Frequently Asked Questions

Why Central Hudson Peak Perks? Why Now?

Throughout the country, growing use of new appliances and electronic equipment is putting extraordinary demand on our energy grid. This is true in the Hudson Valley as well. The demand for electricity is particularly great during summer days when tens of thousands of central air conditioners simultaneously power on. These “peak periods” of energy use are already beginning to strain the power grid in areas of growing electricity use and limited transmission capacity. Our goal is to continue to meet demand and contain costs for everyone. Central Hudson Peak Perks is a nationally proven solution to effectively manage periods of peak electrical demand, mitigating the need for costly upgrades to our power grid. Your participation, along with your neighbors, not only helps keep the power flowing, it rewards you for your help.

How Do I Participate in Central Hudson Peak Perks?

Central Hudson Peak Perks offers multiple ways to participate: (1) The Central Air Conditioner program, amd (2) the Pool Pump program. You may participate in any or all of the Central Hudson Peak Perks programs for which you are eligible. However, your home must have a Wi-Fi® network with broadband Internet access to participate in any Central Hudson Peak Perks program.

Central Hudson Peak Perks is only available to select customers in specific energy-constrained areas. Call 844-258-7761 to quickly determine if you are eligible for this offer.

Participants in the program are given their choice of smart Wi-Fi® thermostats equipped with mobile access, or they may select an outdoor efficiency switch. Either option includes professional installation at no charge. The thermostats and their secure Internet portal provide convenient 24/7 remote temperature control of your home and the opportunity to better manage heating and cooling expenses. The system learns your comfort preferences, then finds opportunities to automatically save you energy and money. Personalized energy-saving tips based on your usage are easily accessible on your secure Internet portal and can help improve your home energy management. In addition to receiving either the switch or the thermostats that can be remotely controlled from any smartphone, tablet or computer with Internet access, you also receive a one-time $85 Enrollment Reward check (per device) and a $50 Annual Reward check (per device) every year you participate.

When you enroll, Central Hudson Gas & Electric will provide and install–at no charge–your choice of a smart Wi-Fi thermostat with a secure Internet portal or an outdoor efficiency switch. These devices enable us to temporarily reduce energy consumption during times of critically high electricity demand, relieving transmission congestion. We do this by sending the devices a signal to briefly cycle the power to your central air conditioner compressor. The process is automatic and requires no effort from you. During these “conservation events”, the compressor typically is cycled on and off for 10 to 15-minute intervals of up to four hours on a few weekday afternoons from June 1 through September 30 when electricity demand reaches critical peaks.

Your central air conditioner compressor normally cycles on and off to maintain your setpoint. When a conservation event occurs, your outdoor efficiency switch or thermostat will receive a signal that will simply put your compressor into a conservation mode, directing it to operate half the time it did during the hour prior to the conservation event. During this time, your central air conditioner’s fan will continue to circulate air throughout your home to maintain your comfort.

To enroll in Central Hudson Peak Perks, you’ll be invited to select (1) the energy-saving device we will install for your participation, and (2) the degree of cycling to which you can comfortably commit and its financial compensation.

Cycling Levels & Incentives – Choose 50%, or 75% cycling.

  • 50% cycling – Your compressor will run half the time it did during the hour prior to the conservation event. Receive an $85 Enrollment Reward, plus a $50 Annual Reward prorated for each month of the cooling season for June through September. During the event, the temperature in a typical home may increase 1 to 3 degrees.
  • 75% cycling – Your compressor will run 25% of the time it did during the hour prior to the conservation event. Receive an $85 Enrollment Reward, plus a $75 Annual Reward prorated for each month of the cooling season for June through September. During the event, the temperature in a typical home may increase 2 to 4 degrees.

During the enrollment process, you will be asked to choose one of the two energy-saving devices described below. Central Hudson Gas & Electric will install your choice of device at your home at no charge to you.
The Central Hudson Peak Perks Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat This web-programmable thermostat enables you to remotely adjust the temperature settings of your home from a smartphone, tablet or computer using a secure Internet portal. Additional features on the portal include energy-saving tips personalized to your usage and advanced customized settings such as Vacation and Away modes. The thermostat system learns your comfort preferences, then finds opportunities to automatically save you energy and money. It also offers valuable energy-saving advice based on your portal and thermostat usage. Although the system operates automatically, you can act on these personalized tips to save even more — so you’re always in control. We install the thermostat in your home at no charge and at your convenience. However, you must make an installation appointment and an adult must be present during the scheduled time.
The Central Hudson Peak Perks Outdoor Efficiency Switch This device is connected to your central air conditioning system and installed near the exterior A/C unit. It is only activated during conservation events. Installation of the switch does NOT require an appointment, nor an adult’s presence, as long as your exterior A/C unit is safely and easily accessible.

Central Hudson Gas & Electric will issue you an $85 Enrollment Reward check for each Central Hudson device installed within four to six weeks following its installation. You will also be issued a prorated Annual Reward check of up to $50 based on your months of participation for each participating device, which you will receive four to six weeks after the close of the program season. You will be credited $12.50 for each full and/or partial month of participation, June 1 through September 30.

In order to receive the entire $50 Annual Reward in a calendar year, your device must be installed prior to June 1 of that year. Although Central Hudson Gas & Electric cannot guarantee a timeframe between enrollment and installation, if you enroll and schedule your appointment prior to March 30, you are most likely to have the device installed prior to June 1. If your device is not installed until after the close of the program season, you may receive your Enrollment Reward before December 31; however, you will receive your Annual Reward the following year after your first program season of participation.

No. Participation is totally voluntary. You do not pay to participate, nor do you pay anything for installation or service of your device(s).

Yes. The Central Hudson Peak Perks Central Air Conditioner program has been designed to meet your changing needs. You will need to contact the Program Call Center at 844-258-7761 to request and schedule the change of devices.

The number of conservation events depends on many factors, including weather, peak electricity demand, and wholesale energy costs. Central Hudson Peak Perks is only activated during times of critically high electricity demand, emergency conditions, or system testing. Central Hudson Gas & Electric estimates there will be five to ten events a year.

During the program season, June 1 through September 30, conservation events will typically occur on a few weekday afternoons between noon and 8 p.m. A conservation event will last for at least one-half (1/2) hour, and may last for up to four hours. The duration of conservation events could be reduced as the number of Central Hudson Peak Perks Central Air Conditioner program participants increases. If an emergency event is called by NYISO – New York’s electrical transmission authority – for reliability reasons, it will last until the situation is resolved; therefore, Central Hudson Gas & Electric cannot state how long an emergency conservation event of this type may last.

Times of peak electricity demand occur when everyone uses a lot of electricity at the same time, creating stress on the Hudson Valley’s power grid. Peak demand for electricity has rapidly escalated as the widespread use of electronics and appliances has grown. Central Hudson Peak Perks is just one way Central Hudson is managing this challenge. With customer support, this initiative will offset the need for costly upgrades to our power grid, and protect the environmental health and beauty of the Hudson Valley.

Like other participants in similar programs across the country, you may or may not notice that a conservation event is occurring. During the course of a conservation event, the temperature in a typical home may rise 1- 3 degrees. Variables such as home insulation, shaded windows, the addition of ceiling fans, and the amount of foot traffic can also affect the temperature.

Check your smart Wi-Fi thermostat or your mobile device. When a conservation event occurs, the LED light in the upper left corner of the thermostat will glow green and the display will read “CONTROL ACTIVE” at the top of the screen. You will also receive a notification on your energy manager web portal and an email (unless you have opted out of email communications). If you have an outdoor efficiency switch, you will need to go outside to inspect the device. A red LED will appear in the window of the outdoor switch and remain illuminated throughout the conservation event.

Yes. If an emergency event is called by NYISO for reliability reasons, it will last until the situation is resolved; therefore, Central Hudson Gas & Electric cannot state how long a conservation period of this type may last. You would be required to participate per the program rules and the customer agreement.

Yes. Participants are allowed two (2) opt outs per program season. You may opt out of any Central Hudson-initiated conservation event simply by calling 844-258-7761 and speaking with a Central Hudson Peak Perks customer service representative. However, you may not opt out of any emergency conservation event called by NYISO.

Participants must remain in the program for 12 months after device installation or a portion of their initial installation credit will be reversed. Should you notify us that you are leaving the program, Central Hudson will immediately disable your device(s). Your A/C compressor will no longer be cycled during conservation events and you will no longer accrue money toward an Annual Reward. Central Hudson will not remove the programmable thermostat or switch unless you request us to do so. If you decide to leave Central Hudson Peak Perks, you may do so by calling 844-258-7761.

Central Hudson customers use more electricity during the summer season than at other times of the year. As more new and existing customers install central air conditioning and expand their use of other electronics and appliances, demand for electricity reaches higher and higher peaks in the summer, straining the power grid and further taxing already congested transmission lines. Participating in the Central Hudson Peak Perks Central Air Conditioner program helps all of us in the Hudson Valley avoid the costs of constructing additional transmission lines and power plants built primarily to operate only during times of very high electricity demand for a handful of hours per year.

Central Hudson Peak Perks is part of New York State’s “Reforming the Energy Vision” (REV) initiative to manage the challenges of rapidly increasing peak energy demand. According to Governor Andrew Cuomo, “…reducing peak demand represents the single largest savings opportunity for consumers in New York.” Aside from saving us all money in the long term, Central Hudson Peak Perks helps preserve New York State’s scenic beauty and environmental resources.

Reducing the use of fossil fuels reduces greenhouse gas emissions. So, by reducing electricity demand during a conservation event, the program also reduces emissions by averting the need for production of additional electricity. When electricity demand is highest and the power grid is strained, the least efficient power plants must be brought into operation until peak usage subsides. Lower efficiency electricity production generally equates with higher emissions. Central Hudson Peak Perks reduces the urgency of adding costly upgrades to our power grid, while protecting the beauty and health of our natural environment.

Internet access to your smart Wi-Fi thermostat is through your web portal, using a secure password you select and only you know. All Central Hudson can do with your password is reset it if you forget it and verify you are the customer on the account. You are the only one with control over this feature, and access is shielded behind security measures designed to protect the confidential customer information of all of our customers.

Generally, installation takes place within four to six weeks of your enrollment, though you can schedule an installation any time that is most convenient for you, including Saturdays.

Yes. Our technician will custom install the thermostat inside your home. You must first call to schedule an appointment, then be available to allow our technician entry to your home to perform the installation.

Installation of the new thermostat and removal of your old thermostat will take approximately an hour. However, our technician will spend as much time as needed, helping you program your new thermostat, setting up your web portal, and answering any questions you may have about the technology or Central Hudson Peak Perks.

Our technician will assess the condition of your unit(s) when he arrives onsite for installation. If there are problems that can be repaired or remedied, and that allow you to participate, the technician will explain the situation and your options, and you will be able to participate once the system repairs are completed by your HVAC contractor. (Our technicians are not allowed to make repairs for you.) If there are fundamental or major problems with your system, which may include you having one of a few particular brands/models of systems that are inherently incompatible with the Central Hudson Peak Perks equipment, you will also be notified of the situation, and what options exist for you to participate.

If you currently have a load control device from any prior load management plan, we will remove it, recycle it, and dispose of unusable components.

You will be able to access the settings on your new thermostat through your secure Central Hudson Peak Perks energy manager web portal, accessible from your smartphone, tablet, or computer with Internet access. The thermostat is a two-way communicating device, so any changes made on the thermostat are immediately reflected on your portal and vice versa. Energy tips provided by Central Hudson Peak Perks are based on energy-related criteria input by participants. The tips are specific and actionable energy-efficiency details that may include methods of saving electricity on air conditioners, clothes dryers, or pool pumps, just to name a few. These tips may be communicated by email or directly on the portal based on your preference.

While you can temporarily adjust your temperature settings up and down on your thermostat itself, the more advanced customized settings such as Vacation and Away mode are available to you only online through your computer or mobile device. For example, with the Vacation mode setting, you can set a specific departure and return date along with a desired temperature to coincide with the days and time you are on vacation. Similarly, with the Away feature, if you plan to be away from home for more than just a couple hours, you can adjust your temperature automatically to save energy while you are away from home.

The Central Hudson Peak Perks energy manager is not an “app” found in an app store. It is a web-based portal that can be saved to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. To access it, simply enter the following URL into your web browser: Central HudsonPeakPerks.com. Then, with whatever device you use, you can either add the URL as your home screen or save the webpage as a bookmark for future reference. If additional assistance is needed, call us toll-free at 844-258-7761 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Yes, only you can decide what’s appropriate for you. However, we want to make sure you are aware that the temperature inside the house will increase during a conservation event, and you should take that into consideration before enrolling.

The Central Hudson Peak Perks program is open to all Central Hudson residential customers in specifically targeted areas. You should be a homeowner or a resident in a multiple dwelling complex, with control of your thermostat, and receive an electric bill directly from Central Hudson Gas & Electric. If you are a tenant, landlord approval must be certified. Check here or call 844-258-7761 to quickly determine if you are eligible for this offer.

You may purchase your own smart wi-fi thermostat(s) from a selection of program-specific models available through support@cenhudpeakperks.com or by calling the Central Hudson Peak Perks customer service center at 844-258-7761.
Participants who have purchased their own thermostat will receive a one-time $85 Purchase Rebate check, your choice of a one-time $85 Enrollment Reward check or professional installation at no charge, and a $50 Annual Reward check (per device) each year you participate. When you enroll, you will choose whether to have Central Hudson Gas & Electric professionally install your qualifying thermostat at no charge, or to install it yourself and receive an $85 Enrollment Reward check.

Participants in the program are given their choice of smart Wi-Fi® thermostats equipped with mobile access, or they may select an outdoor efficiency switch. Either option includes professional installation at no charge. The thermostats and their secure Internet portal provide convenient 24/7 remote temperature control of your home and the opportunity to better manage heating and cooling expenses. The system learns your comfort preferences, then finds opportunities to automatically save you energy and money. Personalized energy-saving tips based on your usage are easily accessible on your secure Internet portal and can help improve your home energy management. In addition to receiving either the switch or the thermostats that can be remotely controlled from any smartphone, tablet or computer with Internet access, you also receive a one-time $85 Enrollment Reward check (per device) and a $50 Annual Reward check (per device) every year you participate.

When you enroll, Central Hudson Gas & Electric will provide and install–at no charge–your choice of a smart Wi-Fi thermostat with a secure Internet portal or an outdoor efficiency switch. These devices enable us to temporarily reduce energy consumption during times of critically high electricity demand, relieving transmission congestion. We do this by sending the devices a signal to briefly cycle the power to your compressor. The process is automatic and requires no effort from you. During these “conservation events”, the compressor typically is cycled on and off for 10 to 15-minute intervals of up to four hours on a few weekday afternoons from June 1 through September 30 when electricity demand reaches critical peaks.

Your central air conditioner compressor normally cycles on and off to maintain your setpoint. When a conservation event occurs, your outdoor efficiency switch or thermostat will receive a signal that will simply put your compressor into a conservation mode, directing it to operate half the time it did during the hour prior to the conservation event. During this time, your central air conditioner’s fan will continue to circulate air throughout your home to maintain your comfort.

To enroll in Central Hudson Peak Perks, you’ll be invited to select (1) the energy-saving device we will install for your participation, and (2) the degree of cycling to which you can comfortably commit and its financial compensation.

Cycling Levels & Incentives – Choose 50%, or 75% cycling.

  • 50% cycling – Your compressor will run half the time it did during the hour prior to the conservation event. Receive an $85 Enrollment Reward, plus a $50 Annual Reward prorated for each month of the cooling season for June through September. During the event, the temperature in a typical home may increase 1 to 3 degrees.
  • 75% cycling – Your compressor will run 25% of the time it did during the hour prior to the conservation event. Receive an $85 Enrollment Reward, plus a $75 Annual Reward prorated for each month of the cooling season for June through September. During the event, the temperature in a typical home may increase 2 to 4 degrees.

During the enrollment process, you will be asked to choose one of the two energy-saving devices described below. Central Hudson Gas & Electric will install your choice of device at your home at no charge to you.
The Central Hudson Peak Perks Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat This web-programmable thermostat enables you to remotely adjust the temperature settings of your home from a smartphone, tablet or computer using a secure Internet portal. Additional features on the portal include energy-saving tips personalized to your usage and advanced customized settings such as Vacation and Away modes. The thermostat system learns your comfort preferences, then finds opportunities to automatically save you energy and money. It also offers valuable energy-saving advice based on your portal and thermostat usage. Although the system operates automatically, you can act on these personalized tips to save even more — so you’re always in control. We install the thermostat in your home at no charge and at your convenience. However, you must make an installation appointment and an adult must be present during the scheduled time.
The Central Hudson Peak Perks Outdoor Efficiency Switch This device is connected to your central air conditioning or heat pump system and installed near the exterior A/C unit. It is only activated during conservation events. Installation of the switch does NOT require an appointment, nor an adult’s presence, as long as your exterior unit is safely and easily accessible.

Central Hudson Gas & Electric will issue you an $85 Enrollment Reward check for each Central Hudson device installed within four to six weeks following its installation. You will also be issued a prorated Annual Reward check of up to $50 based on your months of participation for each participating device, which you will receive four to six weeks after the close of the program season. You will be credited $12.50 for each full and/or partial month of participation, June 1 through September 30.

In order to receive the entire $50 Annual Reward in a calendar year, your device must be installed prior to June 1 of that year. Although Central Hudson Gas & Electric cannot guarantee a timeframe between enrollment and installation, if you enroll and schedule your appointment prior to March 30, you are most likely to have the device installed prior to June 1. If your device is not installed until after the close of the program season, you may receive your Enrollment Reward before December 31; however, you will receive your Annual Reward the following year after your first program season of participation.

No. Participation is totally voluntary. You do not pay to participate, nor do you pay anything for installation or service of your device(s).

Yes. The Central Hudson Peak Perks Central Air Conditioner program has been designed to meet your changing needs. You will need to contact the Program Call Center at 844-258-7761 to request and schedule the change of devices.

The number of conservation events depends on many factors, including weather, peak electricity demand, and wholesale energy costs. Central Hudson Peak Perks is only activated during times of critically high electricity demand, emergency conditions, or system testing. Central Hudson Gas & Electric estimates there will be five to ten events a year.

During the program season, June 1 through September 30, conservation events will typically occur on a few weekday afternoons between noon and 8 p.m. A conservation event will last for at least one-half (1/2) hour, and may last for up to four hours. The duration of conservation events could be reduced as the number of Central Hudson Peak Perks Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Program participants increases. If an emergency event is called by NYISO – New York’s electrical transmission authority – for reliability reasons, it will last until the situation is resolved; therefore, Central Hudson Gas & Electric cannot state how long an emergency conservation event of this type may last.

Times of peak electricity demand occur when everyone uses a lot of electricity at the same time, creating stress on the Hudson Valley’s power grid. Peak demand for electricity has rapidly escalated as the widespread use of electronics and appliances has grown. Central Hudson Peak Perks is just one way Central Hudson is managing this challenge. With customer support, this initiative will offset the need for costly upgrades to our power grid, and protect the environmental health and beauty of the Hudson Valley.

Like other participants in similar programs across the country, you may or may not notice that a conservation event is occurring. During the course of a conservation event, the temperature in a typical home may rise 1- 3 degrees. Variables such as home insulation, shaded windows, the addition of ceiling fans, and the amount of foot traffic can also affect the temperature.

Check your smart Wi-Fi thermostat or your mobile device. When a conservation event occurs, the LED light in the upper left corner of the thermostat will glow green and the display will read “CONTROL ACTIVE” at the top of the screen. You will also receive a notification on your energy manager web portal and an email (unless you have opted out of email communications). If you have an outdoor efficiency switch, you will need to go outside to inspect the device. A red LED will appear in the window of the outdoor switch and remain illuminated throughout the conservation event.

Yes. If an emergency event is called by NYISO for reliability reasons, it will last until the situation is resolved; therefore, Central Hudson Gas & Electric cannot state how long a conservation period of this type may last. You would be required to participate per the program rules and the customer agreement.

Yes. Participants are allowed two (2) opt outs per program season. You may opt out of any Central Hudson-initiated conservation event simply by calling 844-258-7761 and speaking with a Central Hudson Peak Perks customer service representative. However, you may not opt out of any emergency conservation event called by NYISO.

Participants must remain in the program for 12 months after device installation or a portion of their initial installation credit will be reversed. Should you notify us that you are leaving the program, Central Hudson will immediately disable your device(s). Your A/C compressor will no longer be cycled during conservation events and you will no longer accrue money toward an Annual Reward. Central Hudson will not remove the programmable thermostat or switch unless you request us to do so. If you decide to leave Central Hudson Peak Perks, you may do so by calling 844-258-7761.

Central Hudson customers use more electricity during the summer season than at other times of the year. As more new and existing customers install central air conditioning and heat pumps and expand their use of other electronics and appliances, demand for electricity reaches higher and higher peaks in the summer, straining the power grid and further taxing already congested transmission lines. Participating in the Central Hudson Peak Perks Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Program helps all of us in the Hudson Valley avoid the costs of constructing additional transmission lines and power plants built primarily to operate only during times of very high electricity demand for a handful of hours per year.

Central Hudson Peak Perks Program is part of New York State’s “Reforming the Energy Vision” (REV) initiative to manage the challenges of rapidly increasing peak energy demand. According to Governor Andrew Cuomo, “…reducing peak demand represents the single largest savings opportunity for consumers in New York.” Aside from saving us all money in the long term, Central Hudson Peak Perks Program helps preserve New York State’s scenic beauty and environmental resources.

Reducing the use of fossil fuels reduces greenhouse gas emissions. So, by reducing electricity demand during a conservation event, the program also reduces emissions by averting the need for production of additional electricity. When electricity demand is highest and the power grid is strained, the least efficient power plants must be brought into operation until peak usage subsides. Lower efficiency electricity production generally equates with higher emissions. Central Hudson Peak Perks reduces the urgency of adding costly upgrades to our power grid, while protecting the beauty and health of our natural environment.

Internet access to your smart Wi-Fi thermostat is through your web portal, using a secure password you select and only you know. All Central Hudson can do with your password is reset it if you forget it and verify you are the customer on the account. You are the only one with control over this feature, and access is shielded behind security measures designed to protect the confidential customer information of all of our customers.

Generally, installation takes place within four to six weeks of your enrollment, though you can schedule an installation any time that is most convenient for you, including Saturdays.

Yes. Our technician will custom install the thermostat inside your home. You must first call to schedule an appointment, then be available to allow our technician entry to your home to perform the installation.

Installation of the new thermostat and removal of your old thermostat will take approximately an hour. However, our technician will spend as much time as needed, helping you program your new thermostat, setting up your web portal, and answering any questions you may have about the technology or Central Hudson Peak Perks.

Our technician will assess the condition of your unit(s) when he arrives onsite for installation. If there are problems that can be repaired or remedied, and that allow you to participate, the technician will explain the situation and your options, and you will be able to participate once the system repairs are completed by your HVAC contractor. (Our technicians are not allowed to make repairs for you.) If there are fundamental or major problems with your system, which may include you having one of a few particular brands/models of systems that are inherently incompatible with the Central Hudson Peak Perks equipment, you will also be notified of the situation, and what options exist for you to participate.

If you currently have a load control device from any prior load management plan, we will remove it, recycle it, and dispose of unusable components.

You will be able to access the settings on your new thermostat through your secure Central Hudson Peak Perks energy manager web portal, accessible from your smartphone, tablet, or computer with Internet access. The thermostat is a two-way communicating device, so any changes made on the thermostat are immediately reflected on your portal and vice versa. Energy tips provided by Central Hudson Peak Perks are based on energy-related criteria input by participants. The tips are specific and actionable energy-efficiency details that may include methods of saving electricity on air conditioners, clothes dryers, or pool pumps, just to name a few. These tips may be communicated by email or directly on the portal based on your preference.

While you can temporarily adjust your temperature settings up and down on your thermostat itself, the more advanced customized settings such as Vacation and Away mode are available to you only online through your computer or mobile device. For example, with the Vacation mode setting, you can set a specific departure and return date along with a desired temperature to coincide with the days and time you are on vacation. Similarly, with the Away feature, if you plan to be away from home for more than just a couple hours, you can adjust your temperature automatically to save energy while you are away from home.

The Central Hudson Peak Perks energy manager is not an “app” found in an app store. It is a web-based portal that can be saved to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. To access it, simply enter the following URL into your web browser: Central HudsonPeakPerks.com. Then, with whatever device you use, you can either add the URL as your home screen or save the webpage as a bookmark for future reference. If additional assistance is needed, call us toll-free at 844-258-7761 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Yes, only you can decide what’s appropriate for you. However, we want to make sure you are aware that the temperature inside the house will increase during a conservation event, and you should take that into consideration before enrolling.

The Central Hudson Peak Perks program is open to all Central Hudson residential customers in specifically targeted areas. You should be a homeowner or a resident in a multiple dwelling complex, with control of your thermostat, and receive an electric bill directly from Central Hudson Gas & Electric. If you are a tenant, landlord approval must be certified. Check here or call 844-258-7761 to quickly determine if you are eligible for this offer.

You may purchase your own smart wi-fi thermostat(s) from a selection of program-specific models available through support@cenhudpeakperks.com or by calling the Central Hudson Peak Perks customer service center at 844-258-7761.
Participants who have purchased their own thermostat will receive a one-time $85 Purchase Rebate check, your choice of a one-time $85 Enrollment Reward check or professional installation at no charge, and a $50 Annual Reward check (per device) each year you participate. When you enroll, you will choose whether to have Central Hudson Gas & Electric professionally install your qualifying thermostat at no charge, or to install it yourself and receive an $85 Enrollment Reward check.

Participants in the Central Hudson Peak Perks Pool Pump program receive an efficiency switch, including professional installation, at no charge. You also receive a one-time $85 Enrollment Reward check (per device) and a $50 Annual Reward check (per device) each year you participate.

When you enroll in the Central Hudson Peak Perks Pool Pump program, Central Hudson Gas & Electric will provide and install, at no charge, an efficiency switch on/near your pool pump. This switch enables us to temporarily reduce energy consumption during times of critically high electricity demand, relieving transmission congestion. We do this by sending the switch a signal to turn off the power to your pool pump. The process is automatic and requires no effort from you. During these “conservation events”, your pool pump is turned off for up to four hours on a few weekday afternoons from June 1 through September 30 when electricity demand reaches critical peaks. The switch is only activated during these times. Your pool pump resumes standard operation as soon as the conservation event ends. Installation of the switch does NOT require an appointment, nor an adult to be present, as long as your pool pump is safely and easily accessible.

Central Hudson Gas & Electric will issue you an $85 Enrollment Reward check (per device) within four to six weeks following installation of your Central Hudson Peak Perks efficiency switch. You will also be issued a prorated Annual Reward check of up to $50 (per device) based on your months of participation, which you will receive four to six weeks after the close of the program season. You will be credited $12.50 for each full and/or partial month of participation, June 1 through September 30.

In order to receive the entire $50 Annual Reward in a calendar year, your switch must be installed prior to June 1 of that year. Although Central Hudson Gas & Electric cannot guarantee installation, if you enroll and schedule your appointment prior to March 30, you are most likely to have the switch installed prior to June 1. If your switch is not installed until after the close of the program season, it is possible you may receive your Enrollment Reward before December 31; however, you will receive your Annual Reward the following year after your first program season of participation.

No. Participation is totally voluntary. You do not pay to participate, nor do you pay anything for installation or service of your switch.

Participants must remain in the program for 12 months after device installation or a portion of their initial installation credit will be reversed. Should you notify us that you are leaving the program, Central Hudson Gas & Electric will immediately disable your pool pump switch. Your pool pump will no longer be turned off during conservation events, nor will you accrue money toward an Annual Reward. Central Hudson will not remove the switch unless you request us to do so. If you decide to leave Central Hudson Peak Perks, you may do so by calling 844-258-7761. For additional information about conservation events and benefits of Central Hudson Peak Perks, please refer to the Central Air Conditioner program section above.