Two PSC administrative law judges issue their recommendation against the Central Hudson takeover by Fortis.
Read the full article originally published in the Kingston Times.
Jen Metzger chairs the Rosendale Environmental Commission and is one of the organizers on Citizens for Local Power, a grassroots group started in Rosendale that was formed in opposition to the merger and active in advocating for its rejection by the PSC. She said Monday she was happy with the decision: “We think it strongly supports our position that the proposed acquisition is bad for our communities and the CH service area,” said Metzger, noting that the judges “left the door a little open for the commission to make its own assessment.”
Seemingly in response to the decision and the judges stating that Central Hudson and Fortis “have made little as far as we can discern to forestall or defuse public opposition and that apparent passivity itself lends credence to public objections that the new parent company would not appreciate the importance of maintaining customer satisfaction,” Central Hudson has unleashed a barrage of ads touting the deal and rebutting its critics on local TV, radio and newspapers.
“That says a lot — it says they’re taking the opposition seriously,” said Metzger. “What they’re interested in is getting their deal through.”