Central Hudson - Time of Use Billing

Want to prevent the building of another greenhouse gas emitting power plant? Then please consider signing up for an optional billing program that encourages us to reduce our use of electricity during peak hours by shifting our usage to off-peak hours. Electricity generally costs more when overall usage is high. By using more energy during off-peak hours, you can save money and help grid operators balance loads on the electric system reducing the need for more power plants. In our area most of us have Central Hudson as our electricity provider. They define peak hours as between 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm – only five hours out of the day. If you sign up for Time-of-Use billing you will be charged only 89% of the standard charge for all off peak hours and 120% of the standard charge for peak use. It may require changes in household routines but shifting most energy use to off-peak hours, especially the use of large appliances such as dishwashers, air conditioners, electric ovens and clothes dryers, or even recharging electric cars, can save money. You can easily sign up online here or by calling Central Hudson. Most importantly, you’d also be helping the environment because peaking power plants mostly run on oil or fracked gas, with attendant emissions. Start watching your own “time of use” and begin to help lower emissions and help eliminate the need for more peak power plants.

Janelle Peotter

New Paltz Climate Smart Coordinator