ALBANY - Assemblyman Frank Skartados (D-Milton) Wednesday said he is opposed to Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation’s proposed delivery rate increases and he made his feelings known in a letter to the New York State Public Service Commission.  If the rate increases are approved, they would go into effect July 1, 2009.

“Families are already struggling with unstable gas prices, rising food costs, toll and fare hikes and staggering job losses,” Skartados said. “For Hudson Valley residents, these rate hikes couldn’t come at a worse time.”

Central Hudson estimates that the typical residential monthly electric bill would increase $3.50 as a result of its rate increase; the typical residential gas bill would increase $14.70 per month. The company argues the hikes are necessary because increased energy conservation among its customers has driven revenues down.

“If Central Hudson is allowed to raise its rates, it will hit seniors and families on fixed-incomes the hardest and add to the ever-growing costs that force these families to make impossible choices between their energy needs and other essentials, like putting food on the table or filling prescriptions,” Skartados said. “This is wrong, and I urge Central Hudson customers to attend the hearings and voice their concerns.”

Two hearings on Central Hudson’s rate increase proposal have been scheduled for Thursday, March 12, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers at Poughkeepsie City Hall at 62 Civic Center Plaza.