WGXC-90.7 FM
![](/images/wgxc-subheader.png)
![](/images/wgxc-subheader.png)
Central Hudson rate hike public hearings only remote, not in person
Paul Kirby reports in the Daily Freeman that New York's Public Service Commission will only hold four remote public hearings about Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.’s request to raise gas and electricity rates, but no in-person meetings. Assemblyperson Jonathan Jacobson of Newburgh has called for in-person hearings. Jacobson wrote to the commission that, “while virtual events allow many attendees to participate from the comforts of their home, they exclude those who don’t have computers and/or reliable Wi-Fi service. This means that citizens who are economically challenged—and arguably least able to afford a rate increase—are excluded from making their voices heard.” Central Hudson wants approval for a 16 percent hike in electricity rates, and a 19 percent increase for gas. Two virtual hearings will be on Sept. 12, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. To join visit https://signin.webex.com/join, with event number is 2345 253 2876 and password: Sept12-1pm. To join by phone, call (518) 549-0500 with access code 2345 253 2876, and password 73781201. The other two hearings are at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sept. 20. The online 1 p.m. hearing event number is: 2338 342 7497, with the password, Sept20-1pm. The phone-in access number is (518) 549-0500, with the access code 2338 342 7497, and password 73782001. The Sept. 20 5 p.m. virtual hearing event number is 2334 829 1678, with password Sept20-5pm. The phone-in access number is (518) 549-0500 with access code 2334 829 1678, and password 73782005. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.