Adam Clayton is reporting in the Register Star representatives from Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. and the Rural Ulster Preservation Company joined Assembly member Didi Barrett in Ancram, Tues., May 6, to address community concerns over recent utility rate hikes. Central Hudson Director of Public Relations John Maserjian, said electric bills recently doubled and tripled due to increases in taxes and surcharges, delivery charges and supply fees. The rate hike was the highest in more than a decade, he said, but the increases are just beginning. Maserjian said with the creation of a new capacity zone by the Federal Electric Regulatory Commission rates for residential customers will increase by 6 percent and for commercial customers by 10 percent. The New York State Public Service Commission is seeking a reversal of the decision to create the new capacity zone. In a statement released in February, the Commission said the new zone will cause a potential $230 million increase in annual electric bills to consumers located in the lower Hudson Valley. Read the full story in the Register Star.