I’m a 16 year Central Hudson employee, and every day my team and I work to keep the gas flowing and the lights on in the Hudson Valley. Now, a bill in Albany threatens to shut the door on my future and the futures of more than 1,300 of my coworkers. The Hudson Valley Power Authority Act, proposed by Assemblymember Shrestha and Senator Hinchey, is a direct threat to the jobs, communities, and infrastructure we’ve spent generations building.
My co-workers and I have a profound duty to serve the Hudson Valley. We work closely with IBEW Local 320 and many local businesses to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable service. That didn’t happen overnight, and it won’t be preserved by politicians with no experience in our industry. The Hudson Valley Power Authority Act provides no sustainable plan for the transition. Personally, I have attended the information sessions and Assemblymember Shrestha’s speaks with authority during her presentations, but her facts are biased and riddled with opinions. A government takeover would cost taxpayers billions while delivering less. Government-run utilities in New York already charge more and underinvest in infrastructure, leaving customers with higher bills, weaker service, and fewer good jobs.
Central Hudson isn’t just a utility—it’s an economic engine. Each year, it contributes about $2.6 billion that supports schools, police and fire departments, and vital local services.
I work hard to support my family and my community. This bill doesn’t protect our future; it puts it in jeopardy.
Sincerely,
Brianna C. Peak, P.E.