Hopkinsville Electric System is among several Kentucky municipal utilities set to benefit from a multi-million-dollar federal grant aimed at enhancing electric grid reliability and safeguarding the community during severe weather and other emergencies.
At this Thursday’s Team Kentucky update, Governor Andy Beshear announced new funding to strengthen and modernize electric grids across the state, making them more resilient for the future.
click to download audioHe said that over $6 million has been designated for four non-profit public power utilities, one of which is in Hopkinsville.
click to download audioIn a written statement, Hopkinsville Electric System Controller Cody Noffsinger said they are honored and excited to be selected for the Kentucky Grid Resilience Grant. He explained that the $1.45 million grant will help their nonprofit municipality enhance and reinforce the electric grid, which serves 13,000 homes and businesses in Hopkinsville. Noffsinger added that they look forward to collaborating with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet to benefit the local community.
The governor also announced that the Princeton Electric Plant Board in Caldwell County has been awarded $1.7 million, Owensboro Municipal Utilities will receive $1.6 million, and the Williamstown Utility Commission has been granted $1.1 million.
Governor Beshear also expressed his appreciation to all the utilities for their efforts in restoring power after recent natural disasters.
click to download audioThe Kentucky Grid Resilience Grant Program is supported by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Along with the federal funding for these projects, officials note that each selected project must also provide a one-third match to the federal award.
This year’s grant awards to municipal power utilities mark the third year of a five-year initiative. Previous funding was directed toward improving regional resilience at Kentucky State Parks, which play a vital role in supporting disaster survivors after major weather events.
