Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 10/12/2022
HOLYOKE – To celebrate Public Power and Public Natural Gas Week, Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) invited the local community to Veterans Park on Oct. 5 for food and some fun for the family.
Each October, community-owned utilities throughout the country celebrate the educational week on public power and gas as they are the ones who collectively provide electricity and natural gas services to millions of Americans. The annual nationwide event is intended to build public awareness about the value of having a community-owned utility.
Residents and customers of HG&E were able to learn more about energy efficiency and electrification incentives, air source heat pumps, electric and natural gas safety, the local power supply portfolio from the variety of local organizations set up at the event.
“Public Power and Public Natural Gas Week honors the community ownership of HG&E, which results in competitive rates, innovative and sustainable energy solutions, reliable service and excellent customer care for residents and businesses,” said HG&E Manager James Lavelle. “It also recognizes the economic, social and environmental contributions of our public power system.”
The community celebration featured many of HG&E’s local partner organizations set up and ready to talk to residents about all the different things in public power and public natural gas in Holyoke. Marcotte Ford and Gary Rome Hyundai had tent set ups at the event to display the positives of their electric vehicles and offered test drives and education on the product for residents. Energy New England was there to pass on more information on electric vehicles and HG&E incentives.
There was also a set up for local departments like the Police and Fire Departments for information on community policing and fire and carbon monoxide safety, as well as the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce to promote business incentives and community information. One Holyoke CDC booth was set up and passing along program information.
Another group of note in attendance was Valley Bike Share and they showcased their electric pedal assist bicycle service to promote an eco-friendly transportation option.
A new outreach program provided by HG&E called HG&EV[ehicles] was at the event to present their work in partnership with Energy New England to provide information about the savings and benefits that come from choosing an electric vehicle, and charging it at home overnight.
In addition to the different avenues of education on public power and gas, there was music, pumpkin decorating, other kids activities and a food truck and an ice cream truck were on site.
Public Power and Public Natural Gas Week is a national, annual event sponsored in conjunction with the American Public Power Association and the American Public Gas Association. HG&E was formed in 2901 and today provides electricity, natural gas and telecommunications services to over 18,000 customers.