Paul Kirby reports in the Daily Freeman that New York's Public Service Commission will only hold four remote public hearings about Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.’s request to raise gas and electricity rates, but no in-person meetings. Assemblyperson Jonathan Jacobson of Newburgh has called for in-person hearings. Jacobson wrote to the commission that, “while virtual events allow many attendees to participate from the comforts of their home, they exclude those who don’t have computers and/or reliable Wi-Fi service. This means that citizens who are economically challenged—and arguably least able to afford a rate increase—are excluded from making their voices heard.” Central Hudson wants approval for a 16 percent hike in electricity rates, and a 19 percent increase for gas. Two virtual hearings will be on Sept. 12, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. To join visit https://signin.webex.com/join, with event number is 2345 253 2876 and password: Sept12-1pm. To join by phone, call (518) 549-0500 with access code 2345 253 2876, and password 73781201. The other two hearings are at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sept. 20. The online 1 p.m. hearing event number is: 2338 342 7497, with the password, Sept20-1pm. The phone-in access number is (518) 549-0500, with the access code 2338 342 7497, and password 73782001. The Sept. 20 5 p.m. virtual hearing event number is 2334 829 1678, with password Sept20-5pm. The phone-in access number is (518) 549-0500 with access code 2334 829 1678, and password 73782005. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.