In a stunning announcement, Central Hudson Gas & Electric announced today that it has fired disgraced President & CEO Charles A. Freni, Jr. effective immediately.
The defiant ex-CEO refused calls to resign and continuously victim-blamed tens of thousands of customers who voiced their complaints and demanded changes. Under Freni’s reign, the complaints mostly fell on deaf ears. The New York State Public Service Commission continues being bombarded with complaints amid their investigation as some elected officials continue suggesting criminal charges could be filed.
On December 16, 2022, The Newburgh News published an editorial demanding Freni’s resignation (editorial here). On February 1, 2022, Congressman Pat Ryan joined in calling for Freni’s resignation on the U.S. House floor (story here).
“The Central Hudson Board of Directors believes the time is right for a change of leadership,” said Margarita Dilley, chair of the Central Hudson Gas & Electric Board of Directors. “Chris has a demonstrated history of successfully navigating challenges and leading teams to positive outcomes. We are confident in his ability to move the organization forward and to communicate those results to all stakeholders clearly and consistently.”
The Board of Directors of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation announced that it will appoint Christopher M. Capone as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. Freni will briefly remain with Central Hudson in another capacity to assist Capone’s transition.
“A key priority will be addressing the frustrations some customers have felt resulting from the implementation of the new customer billing system. We have hired a significant number of additional personnel including contact center employees and other professionals to work on these issues around the clock,” said Capone. “More must be done and my commitment to you is I will be transparent about the progress we are making. There are more than 1,100 dedicated and talented professionals at our company who work tirelessly to deliver safe and reliable energy to their neighbors in communities throughout the mid-Hudson Valley. As the new CEO, I will work to support them so they in turn can support our customers.”
Capone started work at Central Hudson in 2003. His previous responsibilities have included executive oversight of accounting, treasury, risk management, internal auditing, enterprise support services and energy resources. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree with honors from Marist College and earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Columbia University.
Last month, a Senate investigation revealed numerous problems with “estimated” billing practices and several other issues (story here). As a result of the investigation, New York State lawmakers are now working to implement additional laws to prevent Central Hudson and other utility companies from engaging in these practices in the future.
Complete coverage of the ongoing Central Hudson controversy can be seen on a full page The Newburgh News has dedicated to the topic here: https://newburghnews.press/centralhudson/
Those who have been victimized by Central Hudson may file a complaint with the New York State Public Service Commission here: https://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/MatterManagement/CaseMaster.aspx?MatterCaseNo=22-00666
