Central Hudson Electric originated in 1900 when 3 men by the names of Thadeus Beal, William R. Beal, and John Wilkie bought 2 companies that provided electricity and gas to 5,000 customers in the Newburgh, New York area. These 3 men recognized the need for the integration of the many separate electric and gas companies serving the region. Over several years they have merged 80 plus independent electric and gas companies. While Central Hudson Electric originated in Newburgh it has grown to become a monopoly in the Central Hudson region with the merger of all these independent electric and gas companies. The mission of Central Hudson Electric is to “deliver electricity and natural gas to an expanding customer base in a safe, reliable, courteous