The second phase of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.’s electric and gas rate increases will become effective Friday.

The rates were approved by the state Public Service Commission on June 30, 2010, to be implemented over three years.

In the aggregate of residential, commercial and industrial customers, the commission allowed the Poughkeepsie-based utility to increase electric and gas delivery rates by 3.4 percent each come Friday.

Central Hudson estimated that the typical monthly home electric bill for combined delivery and commodity costs is expected to rise $3.65, or 3.6 percent.

Gas combined costs are estimated to rise $2.73, or 2.1 percent.

The commission’s ruling has nothing to do with commodity costs, however. They rise and fall with the market and are not accurately predictable.

Central Hudson also announced that on Friday, an Electric Bill Credit will return $4 million to customers over the next 12 months.

To view the rate order, visit the utility’s website at http://www.centralhudson.com/pdf/2010_rateplan.pdf

Reach Sarah Bradshaw at [email protected] or 845-437-4811.

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