Local residents are reporting positive experiences following Fortis Inc.'s acquisition of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, according to letters received on Friday, September 26, 2025. While mergers and acquisitions often spark concerns about service disruptions and price increases, early indications suggest a smooth transition and potential benefits for customers.

The letters, representing a cross-section of Central Hudson's service area, highlight improvements in customer service, infrastructure upgrades, and a renewed focus on community engagement. Several writers specifically praised the shorter wait times when contacting customer support, contrasting their recent experiences with previous frustrations. One letter from a resident in Poughkeepsie noted, "I used to dread calling Central Hudson. Now, it's a breeze. The representative was helpful and resolved my issue quickly."

Beyond customer service, the letters also pointed to tangible improvements in the reliability of the energy grid. Residents in rural areas, historically prone to outages, mentioned fewer and shorter disruptions. This is likely due to the accelerated infrastructure investments Fortis committed to during the acquisition process. One letter detailed the replacement of aging power lines in a particularly vulnerable area, directly attributing the increased reliability to Fortis' actions.

Another recurring theme in the letters was Fortis' proactive approach to community engagement. Several residents mentioned town hall meetings and informational sessions organized by Fortis to address concerns and gather feedback. "It's refreshing to see a company actively listening to the community," wrote a resident from Kingston. "They seem genuinely interested in providing the best possible service."

While it's still early days in the Fortis-Central Hudson partnership, the positive feedback reflected in these letters offers a promising outlook. The smooth takeover suggests that Fortis' commitment to maintaining and improving Central Hudson's services is being realized, leading to tangible benefits for residents across the region. As the integration progresses, it will be crucial to monitor these positive trends and ensure that Fortis continues to prioritize customer satisfaction and community well-being.