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"We're making this change to help local residents more easily manage their household budgets, as monthly billing more closely matches the billing cycle of their other household expenses," said James Laurito, president and CEO of Central Hudson.
Currently, most residential customers receive their utility bills every two months. Business customers already receive bills monthly, as do residential customers enrolled in the Budget Billing program, which divides bills into even monthly payments based on annual use.
Beginning July 1, all customers -- except those who use solar generators or other private sources -- will begin receiving their bill monthly. Meters will continue to be read every other month, with the interim bill estimated based upon prior usage, weather patterns and variable supply pricing.
Laurito explained that the move is a part of a new rate plan approved last summer by state regulators, for all New York utilities to uniformly bill their residential customers on a monthly basis. "We've kicked off a campaign, 'Easier by the Dozen,' to promote the benefit of monthly bills," said Laurito. "Billing for shorter periods will be easier on household budgets by creating smaller, more-manageable payments."
Laurito also mentioned payment options, including eliminating paper bills by switching to eBills; eliminating check-writing and postage by enrolling in Direct Pay, for automatic payments; and even paying by text. "These safe, convenient and environmentally-friendly payment options are offered to our customers and can further simplify paying utility bills," he said.
For more information on monthly billing and Central Hudson's payment options, visit its website.
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