William J. Kemble is reporting in the Daily Freeman the state Public Service Commission, Wed., Jun. 17, approved a request by Central Hudson Gas & Electric's to increase residential electric delivery rates by about 9 percent. The Commission also approved a five percent hike in natural gas delivery rates over the next three years. The changes are effective July 1. The new rates reflect only delivery charges and do not include the actual cost of the electric and gas commodities, which, according to Central Hudson, “typically comprise 30 to 50 percent" of the total bill. The company has promised to use the increased revenue that will result to create a major storm reserve, convert customers to monthly billing and create an incentive-expansion program to promote the conversion of customers to gas service, among other things. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.