William J. Kemble is reporting in the Daily Freeman Citizens for Local Power presented the state Public Service Commission with a petition Tue., Nov. 21, seeking a reduction of Central Hudson’s monthly fixed rate for electricity from $24 to $10. The consumer watchdog group said the utility's fixed rate is the highest in the state. Central Hudson's request to increase the monthly fixed rate for electricity to $25 per month is currently pending with the commission. The fixed rate is the amount a utility charges to cover the cost of doing business and is separate from the usage rates that customers pay. Critics say that a higher fixed rate is a disincentive for customers to conserve electricity. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.