HOLYOKE — Holyoke Gas and Electric recently received a $460,000 grant from the Healey-Driscoll Administration through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.
The grant is designed to help modernize local electricity infrastructure, supporting the adoption of clean energy, building electrification and economic growth.
The $460,000 resiliency grant will fund the replacement of approximately 1.5 miles of aging overhead spacer cable along Main Street, between Hanover Street and Jones Ferry Road, according to Holyoke Gas & Electric Marketing and Communications Director Kate Sullivan Craven, who chatted with Reminder Publishing about the project.
She stated that the existing cable, installed in the 1980s, is approaching the end of its useful life and presents increasing reliability risks.
This project will improve service reliability for residents and businesses while preparing Holyoke’s infrastructure for increased electrification of buildings and transportation.
“Since the work is funded through this grant, it allows HG&E to make necessary infrastructure upgrades without impacting utility rates,” Craven said.
Holyoke Gas and Electric is one of eight organizations awarded a total of $8 million to strengthen Massachusetts’ electric grid, reduce costly outages and better protect residents in extreme weather.
“We were very pleased and encouraged to receive this grant,” Craven said. “It reflects MassCEC’s confidence in HG&E’s proactive approach to infrastructure investment, resiliency planning and clean energy readiness. This funding allows us to move forward with critical upgrades that will deliver long-term benefits for our customers and the community.”
The commonwealth has been awarded approximately $13.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy under the formula grant opportunity “Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid,” established by Section 40101(d) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Increased electricity demand and more severe weather events pose a challenge to Massachusetts’ grid infrastructure and state energy users, according to the state. This program funds projects to enhance the resilience of the electric grid, prevent outages and mitigate the impact of disruptive events.
In collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, MassCEC developed a program that aims to identify and fund projects that can improve energy reliability and resilience, while reducing the cost and number of outages for communities and underserved populations.
The program also looks to support clean energy and decarbonization solutions, including building electrification, advance MassCEC and DOER equity, environmental and energy justice priorities and create good-paying jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union.
Craven talked about the construction process to replace the overhead spacer cable on Main Street, saying, “HG&E is committed to minimizing disruption during construction. Customers will receive advance notice, and the work will be carefully coordinated to reduce impacts. This grant-funded project represents a strong investment in Holyoke’s energy future strengthening reliability today while supporting climate resilience.”
