If you’re a commercial or industrial customer in our New York service area, you’re likely to get your utility bill from one of several companies. In this guide, we’ll look at the utility bill details for Central Hudson (CH). We’ll review the key charges and what you need to know as a Central Hudson customer. For reference, we’ve explained some typical language on your bill, like how to read kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Understanding your Central Hudson bill can help you manage your energy usage, spot savings opportunities, and avoid surprises.
What Your Central Hudson Bill Includes
A typical Central Hudson bill is divided into several sections:
- 21-digit account number: This includes your 11-digit account number and your 10-digit POD ID.
- Account Summary: Shows your previous balance, payments received, current charges, and the total amount due. The payment amount due is highlighted in the bill summary and on the bill stub beneath your account number.
- Supply Charges: The cost of the actual electricity you use.
- Delivery Charges: The cost of delivering electricity to your business, including maintenance of power lines and infrastructure.
- Other Fees and Adjustments: Additional charges or credits, such as state assessments, surcharges, or program fees.
- Usage Details: A breakdown of your electricity consumption, often in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and the billing period.
Understanding Supply Rate and Transmission Rate
- Supply Rate: This portion of your bill reflects the cost of the energy you consume. If you have chosen a third-party supplier like Catalyst Power, this rate may vary. If you buy from Central Hudson, you pay the PTC, which reflects the actual cost Central Hudson pays for electricity on the wholesale market. This rate can vary monthly and by location (zone F and G for Central Hudson).
- Transmission Rate: This covers the cost of transporting electricity over long distances before it reaches your local area. It’s necessary to get power from the source to your business, and it is included in your delivery charges.
We did a full breakdown of supply and delivery charges on the blog.
Other Key Bill Components
- Basic Service Charge: Covers fixed costs such as meter reading and line maintenance.
- MFC (Merchant Function Charge): Reflects administrative costs for procuring and billing electricity supply, especially for customers using third-party suppliers.
- Transition Adjustment: Recovers revenue lost when customers switch to independent suppliers.
- System Benefits Charge (SBC): Funds state-mandated programs for energy efficiency, low-income assistance, and renewable energy.
- Taxes and Surcharges: State and local taxes are added to all bills.
Key Takeaways for Central Hudson Customers
- You can choose your supplier: The supply rate may vary if you select a third-party provider. Delivery charges remain the same no matter your supplier.
- Rates can change monthly: The PTC supply rate is market-based and can fluctuate, especially in seasons of high demand like summer.
- Additional charges fund important programs: Charges like the Systems Benefits Charge (SBC) and Revenue Decoupling Mechanism (RDM) support state energy initiatives and grid reliability.
- Zone matters: Central Hudson serves two zones (F and G)—Catalyst Power currently only services zone G—and rates can differ by zone
Tips for Managing Your ACE Bill
- Consider Energy Efficiency Programs: To help you save.
- Contact Customer Service: If you have questions or need assistance.
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By understanding each part of your Central Hudson bill, you can make informed decisions about your energy use compare supplier offers, and take advantage of programs to help you save.