Business and labor groups have created a coalition to oppose a public takeover of Central Hudson Gas & Electric.
The coalition, which calls itself Protect Our Power, says there’s little evidence to show that a government-run utility would be an improvement over Central Hudson, which is privately owned.
The move comes in response to a state bill backed by Democrats Michelle Hinchey in the Senate and Sarahana Shrestha in the Assembly that would create the Hudson Valley Power Authority.
Steve Carroll, who represents Central Hudson workers as president and business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, questions whether a layered bureaucracy would be good for ratepayers.
“If you’re going to have 13 different individuals with 13 different ideas, how is that going to impact the community when you’re trying to get things for essential services taken care of and everyone is trying to go in their own direction with an idea about how the utility should be run,” Carroll said.
Businesses oppose takeover bid
Chambers of Commerce in Orange, Dutchess and Ulster counties oppose the idea.
“If this takeover happens, millions of dollars in property taxes that Central Hudson pays every year will be put in jeopardy,” said Heather Bell, the President & CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. “That money supports our schools, fire districts, and municipalities. Without it, taxpayers will be left holding the bag, or our communities will face painful cuts.”
Central Hudson president and CEO Stephanie Raymond defended the utility’s track record.
“While we respect the role of government in shaping energy policy, we believe that the delivery of energy should remain rooted in technical rigor, safety, and service; not driven by political agendas or short-term promises,” Raymond said.
The public power push in the Hudson Valley joins several grassroots efforts across the state. In Rochester, the civil rights group Metro Justice is calling for a public takeover of Rochester Gas and Electric.
Thomas C. Zambito covers energy, transportation and economic growth for the USA Today Network’s New York State team. He’s won dozens of state and national writing awards from the Associated Press, Investigative Reporters and Editors, the Deadline Club and others during a decades-long career that’s included stops at the New York Daily News, The Star-Ledger of Newark and The Record of Hackensack. He can be reached at tzambito@lohud.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Business, labor groups oppose public takeover of Central Hudson Gas & Electric
Reporting by Thomas C. Zambito, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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