Paul Kirby reports for the Daily Freeman that after first proposing only online hearings, the Public Service Commission will now hold in-person meetings about Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.’s proposed double-digit electricity and gas delivery rate increases. Previously, four virtual and telephone hearings were announced for this month, but now a press release from the commission says the in-person public hearings would be held at a later date, but gave no specific details. Local politicians such as Assemblymember Didi Barrett and state Sen. Michelle Hinchey have called for in-person meetings. Barrett said, “Ratepayers in the Hudson Valley have faced sky-high utility bills in recent years, bills that were only exacerbated by the flawed rollout of Central Hudson’s new billing system that left many of my constituents having to decide whether to pay their electricity bill or put food on the table.... Given the significant rate increase requested by Central Hudson, it is more important than ever to have an in-person public hearing on this proposed rate increase so that all ratepayers have the ability to voice their concerns.” Central Hudson is seeking a 16 percent increase in delivery rate for electricity and 19 percent for gas starting July 1, 2024. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.