary, at secretary@dps.ny.gov. Comments should refer to "Case 12-M-0192 - Central Hudson/Fortis Merger.” All comments should be submitted no later than May 1, 2013.

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