William J. Kemble is reporting in the Daily Freeman AARP says summer cooling costs for consumers in New York state could be almost 10 percent higher than a year ago. The group’s warning comes less than two weeks after concerns were raised about Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. sending a growing number of shutoff notifications to customers. AARP advocates on behalf of Americans over the age of 50. In its latest statement, AARP says older residents and families on budgets could be faced with deciding between staying cool and risking health problems. The group said the anticipated summer rate represents a jump of 9.9 percent, and that rate could go higher. A Central Hudson spokesman blamed the federally mandated capacity zone in part for the increase. He also said Central Hudson rates are in reality lower than the rates cited by AARP. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.