Mid-Hudson News reports that Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill sponsored by state Sen. Michelle Hinchey to stop chronic late billing by Central Hudson and other utility companies. Hinchey said, “Extreme backbilling creates unexpected financial burdens for families and small businesses, making budgeting nearly impossible since people can’t predict the arrival or amount of their next bills.... Our legislation finally cracks down on this predatory billing practice , and, for the first time, provides better protections for residents and small businesses alike by preventing utility companies from charging customers if they send a bill more than three months late.” The new law stops a utility from backbilling if a bill is issued more than three months late. Central Hudson has begun to move away from estimated billing and back to monthly meter reading. Read more about this story at Mid-Hudson News.