Central Hudson Replaces CEO In Wake Of Error-Ridden Billing System

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — In the wake of the roll-out of an error-ridden billing system, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation appointed a new president and CEO.

The power company’s Board of Directors said in a news release Monday it was making Christopher M. Capone the new president and CEO effective immediately, replacing Charles Freni.

Margarita Dilley, the chairwoman, said the board believed the time was right for a change of leadership.

“Chris has a demonstrated history of successfully navigating challenges and leading teams to positive outcomes,” she said. “We are confident in his ability to move the organization forward and to communicate those results to all stakeholders clearly and consistently.”

Rep. Pat Ryan recently called on Freni to resign and said he’d received more than 11,000 formal complaints about the company’s billing practices.

A report by the state Department of Public Service found that Central Hudson’s billing system had hundreds of programming errors, which led to nearly 5,000 customers not receiving their bills, 8,000 customers being overcharged and more than 30,000 customers whose autopay was billed incorrectly, costing them more than $16 million.

Capone started at Central Hudson in 2003. His previous responsibilities included executive oversight of accounting, treasury, risk management, internal auditing, enterprise support services and energy resources. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Marist College and a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia University.

Central Hudson said Freni will remain with the company to assist with the transition before retiring.