William J. Kemble is reporting for the Daily Freeman Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp. has proposed a reduction in the fixed monthly rate it charges for electricity. The utility’s three-year proposal, filed with the state Public Service Commission April 18, calls for reducing the current $24 fixed rate by $3 the first year, $1 the second year and 50 cents the third year. However, electricity use rates would incrementally increase up to 4 percent over three years. Natural gas use rates would also increase -- 1.5 percent the first year, 3.6 percent the second year and 4.4 percent the third year. Jen Metzger, director of the group Citizens for Local Power, called the proposal “an important victory for fairness in our electricity rates because bills will be more closely tied to how much power customers actually use.” Metzger said the proposed hike in natural gas use rates for the third year of the plan is too high, though. State Assembly member Kevin Cahill, former chairman of the Assembly Standing Committee on Energy, said he was pleased Central Hudson backed off its initial proposals for increases of 13.5 percent for electricity and 18.5 percent for gas, but was “disappointed that the rate hike was not stopped all together.” The Public Service Commission is accepting comments on the Central Hudson proposal through May 2. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.