Local officials put the heat on Central Hudson
Local officials put the heat on Central Hudson
A virtual public forum “Know Your Public Utilities Rights” will take place this Thursday
“My bill last month was $700. It’s normally $300. And I’ve been using the woodstove.”
“They automatically withdrew $601.58 from my account in November. My usual bill is less than $100. The next month, they did it again. This time $666.58 was withdrawn. It took multiple, 8 or more, 30-minute phone calls, photos of my meter, escalation to management for them to reconcile my account…in February. For the $666 amount. Still no word on the initial charge, so they’re still sitting on my money.”
“My last bill was on January 27, up over 300-percent higher than normal. Now I’ve been anxiously waiting for my next bill.”
“My bill was doubled compared to last year (and we used more electricity last year too.) I had to use GoFundMe to help pay my bill which is humiliating.”
Are you one of the many Hudson Valley residents looking at your recent utility bill with both eyes wide open? You are not alone. Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan, as well as state officials, are calling for an investigation into Central Hudson’s recent price surges and billing practices.
“Over the course of the past six months, both our office and the office of our Ulster County Human Rights Commissioner have fielded an unprecedented volume of serious complaints from constituents expressing concerns about unreliable billing practices and mounting, untenable costs for their utilities,” Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan said in a letter to the NYS Public Service Commission. “Further, the primary explanations provided by Central Hudson have been rising global energy costs and an inept implementation of their new bulling and customer service system, whilst disregarding the precarious and stressful situations they have plunged their customers into.”
Read the full letter, here.
In August of 2021, Central Hudson, which serves approximately 309,000 electric customers and 84,000 natural gas customers in the Hudson Valley, implemented a new billing system that led to over-billing, under-billing or a total lack of bills altogether for thousands of customers. Customers received “no warning and no support when attempting to set their records straight, and many saw auto-drafts from their checking accounts in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars without notice.”
“These bill increases are temporary and may vary for individual customers depending on energy usage and their billing cycle,” Central Hudson said in a statement. “Supply prices are market-based and not marked-up by Central Hudson nor do we profit from the increase.” Central Hudson listed factors contributing to the increased prices, such as “increased domestic demand due to colder weather this year,” “constrained domestic pipeline capacity,” “increased domestic demand as the economy recovers from closures prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” and, regionally, an “increased reliance on natural gas for power generation following the closure of Indian Point.”
The state’s Public Utility Law Project estimated that roughly 12-percent of all Central Hudson customers were behind on their bills by 60 days or more, though more delinquent accounts are to be expected as the surge in pricing continues.
“I’m as outraged as my constituents are by the surge energy pricing we’ve seen in recent weeks,” NYS Senator James Skoufis said during a press conference. “$2,600 a month to keep a small home warm? $1,400 to power a small two-bedroom apartment?! That’s offensive and totally unsustainable.”
The NYS Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, which Skoufis chairs, has opened a formal investigation into the surge pricing and billing practices of utility companies and power producers. In addition to Central Hudson, Orange and Rockland Utilities Inc., ConEd, power suppliers and state stakeholders are under threat of subpoena, Skoufis added.
NYS Senator James Skoufis, chair of the NYS Investigations & Government Operations Committee, announces the investigation into local utility companies at the home of Vivian Milczarski in New Windsor. In November, Milczarski, a widow working both a full- and part-time job, received a bill from Central Hudson that was ten times higher than her normal bill. "Rather than getting out ahead of their myriad issues, Central Hudson has put the burden on its consumers to correct glitches in their billing systems. And with ongoing rate hikes, consumers are more at the mercy of their utility companies than they've ever been.”
On Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 6pm, Sen. Skoufis will join the New York State Hudson Valley Delegation and the NY Public Utility Law Project for a public forum entitled, “Know Your Public Utilities Rights: Utility Consumer Rights During and After COVID-19.” The virtual presentation is free and open to the public. Sign-up at bit.ly/utilityrights or email skoufis@nysenate.gov for more information. The forum will also stream live on Facebook:
The history of New York is inseparable from the history of sailing on the Hudson River. Beginning with Henry Hudson in 1609 the Dutch and English extended their empires into the Hudson Valley and extracted its bounty via sail.
Control of the Hudson River was a lynchpin for American victory in the Revolutionary War and New York City's 19th-century rise to global prominence was powered by the sailing vessels on its waterways. Upriver, sloops and schooners delivered goods from the nation's interior and international whaling businesses operated from Hudson and Poughkeepsie and Kingston and Newburgh became noted shipbuilding centers. Yacht racing and ice yachting emerged as popular sports among wealthy families like the Astors and Roosevelts. Sailing clubs preserved these traditions into the 20th century. Since the 1960s, activists including Pete Seeger have used sailboats to galvanize a movement to revive the river ecosystem. Today, the river is home to new generations of sailors continuing these traditions into a fifth century.
Steve Schwartz has sailed and captained numerous sailing and motor vessels on the Hudson River since the 1970s. He and James Malchow are both captains on the Hudson River ferry sloop Woody Guthrie. Images in this book, collected from local libraries, historical societies, the New York State Archives, Library of Congress, and private collections, capture the people, places, and ships that have made the Hudson River an important sailing center for over four centuries.
Shipping’s included in all prices on the HVNY Marketplace
This shirt features Allison Walker’s "Two Waters Meeting" piece, depicting two ocean tides coming together. “It is a piece about two lives, or two big ideas, coming together. I like wearing this over my heart and lungs, it feels like fresh breath & an open heart!”
Available as a Festival Crop, a Classic Tee or Lightweight Crewneck Sweatshirt
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"Walking on Water" is a recurring theme of Allison Walker’s, depicting the “walking-on-a-tidal-wave nature of spiritual journeys. The deep blue and bright gold represent a journey with range.”
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Design by Peekskill resident Evan Rosen
50% of all proceeds will be donated to The Lenape Center
• Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Lightweight
• Acrylite front protector
• Hanging hardware included
• Blank product components in the US sourced from Japan and the US
• Blank product components in the EU sourced from Japan and Latvia
This item is made-to-order. All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers + All prices include shipping.
11x14 inches, matted, unframed, fine art Giclee print. “I try to escape to the beautiful beaches in the New York area. Here’s a scene from a visit to Montauk.”
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One-of-a-kind, cut-and-layered art paper for a three-dimensional effect, unframed, ~20x16." The Esopus Meadows Lighthouse and its backdrop as interpreted from Mills State Park.
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Unframed original watercolor. Please note: This item is available for pick-up only. The artist will contact the buyer after purchase to arrange pick-up.
Highland Farm Smoked Venison Snack Sticks are the perfect, farm-fresh protein snack. They are individually wrapped, and easy to pop in your purse or lunchbox.
Includes 30 individually wrapped sticks: 6 - Venison Snack Sticks, 6 - Hot Venison Snack Sticks, 6 - Cracked Pepper Venison Snack Sticks, 6 - Teriyaki Venison Snack Sticks, 6 Venison and Cheddar Snack Sticks
Highland Farm Venison Doggie Treats are a farm-made dried venison meat treat guaranteed to delight your pup! Filled with lots of wholesome venison meat and organs and no junk! Store the jerky strips in the fridge or freezer (since there are no preservatives except for a pinch of salt) and just cut or rip off a piece for your very good pup!
This item is only available for pick-up directly from Highland Farm in Germantown. Pick-up details will be emailed when order is complete.
The Beast Box is a collection of some of Highland Farm’s most popular cuts. It makes a great gift for the game meat lover in your life!
The Beast Box includes:
Bison Ribeye - 2 x 12oz steaks
Elk Loin Roast - 1 x 12oz portion
Venison Steak - 2 x 12oz steaks
Wild Boar Ribs - 2 pounds
Elk and Bison Bratwurst - 1 pound
This item is only available for pick-up directly from Highland Farm in Germantown. Pick-up details will be emailed when order is complete.
A limited edition of three of Highland Farm's most popular sweet and savory summer sausages, and a branded logo cutting board. A perfect host/hostess gift for the holidays!
Sausage Flavors: Venison Summer Sausage, Venison and Cheddar Summer Sausage, Elk Burgundy Cheddar Summer Sausage.
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A print of the winning shot from the 2022 HVNY Summer Photo Contest by Amy Mott. 12" x16" lustre finish. Prints made to order.
Updated for 2026! Wildsam Field Guides: Hudson Valley and Catskills leads travelers along the mighty Hudson River, into colorful forests and through mystical mountains with guidance from trusted locals and experts.
Stories from prize-winning writers, past and present
A detailed road trip plan and profiles of 10 idyllic towns
Interviews with artists, preservationists, brewers and hardware store owners
Delightful miscellany from the archives, selective recommendations about authentic Catskills experiences and a deep dive into the world of art history and antique collecting.
Shipping included in price. 128 pages, printed in the USA. 4x6.5” - Back pocket size
Fresh, multi-colored chicken eggs from a flock hatched and raised by hand here in the Hudson Valley. Available for pick-up only from Salt Point, NY; Address will be sent to customer after order.
Quantity available updated daily!
Handmade oyster shell trinket dishes. Not food safe but perfect for jewelry or other trinkets! One of each, as pictured. Price includes shipping.
Enjoy summer in the Hudson Valley all yearlong with a print of Croton Point Park from our 2025 HVNY Summer Photo Contest winner, Matthew Daly. Prints made to order.
For every almost maybe
the ½ loves
the right hearts but the wrong time
the lonely nights
the rainy days
may these pages restore hope in your eyes
and peace in your heart
today, tomorrow and all the days to come
A book of poetry that explores topics such as coping with various emotions, navigating relationships, love, loss, cultivating self-compassion, and more. It highlights the journey of self-exploration, through vulnerability, mindfulness, uncertainty, and a lot of the messy things many of us relate to but often avoid talking about.
Ships directly from the author.
Order a full or drilled-out Emu Egg from a lovingly handraised flock here in the Hudson Valley and impress those Easter guests!
Each egg is approximately 6” in height. The empty eggs are drilled out on either end. Ships directly from the flock in Dutchess County. Shipping costs are included in price.
Full emu eggs for culinary use are available for contact-less pick-up only from the farmstand in Salt Point, NY. Limited availability (through March). Customers will receive pick-up instructions after order confirmation. Email us for more information.
For fans of Alison Espach and Claire Lombardo, a poignant and thought-provoking debut novel about the fraught bond between mothers and teen daughters, the ripple effects of a tragic event in a small town, and the search for meaning after loss.
What if the only way forward is to let go of everything you know?
Kate’s life in the Hudson Valley seems picture-perfect: a thriving career as a realtor-slash-momfluencer, a devoted husband, and a strong bond with her brilliant teenage daughter, Indie. But when Indie’s best friend dies suddenly, their idyllic small-town haven begins to crumble. Kate and Ethan lose their footing, and Indie, alone in her grief, falls down an internet rabbit hole of nihilism and existential despair.
As Indie searches for meaning in a world that feels random and cruel, Kate struggles to reconcile her carefully curated online persona with the raw, unyielding grief tearing her family apart. When long-buried family secrets rise to the surface, she is forced to confront unsettling truths that challenge everything she thought she knew—about marriage, motherhood, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
Told in the dual voices of a mother and daughter grappling with loss, No One You Know is filled with poignant observations on parenthood, best friendship, class and political divides, infidelity in a small town—and the bitter truth that death can touch everything we love.
Release date: January 20, 2026. Shipping is included in all prices.
Each piece is uniquely handcrafted, featuring four hand-rolled polymer clay beads in a coordinated black and gold colorway. No two necklaces are the same – gold foil accents create one-of-a-kind swirls and shimmer in every bead.
These lightweight statement necklaces are designed to be both stylish and versatile, perfect for dressing up casual outfits or adding a touch of glam to evening wear.
Beads measure approx. 1/2" each
Strung on a 30" elastic gold-tone cord – adjustable to your perfect length
Comes in a black organza gift bag – ready to gift or keep
This item ships directly from its maker.
Shipping is included in all prices.
One-of-a-kind botanical art made using real dried flowers: Daisy, yarrow, Queen Anne’s lace, hyacinth & seasonal blooms.
Handcrafted baroque-style frame – made from poured, painted, and sealed resin.
Size: 4" wide x 3.125" high
This item ships directly from its maker.
Shipping is included in all prices.
Pack a picnic in a HVNY Jumbo Tote! 100% heavy cotton canvas tote with bottom gusset screen printed by Mass Artisan in Hopewell Junction
Limited supply! Shipping’s included!
All items ship for free directly from their makers – HVNY merch ships from our headquarters in Dutchess County.
The “Sockette,” sculptures are all made from socks! These contemporary soft sculpture characters are elaborate versions of the traditional sock doll. “The Sockettes” are sophisticated creatures, both human and animal. Each unique sculpture is hand-made with intricate features and a diverse selection of patterns, textures and materials, the combination of which assist in producing a creature that comes to life with its own distinctive personality and individual story.
Each Sockette takes 98-99 hours to create!
Size of each Sockette:
“Dolly’ is 24.5”Hx17”Wx 5”D
“Myrna” is 23.5”Hx15”Wx5”
This item ships directly from its maker.
Shipping is included in all prices.
This snazzy set of coasters will be the talk of your next cocktail party. A wholly Earth-conscious gift, these four different species of owls have been hand-silkscreened on to upcycled scrap leather, and water treated for longevity.
4” round, set of 4 pieces, gift boxed
Genuine leather
Waterproof treatment for performance and longevity
Handmade in New York
Limited edition
Price includes shipping, and item ships directly from its maker.
A horse and hare damask wallpaper surrounds the white hydrangea arrangement in a simple vase.
This print features a pretty palette of agean green, white, Mauve and wintergreens that pair well with a multitude of home decor styles.
Hand silk-screened by the artist, limited edition of only 8 prints
Print only (22”x28” deckle-edged art paper)
Price includes shipping, and item ships directly from its maker.
Stand out from the boring luggage crowd with these equestrian chic travel essentials.
The sturdy bag tags allow you to easily spot your belongings and be swiftly on your way, concealing your personal details unless they are needed.
This box set is the perfect travel gift for honeymooners, holidays, birthdays, graduation celebrations or a treat for your own special vacation.
Hand-silkscreened and hand-made in New York using genuine leather. Dimensions 6.25” x 2.5”.
Price includes shipping, and items ship directly from its maker.
Printed from Teri’s original watercolors paintings. Each card is 5x7 inches, with white envelope and blank inside. Each card is $6.00.
All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers + All prices include shipping.
Original watercolor painting 16x20 inches matted, unframed
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Notecards featuring pollinators of the Hudson Valley from original watercolor/pen and ink art by Dutchess-based artist Cara B. Hochhalter.
1) Bee Balm with Skipper and Soldier Beetle
2) Iris with Bumble Bee and Long-horned Bee
3) Joe-Pye Weed with Tiger Swallowtail
4) Aster with Monarch and Dragonfly
Individual cards are $5.50, or $18 for all four cards. All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers + All prices include shipping.
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For 141 years, Hudson River State Hospital was home to tens of thousands of individuals suffering from mental illness.
Famous architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux drafted the main building in 1869. The facility grew from a 208-acre parcel in 1871 with seven patients to 752 acres with five dozen separate buildings containing nearly 6,000 patients in 1954. The main building was constructed on a Kirkbride plan, a treating philosophy centered around an ornate building of equal proportions staffed by employees who integrated dignity and compassion into health care. Famous architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux drafted the main building in 1869. The landscape was penned by Frederick Law Olmsted, perhaps best known for the design of New York City's Central Park. Ships for free directly from Arcadia Publishing.