June is the last month for people in the Red Hook area to sign up for the Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. Home Energy Saver pilot program.

Smart meters help customers save money, reduce energy use and improve their carbon footprint.The utility will give free "smart meters," thermostats and controllers to customers who have appliances that demand high energy use: central air conditioners, large pool pumps or electric water heaters. 

The smart meters allow customers to monitor and adjust their energy use, either at home or remotely via the Internet. The companion Web portal allows users to schedule when -- and at what temperatures -- devices will operate, for example during certain hours on weekdays, weekends and vacations.

The smart meters also allow Central Hudson to collect data and, when necessary, turn off appliances from the central office. The new meters are not only good for customers' bottom line, they also help reduce energy needs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Central Hudson says success will depend on how well customers accept and use the technology to manage energy consumption, and on the technology's ability to reduce demand during a conservation event, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal.

The information collected will be presented to the New York Independent System Operator -- the agency that oversees the power grid - by utilities to demonstrate the system's ability to extend so-called "demand response programs" to residential customers.