Central Hudson Gas & Electric Gas Distribution

The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission)  held a public statement hearing concerning the request of Central Hudson for approval to construct gas plant and provide natural gas service to the Town and Village of Athens in two phases.  Phase 1 involves construction of a 6-inch gas main from an interconnection point with Central Hudson’s 10-inch transmission main located east of the CSX Transportation rail line, along route 28 and Union Street, to Peckham Industries in the Town.  Phase 2 is planned for construction, subject to updated revenue forecasts and analysis, in the Village of Athens. During the public statement hearing, members of the public will have an opportunity to present their comments before an Administrative Law Judge. 

The Public Statement Hearing was held on September 24, 2013 at Edward J. Arthur Elementary School in Athens, NY.

All statements transcribed at the public statement hearing and all other comments received by the Commission become part of the record, and are reported to the Commission for its consideration.  All such comments are posted for public viewing on the Commission’s website, at www.dps.ny.gov.

Petition

On July 25, 2013, Central Hudson filed a petition requesting a Public Service Law §68 Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (Certificate).  The Certificate would authorize Central Hudson to install gas main and service lines in the Town and Village of Athens for the purpose of exercising a natural gas service franchise. The proposed gas transmission line would connect the existing gas main near the CSX Transportation rail line in the town to Peckham Industries liquid asphalt plant in the village.  This line will run along County Rt. 28 to the intersection of Schoharie Turnpike and Union Street, and then along Union Street to the Peckham site in the village. The Company also proposes a second development phase which would bring gas service further into the village. Central Hudson requests expedited approval of its Certificate request.

The Company asserts that approval of its request is in the public interest because the proposed line is economically feasible, and its construction will result in substantially lower fuel costs to not only the commercial customer but later, through the second phase, to a large part of the village itself.

Additional details are set forth in the petition, which is available on the Commission’s Web site (go to www.dps.ny.gov, click on “Search” and then search using case number “13-G-0336”). The Commission may approve, approve with changes, or reject Central Hudson’s petition in whole or in part.

Other Methods for Commenting on the Case

Via the Internet or In Writing:  Those who cannot or do not wish to attend a public statement hearing may submit comments electronically to Hon. Kathleen H. Burgess, Secretary, at [email protected] or by mail or delivery to Secretary Burgess at the Department of Public Service, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350.  Comments may also be entered directly into the case by locating the case via the home page of the Commission’s website, www.dps.ny.gov, by clicking on “Search,” and entering 13-G-0336 in the “Search by Case Number” field.  In the open case, enter comments in the “Post Comments” located at the top of the page. Comments should refer to “Case 13-G-0336 – Central Hudson – Town & Village of Athens Gas Franchise.”  Many libraries offer free internet service.

Toll-Free Opinion Line:  Individuals may choose to submit comments by calling the Commission’s toll-free Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120.  This line is set up to receive in-state calls 24-hours a day.  Callers should press “1” and select the choice for water to leave comments about “Case 13-G-0336 – Central Hudson – Town & Village of Athens Gas Franchise.”

Comments submitted via these alternative means are requested by September 27, 2013.

For more information, or a copy of the fact sheet, click here.