Paul Kirby reports in the Daily Freeman that State senator Michelle Hinchey's bill that would require utilities to end estimated billing practices has made its way to the Senate floor. Central Hudson has been using estimated bill practices recently, and has received thousands of complaints and investigations because of their billing problems. The bill got out of the Energy & Telecommunications Committee on Jan. 31. Hinchey says the legislation is the only way to guarantee the end of estimated bill practice done by utilities, including Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. She said, “My goal coming into this session is to get my legislation to ban estimated billing passed early, and with its advancement from the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee this week, we’re on track to do just that.... I’m proud that we’ve built strong momentum in support of my bill, including from the PSC (Public Service Commission), which has officially adopted my bill as part of their recommendations to Central Hudson in light of their investigation. At the end of the day, ending predatory billing practices by utility companies and putting more money back into the pockets of New Yorkers is an issue we can all agree on.“ Hinchey represents the 41st Senate district, representing Greene and Columbia counties, and northern Dutchess and Ulster counties. Central Hudson has previously warned that could cause increased rates for consumers, saying that, “a transition to monthly meter reading for all customers will require revisions to Central Hudson’s tariff. Subsequent to Commission action, the company will file tariff amendments in compliance with the outcomes of an order in this proceeding.”