POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- Central Hudson held its first round of public hearings Tuesday in Poughkeepsie on new proposed gas and electric rate changes.

Customers in the Hudson Valley are concerned over proposed raises to delivery rates and practices.

Central Hudson wants to increase its annual electric delivery revenues by 7.9 percent by next July.

The proposed hike is even more for gas delivery.

Officials say money would go towards modernizing infrastructure, technology, and workforce training.

Central Hudson's spokesperson says that the New York State Public Service Commission's hearings are a benefit to everyone involved in the process.

"These meetings are an excellent opportunity for the public to be heard. It's also an opportunity to hear from Central Hudson directly about what we're proposing and ask questions of us. So it gives us an opportunity to explain what we're proposing and answer your questions regarding that. It also gives the public service commission an opportunity to hear your comments and make a decision based on what they hear from you,” said John Maserjian, the Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation spokesperson.

The actual impact of the raises on any bill will vary depending on the customer.