Paul Kirby is reporting for the Daily Freeman state Senator Michelle Hinchey, Assemblymember Kevin Cahill and Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan next week will host a hearing to gather testimony from the people impacted by skyrocketing electric and gas bills. All three hosts have been strong critics of Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp. and the utility’s billing practices including rising bills being sent to customers. All comments collected will be handed over to the state for use in its investigation of Central Hudson's customer information system implementation and the resulting billing errors. “This is an urgent issue for countless residents across Ulster County who have been severely impacted by the failed implementation of Central Hudson’s new billing system, which was compounded by unexpected and unprecedented bill surges,” Ryan said in a press release. As of late April 25, there were more than 3,000 comments posted on the Public Service Commission portal that was set up as part of the Central Hudson billing investigation. At least 11,000 Central Hudson electricity customers have experienced billing problems since September, Ryan said. The hearing will take place May 3, at Kingston High School. Ulster County residents without computer access or a valid email address who can not attend the public hearing may call (845) 443-8888 for assistance submitting public comment on the investigation. On April 11, Central Hudson announced electric bills were likely to increase again this month as supply charges to the utility have grown. Central Hudson delivery charges will rise in July, as well. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.