Larry Rulison reports in the Times Union Central Hudson Gas & Electric, the Poughkeepsie-based utility, has announced the start of this winter's Essential Services program. The program helps electric customers behind on their bills during the winter months. Under the program, customers with past due accounts are not disconnected. Instead, a special piece of equipment is attached to their electric meter that allows a limited amount of electricity each day to operate a heating system, some lights and some appliances. The utility serves customers in Greene and Columbia counties, and portions of southern Albany County. Read the full story in the Times Union.