Embattled utility giant Central Hudson held a Facebook Live event last night to discuss customers’ questions about energy costs and billing problems, but company representatives stopped short of answering simple questions posed by U.S. Congressional candidate Pat Ryan. A top boss with embattled Central Hudson lashed out at elected officials for daring to question the gas and electric monopoly.
The issue comes after a year-long series of complaints that have left Central Hudson in hot water with customers and elected officials.
Earlier this year, the New York State Senate launched an official investigation into Central Hudson as customers became irate about the monopoly’s business practices. The New York State Public Service Commission also initiated an audit regarding Central Hudson’s practices of “estimating” what they believe a customer’s bill should be. This has left countless customers owing Central Hudson over $10,000 for one month based on what Central Hudson felt like charging without laying eyes on a meter.
Embattled Central Hudson has been under fire for three major complaints:
1) Ongoing billing problems allegedly attributed to a new billing system;
2) Rising power and heating costs; and
3) Estimating customers’ bills instead of using actual meter readings.
“Central Hudson must work to remedy these horrendous errors and improve customer service and communication to prevent them in the future,” Ryan declared.
Central Hudson representatives have narcissistically blamed their customers and anyone else who challenges them by claiming they simply do not understand the facts of why their bills are over $10,000 a month. Central Hudson even went as far as offering payment plans for the ridiculously high bills, but representatives have not had much to say about why the bills are so high in the first place.
“We don’t want to hear more excuses,” Ryan exclaimed. “The people of this district deserve answers. I am calling on Central Hudson to immediately hold a series of open, honest public forums to address the concerns of their customers.”
Ryan said he has heard from farmers who were charged $12,000 for one month, where they should have only been charged $1,200. Veterans on budget plans were “coerced” into paying money they did not have, Ryan added.
According to Ryan, Central Hudson abruptly took over $2,000 from the bank accounts of local business owners who were on autopay – without their knowledge. “And many, many more,” Ryan continued. “Enough is enough!”
Ryan participated in Central Hudson’s Facebook Live event last night to address some of these concerns. The following are questions he posed, which Central Hudson dodged answering:
- “Will you commit to not raising rates this year?”
- “Will you commit to working with lower-income and middle-class families to remove unnecessary surcharges?”
- “Will you finally invest some of your $750M in revenue to hire effective meter readers and a billing department that can work with some decency and consistency?”
During last night’s livestream, Central Hudson Senior Vice President of Customer Service Anthony Campagiorni shifted the blame of the embattled monopoly’s woes to the elected officials. “We’re hearing that from elected officials right now during a political season and election season, but I think it’s pretty irresponsible of elected officials to say that we’re price gouging based on market supply costs which is the way the system works in New York,” he said. “There is no price gouging going on here.”
Dutchess County Legislator Ben Geller chimed in when Campagiorni attempted to shift the blame. “Your friendly legislator here,” Geller exclaimed. “Heard your comments about us elected officials. How about you meet us halfway and communicate a bit better!”
Geller, like many others, noticed the blame shifting that Central Hudson is doing. “Here we go blaming everyone, but tell us about your delivery charges,” Geller added.
“Don’t start a fight you cant finish,” Geller warned.
Many customers disagree with Campagiorni’s claim that embattled Central Hudson is not price gouging.
Customer Makenzie Eyler stated during the livestream, “No answers on delivery charges. This is why people can’t stand Cen Hud.”
Customers wrote in with hundreds of complaints during the livestream. Central Hudson wrote back to many of them with endless excuses, but did not once accept any responsibility.
“If an actual reading is only every other month, why not skip the estimated bill and just bill every other like you used to,” suggested customer Meg Roosa. A Central Hudson representative wrote back that they have been doing this for several years to cut their own costs.
The Better Business Bureau received hundreds of complaints against Central Hudson since the start of this year. Central Hudson actively monitors the BBB’s webpage and continuously complains about customers complaining about them.
Hundreds of customer complaints filed with the Better business Bureau against Central Hudson’s embattled billing practices can be seen here.
Complaints have also been pouring into New York State Senator James Skoufis and New York State Assemblyman Jon Jacobson.
Those who feel they have been victimized by Central Hudson can file a complaint with the Department of Public Service online or by phone at 800-342-3377.
