The Princeton Electric Plant Board 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 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 $6 million has been designated for four non-profit public power utilities, one of which is in Princeton.
According to Gov. Beshear, the funding will be used to replace 61 wooden poles with stronger steel poles, designed to withstand winds up to 140 mph. This first phase also involves upgrading 30,000 linear feet of power lines with more resilient materials to boost capacity and minimize power loss.
The second phase will see the installation of 4,200 smart meters, each equipped with GPS and real-time alert systems.
In a written statement, General Manager Chris Burton said the Princeton Electric Plant Board is deeply grateful and excited to receive this grant. He noted that this funding not only an investment in the community today, but also in the well-being of future generations. Burton added that the grant will allow the Princeton Electric Plant Board to move ahead with projects that, until recently, were only dreams.
The governor also announced that Hopkinsville Electric System in Christian County has been awarded $1.45 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.
