Latest News from HG&E
State Policy Impacts on Municipal Utilities
May 01, 2025
HG&E, one of 41 Municipal Light Plants (MLPs) in Massachusetts, operates under local control to serve the unique needs of our customers. This structure allows HG&E to provide some of the lowest utility rates in the region while maintaining one of the cleanest electric portfolios in the Commonwealth. However, recent proposed state regulations threaten both affordable rates and local decision-making authority. While we share the State’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the draft regulations fail to acknowledge the significant impact MLPs have made in transforming local communities through their own initiative.
HG&E Continues Evaluation of Residential Fiber
March 07, 2025
In 2021, HG&E completed an interest campaign that was designed to better understand customer demand for municipal fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband service. While HG&E is interested in providing FTTH service and is currently providing residential broadband service within Holyoke on a very limited basis, there must be sufficient demand for the service for a city-wide venture to make economic sense and not have an adverse effect on utility rates.
Ashley Reservoir Temporary Maintenance Notice
December 09, 2024
HG&E will be performing required tree maintenance along the walking path in Ashley Reservoir between the hours of 7 am and 4:30 pm, from December 9, 2024 through approximately January 31, 2025 (excluding weekends and holidays). During this period of time, HG&E will be performing critical maintenance along electric transmission lines in the area. In order to ensure public safety, HG&E or a contractor will be directing recreational traffic while work is being performed.
Engineering the Future
September 10, 2024
Each summer, the energy throughout HG&E increases as we welcome our new and returning Cadet Engineering students. In 2024, two exceptional high school graduates arrived, their eyes bright with ambition and minds overflowing with innovative ideas about the future. Graduating from Holyoke High School and Hampshire Regional High School, respectively, Alexander (Alex) Dumas and Zachary (Zack) Roy both graduated at the top of their classes and got right to work after receiving HG&E's Cornelius J. Moriarty, Jr. Scholarship for Cadet Engineers.
Celebrate Public Power & Public Natural Gas Week
August 07, 2024
Holyoke Gas and Electric (HG&E) is inviting the local community to celebrate Public Power & Public Natural Gas Week on October 9 from 4 – 6 PM at The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. This free event will feature a little something for the entire family!
Gas Heating System Check-Up
July 01, 2024
Cold weather is just a few months away, plan ahead and get your natural gas fired heating system ready for falling temperatures. This service is available for a $25 service fee to ensure your system is in optimal condition for the colder months ahead.
HG&E RECOGNIZED AS A RELIABLE PUBLIC POWER PROVIDER
April 09, 2024
Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) has earned the highest Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service.
Holiday Discount
December 01, 2023
Last month, Holyoke Gas & Electric's Commission approved an extra 10% prompt payment discount on energy services billed during the December cycle. This discount applies to commercial and residential gas and electric customers who are not already participating in an economic development discount program.
Holiday Discount
December 01, 2023
Last month, Holyoke Gas & Electric's Commission approved an extra 10% prompt payment discount on energy services billed during the December cycle. This discount applies to commercial and residential gas and electric customers who are not already participating in an economic development discount program.
HG&E Recognized as Smart Energy Provider
November 13, 2023
Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) has earned a Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association for demonstrating a commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support the goal of providing safe, reliable, low-cost, and sustainable electric service. Kris Sellstrom, Energy and Gas Resources Manager at Jamestown Board of Public Utilities in Jamestown, New York, and chair of APPA’s Energy Innovation Committee, presented the designations on November 13 in San Antonio, Texas during APPA’s annual Customer Connections Conference.
What to Expect this Winter
November 08, 2023
While HG&E is proud to offer some of the lowest utility rates in the region, we understand that with inflation and the rising cost of everyday expenses even the slightest increase in energy rates can have a significant impact on our customers. As a community-owned utility, we work to stabilize charges as much as possible but there are components of each rate that are influenced by market conditions and the cost of fuel, which fall outside of HG&E's direct control.
Engineering the Future
September 01, 2023
Understanding the long-term clean energy goals of the State, 2023 Cadet Engineer and mechanical entrepreneur, Natalie Ramos is interested in discovering new ways consumers can improve their carbon footprints. But before Ramos changes the world, she is going to make a few pit stops along the way, and one happens to be at HG&E. Ramos was selected as the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Cornelius J. Moriarty, Jr. Scholarship for Cadet Engineers.
Celebrate Public Power & Public Natural Gas Week
August 07, 2023
Holyoke Gas and Electric (HG&E) is inviting the local community to celebrate Public Power & Public Natural Gas Week on October 4 from 4 – 6 PM at Veterans Park. This free event will feature a little something for the entire family!
APGA Congratulates HG&E for Operational Excellence
May 15, 2023
The American Public Gas Association (APGA) presented Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) with the prestigious APGA System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) for excellence in operating its natural gas utility. Public natural gas systems, like HG&E, are entrusted by their customers to deliver clean and affordable natural gas through a safe and reliable distribution pipeline system. To accomplish this mission, a forward-thinking natural gas utility constantly strives to improve its operating capabilities, overcome challenges, and adapt to its changing environment.
HG&E Receives $10 Million Award to Improve Aging Infrastructure
April 10, 2023
Today, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced $22 million in grant awards for three communities in Massachusetts, through a new grant program aimed at mitigating safety risk and methane emissions from aging natural gas distribution pipes.
HG&E Earns National Clean Energy Future Recognition
March 16, 2023
Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) has been recognized as one of a handful of utilities nationwide for its leadership in transforming to a carbon-free energy system by the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) and is on the 2023 Utility Transformation Leaderboard.
Winter Gas Safety Tips
January 05, 2023
HG&E would like to remind you that the accumulation of snow and ice on meters, regulators, and other aboveground pipe components may create a safety hazard and increases the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) build up in your home or business.
Holiday Discount
December 01, 2022
Last month, Holyoke Gas & Electric's Commission approved an extra 10% prompt payment discount on energy services billed during the December cycle. This discount applies to commercial and residential gas and electric customers who are not already participating in an economic development discount program.
What to Expect this Winter
November 02, 2022
While HG&E is proud to offer some of the lowest utility rates in the region, we understand that with inflation and the rising cost of everyday expenses even the slightest increase in energy rates can have a significant impact on our customers. As a community-owned utility, we work to stabilize charges as much as possible but there are components of each rate that are influenced by market conditions and the cost of fuel, which fall outside of HG&E's direct control.
Engineering the Future
September 01, 2022
In the summer of 2022, HG&E welcomed two new cadet engineers onto our team, Chris Perez and Kyle Lippman. Both graduates of Holyoke High School, they spent their summer arriving to work at 7 am and learning about the important work happening at HG&E and throughout their community. From the fishway to gas service, and the meter department to power supply, these recent high school graduates were exposed to a variety of HG&E career paths as they became oriented to their new roles.
Celebrate Public Power & Public Natural Gas Week
August 03, 2022
Holyoke Gas and Electric (HG&E) is inviting the local community to celebrate Public Power & Public Natural Gas Week on October 5 from 4 – 6 PM at Veterans Park. This free event will feature a little something for the entire family!
Gas Heating System Check-Up
July 07, 2022
Cold weather is just a few months away, plan ahead and get your natural gas fired heating system ready for falling temperatures. HG&E is offering a limited number of free winter checkups on a first come first serve basis. After the free appointments fill up, the normal service rates will be applied to the customer bill. Please book your winter checkup before September 16.
Modernizing the Electric Distribution System
January 31, 2022
For 120 years, HG&E has been providing customers with reliable and affordable utility services. As we prepare and plan for the future of the local distribution system, we anticipate customers will adopt additional electric technologies and equipment, like Air Source Heat Pumps, Electric Vehicles, Electric Water Heaters, and other smart devices. In order to manage the rising electric demand, HG&E is working to modernize distribution infrastructure so customers have the ability to add technologies to homes and businesses with the same level of reliability they have today.
Sign up for E-Bill!
January 27, 2022
The U.S. Postal Service recently announced mail delivery delays. For your convenience, monthly statements can easily be delivered via email, with no interruption! Sign up today by creating an online account and selecting the e-bill option. Choose the environmentally friendly paperless option and skip the mail entirely, or choose to get an email in addition to traditional mail. Email is the best way to guarantee you get your bill in a timely manner.
January Outage Update
January 19, 2022
Outage Update: Power was restored to all customers this morning at 10:23 am, our team appreciates your patience and understanding throughout this unexpected event. We want to take a moment to distinguish this event from an outage that took place on January 8.
HG&E Celebrates 20 Years of Municipal Hydro
December 14, 2021
Holyoke Gas & Electric's Commission approved an extra 15% prompt payment discount on energy services billed during the December cycle. Traditionally, the holiday discount is 10%, but the Commission voted on a one-time increase to 15% as a way to thank HG&E customers for their loyalty and support throughout the pandemic.
Holiday Discount
December 03, 2021
Holyoke Gas & Electric's Commission approved an extra 15% prompt payment discount on energy services billed during the December cycle. Traditionally, the holiday discount is 10%, but the Commission voted on a one-time increase to 15% as a way to thank HG&E customers for their loyalty and support throughout the pandemic.
NEW 24/7, Bilingual Drive Thru Kiosk
November 09, 2021
HG&E is excited to announce a new self-service payment kiosk which is located behind the main office! With a simple click, the kiosk will offer detailed instructions in both Spanish and English.
HG&E Recognized as Smart Energy Provider
November 01, 2021
Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) has earned a Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association for demonstrating a commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support the goal of providing safe, reliable, low-cost, and sustainable electric service.
What to Expect this Winter | Natural Gas
November 01, 2021
With a significant increase in the cost of natural gas, driven by escalated global demand and shortages in U.S. supply, we are asking customers to prepare for higher-than-normal gas bills this winter. During the pandemic, the price of natural gas hit a 10-year low and recently, the market price doubled compared to last winter. This market shift will impact natural gas rates.
Celebrate Public Power & Public Natural Gas Week
September 01, 2021
Holyoke Gas and Electric (HG&E) is inviting the local community to celebrate Public Power & Public Natural Gas Week on October 6 from 4 – 6 PM at Veterans Park. This free event will feature a little something for the entire family!
Engineering the Future
September 01, 2021
Holyoke Gas and Electric (HG&E) is inviting the local community to celebrate Public Power & Public Natural Gas Week on October 6 from 4 – 6 PM at Veterans Park. This free event will feature a little something for the entire family!
The Martin J. Dunn Energy Center
July 30, 2021
In partnership with Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E), Citizens Energy Corporation flipped the switch on The Martin J. Dunn Energy Center on July 29, 2021. Located on Water Street across from HG&E’s North Canal Substation, the Energy Center consists of a 4.9 megawatt (10 megawatt-hour) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
HG&E Earns National Clean Energy Future Recognition
April 21, 2021
Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) has been recognized as one of a handful of utilities nationwide for its leadership in transforming to a carbon-free energy system by the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) and is on the 2021 Utility Transformation Leaderboard.
Customer Notice: Gas Meters Inspections & Walking Surveys
March 08, 2021
This spring, HG&E uniformed personnel may be in your neighborhood completing meter inspections and replacements. In order to comply with state regulations, HG&E must inspect your gas meter at least once every three years and replace your gas meter every seven years.
Winter Gas Safety Tips
January 14, 2021
HG&E and Northeast Gas Association would like to remind you that the accumulation of snow and ice on meters, regulators, and other aboveground pipe components may create a safety hazard and increases the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) build up in your home or business.