PSC to Hold Additional Hearings April 17 and 18 on Proposal to Approve Fortis Acquisition of Central Hudson

On April 2, the PSC issued a Notice that additional public hearings will be conducted regarding a proposed settlement regarding the acquisition of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Company by Fortis, Inc.  The Notice states that

"The purpose of these hearings is to allow interested members of the public to provide their views personally before an Administrative Law Judge assigned by the Commission to the case. A verbatim transcript of each hearing will be made for inclusion in the record of the proceeding. 

It is not necessary to be present at the start of the hearing or to make an appointment in advance in order to speak. Persons interested in speaking will be asked to complete a card requesting time to speak when they arrive at the hearing, and will be called in the order in which the cards are received. Speakers are not required to provide written copies of their comments."

The hearings are scheduled as follows:

Poughkeepsie Wednesday, April 17, 2013

7:00 p.m.
Common Council Chambers
Municipal Building, 3rd Floor
62 Civic Center Plaza

Kingston Thursday, April 18, 2013

7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Kingston City Hall
420 Broadway

The PSC Notice also provides information about the Joint Proposal of some parties in the case for settlement of the merger case, and about other ways, in addition to personally speaking at the hearings, for people to make their views known to the Commission before it decides whether to approve the proposed merger:

Other Ways to CommentInternet or Mail: Those who cannot attend or prefer not to speak at a public statement hearing may comment electronically to Hon. Jeffrey C. Cohen, Acting Secretary, at secretary@dps.ny.gov or by mail or delivery to the Acting Secretary at Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350. Comments should refer to "Case 12-M-0192 - Central Hudson/Fortis Merger.”

Toll-Free Opinion Line: You may call the Commission's Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120. This number is set up to take comments about pending cases from in-state callers, 24 hours a day. Press "1" to leave comments, mentioning the Central Hudson/Fortis merger.

All comments provided through these alternative methods should be submitted, or mailed and postmarked, no later than May 1, 2013. All such statements and comments will become part of the record and be reported to the Commission for its consideration.

All submitted comments may be accessed on the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov, by searching Case 12-M-0192. Many libraries offer free Internet access.

In addition, comments from the public can be filed electronically at the Commission's website page for the Central Hudson/Fortis merger case, by using the comment filing form.

Background.
PSC Extends Time for Public Comment on Fortis' Proposed Acquisition of Central Hudson Gas & Electric to May 1

PULP Comments Oppose Central Hudson/Fortis Merger Case Settlement Proposal. 

Proposed Central Hudson/Fortis Merger Offers Little for Consumers; Shutoffs Up 171% Since 2005, PULP Urges Reforms

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