Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic caused economic hardship for families and individuals with low incomes, Central Hudson is implementing the Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program, approved by the New York State Public Service Commission for income-eligible New Yorkers.

Residential customers who receive benefits from a government assistance program (such as SNAP or HEAP) will have any past-due bill balance for service through May 1, 2022, reduced through a bill credit.

To qualify, you must:

1. Be enrolled in Central Hudson’s Bill Discount Program by December 31, 2022; or
2. Have received benefits under New York State’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) or Regular Arrears Supplement (RAS) in the prior heating season.

Bill Discount Program:

• You may be enrolled automatically if you receive benefits from a government assistance program. See the full list of qualifying programs below. To see if you’re enrolled, you can check your Central Hudson bill.
• If you’re not enrolled but you participate in a government assistance program, review the information on this page on how to enroll for a monthly discount on your utility bill and apply here.  https://www.cenhud.com/en/forms/energy-affordability-program-application/

Important information:

• If you are enrolled in the Bill Discount Program or received ERAP or RAS benefits, your bill credit will be processed automatically and you do not need to take any action. In addition, your service will not be suspended for non-payment while your bill credit or ERAP payment is being processed.
• If your ERAP application is pending with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, your account will not be credited until you have been found eligible for the program, the application has been fully processed and the funds have been received by Central Hudson.
• All customers are responsible for all charges for service after May 1, 2022.

Qualifying governmental assistance programs:

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
• Lifeline Telephone Service Program (Lifeline)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Medicaid
• Veterans Disability or Survivors Pension
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (if living on tribal lands)
• Head Start (if living on tribal lands)
• Tribal TANF (if living on tribal lands)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (if living on tribal lands)
• Utility Guarantee / Direct Vendor programs
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Safety Net Assistance