Hudson's Energy Situation
The City of Hudson has no electricity generating facilities within city limits. Every kilowatt-hour powering homes and businesses is imported from outside the city.
"The inhabitants of Hudson have to import electricity from outside city limits because there are not any electricity producing facilities within the city." — FindEnergy.com
Where Hudson's Power Comes From
Hudson is served by Central Hudson Gas & Electric. The electricity mix reflects the broader New York grid:
- 48.7% Natural gas
- 24.5% Nuclear
- 18.2% Hydroelectric
- 4.8% Wind
- 2.1% Solar
- 1.7% Other
Nearly half of Hudson's electricity comes from burning natural gas somewhere else.
Solar in Columbia County
While Hudson itself has no generation, Columbia County has ~36 MW of solar operating in surrounding towns:
- ELP Greenport Solar — 7 MW
- ELP Kinderhook Solar — 7.5 MW
- ELP Claverack Solar — 7.5 MW
- ELP Ghent Solar — 4.3 MW
- ELP Livingston Solar — 6.3 MW
- ELP Roe Jan Solar — 3.9 MW
These projects feed clean power to the grid that serves Hudson residents.
Community Solar for Hudson Residents
Hudson residents can participate in community solar even without rooftop panels:
- Subscribe to a local solar farm — Credits reduce your electric bill
- Typical savings of 10% — No installation required
- Perfect for renters — Just need an electric bill in your name
- Cancel anytime — No long-term commitment
Learn more about community solar →
What More Solar Would Mean for Hudson
Benefits of Regional Solar Growth
- More community solar options — Expanded capacity means less waitlists
- Lower regional electricity costs — Local generation reduces transmission costs
- Jobs for Hudson residents — Construction and maintenance employment
- Cleaner air — Less fossil fuel generation means better air quality
- Economic activity — Workers spend money in local businesses
Hudson's History of Innovation
Hudson has reinvented itself multiple times—from whaling port to industrial center to arts destination. Supporting clean energy continues that tradition of adapting to changing times.
The transition to renewable energy is happening. Hudson can benefit from it or be left behind.
Take Action
- Sign up for community solar — Save on your electric bill
- Support local solar advocacy — Help counter misinformation
- Attend public meetings — Voice support for clean energy
- Talk to neighbors — Share facts about solar benefits