M&R Energy Resources Corporation

The second phase of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.’s electric and gas rate increases will become effective Friday.

The rates were approved by the state Public Service Commission on June 30, 2010, to be implemented over three years.

In the aggregate of residential, commercial and industrial customers, the commission allowed the Poughkeepsie-based utility to increase electric and gas delivery rates by 3.4 percent each come Friday.

Central Hudson estimated that the typical monthly home electric bill for combined delivery and commodity costs is expected to rise $3.65, or 3.6 percent.

Gas combined costs are estimated to rise $2.73, or 2.1 percent.

The commission’s ruling has nothing to do with commodity costs, however. They rise and fall with the market and are not accurately predictable.

Central Hudson also announced that on Friday, an Electric Bill Credit will return $4 million to customers over the next 12 months.

To view the rate order, visit the utility’s website at http://www.centralhudson.com/pdf/2010_rateplan.pdf

Reach Sarah Bradshaw at sbradshaw@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-4811.

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Natural gas users do not be fooled by ESCO’s contacting you and offering a very low introductory rate for your natural gas.  This is a sales tactic used in order to entice you to sign up with their company.  If you are offered such a rate ask the ESCO what their rate will be the following month.  Often the response is “we don’t know what the rate will be”.  If you don’t have in writing the details of the monthly pricing then the ESCO can charge you any rate after the introductory rate expires.  Normally the rate the following month is much higher than the introductory rate and higher than the utility price.  For your protection always ask for the pricing details in writing.  Don’t be fooled by a lower introductory rate.

Customer Beware: M&R Energy has received several calls from our customers complaining that they are receiving phone calls from other ESCOs’ that lead them to believe that they are calling from the utility company to verify their account information.  The ESCO typically has your name, phone number and address then they ask for your utility account number.    This practice is an attempt for the ESCO to acquire your account number in order to enroll your account with them.   Your utility company will NEVER call you for your account information or to verify your account number. Should you receive this type of call please inquire about who is actually requesting your account number before you release it to anyone.

The natural gas market is trading at a 6 year low.

Call M&R Energy today for updated fixed price offers for 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.  Toll Free:  1-866-610-SAVE (7382).

View M&R Energy’s natural gas commercial on your local news and cable channels in Orange and Rockland Counties.