Hinchey Applauds PSC’s Show Cause Order to Hudson Valley Water Company

Michelle Hinchey

February 16, 2024

Senator Michelle Hinchey

KINGSTON, NY – The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a show cause order to the Hudson Valley Water Company (HVWC), requiring the utility to demonstrate its ability to operate a water system and authorizing the PSC to appoint a temporary operator if the utility proves incapable of maintaining adequate service. The PSC’s order to show cause follows a letter sent by Senator Michelle Hinchey, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, and local officials, urging the Commission to initiate an ownership transfer due to the HVWC’s chronic service failures. HVWC must show cause by March 1, 2024, per Public Service Law section 112-a. Senator Hinchey responded with the following statement:
 

The Hudson Valley Water Company has persistently violated the Constitutional right of our residents to clean, safe, and reliable water service, and we commend the PSC for hearing our calls and instituting a show cause order. Access to clean water is not just a necessity but a fundamental right, and we remain hopeful that today’s action will help reveal to the Commission the long-standing negligence and indefensible service quality on the part of the Hudson Valley Water Company.”
 

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