Massachusetts public power utility Holyoke Gas & Electric announced that the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board has issued its Final Decision approving HG&E’s LNG Infrastructure & Resiliency Project, with conditions, on April 24.
This milestone represents a significant step forward in strengthening the reliability and resilience of the Holyoke, Mass. natural gas system while supporting long-term community and economic development needs, the utility noted.
The LNG Infrastructure & Resiliency Project is designed to enhance system reliability during peak demand and extreme weather events by upgrading critical infrastructure, including the installation of a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank. The project aims to ensure HG&E can continue delivering safe, reliable, and competitive energy services to residents and businesses.
"This EFSB approval comes after years of dedication and persistence from HG&E's team and marks an important milestone for HG&E and the community we serve," said James Lavelle, HG&E's General Manager.
"This project will improve the resiliency of our local energy system, allowing us to better respond to periods of extreme cold and unexpected disruptions. It also reinforces our commitment to delivering safe, reliable and competitively priced energy while supporting local economic development opportunities. As we move forward, HG&E will continue working closely with regulators, stakeholders, and the community to ensure the project is implemented in alignment with long-term energy goals."
At this time, a natural gas moratorium remains in effect. “HG&E continues to carefully manage system capacity and will review requests for new or expanded gas service on a case-by-case basis. Service will be approved only where sufficient capacity exists, where no economically viable alternative is available, or where it serves the best interest of the City, including support for critical economic development initiative,” the utility said.
“HG&E is committed to ongoing transparency and community engagement and will continue to provide updates on the project through its website and outreach channels as additional information becomes available,” it added.
