Safety

  • Learn to use electricity and natural gas safely, by educating yourself and others with the information included in this section. 

Natural Gas Safety

If you smell natural gas, call HG&E Emergency Dispatch immediately at (413) 536-9300. 

Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) delivers natural gas to approximately 11,000 customers throughout Holyoke and portions of Southampton. Your safety is important to us, so please review HG&E's general gas safety tips and the annual customer letter (Spanish & English) outlining safety information. 

Important Natural Gas Safety Information

Powerline Safety

If you see downed powerlines, call HG&E Emergency Dispatch immediately at (413) 536-9300. 

When working outdoors, please be aware of the dangers of working near overhead powerlines.  Although these lines may be coated to protect them from the weather, they are not insulated and that coating will not protect you from an electric shock. 

Important Electric Safety Information

Dig Safe®

Dig Safe® is a not-for-profit clearinghouse that notifies participating utility companies of your plans to dig. In turn, these utilities (or their contract locating companies) respond to mark out the location of their underground facilities. Dig Safe is a free service, funded entirely by its member utility companies.

Learn more about Dig Safe®

Power Outage

HG&Es outage center provides general information regarding overall electric outage levels within our territory. To find out information about how to prepare for a power outage, please visit mass.gov/info-details/power-outage-safety-tips.
Learn more about Outages

CARBON MONOXIDE

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas that is created when fuels, such as gasoline, wood, natural gas, coal, propane, and oil, burn incompletely.  Vehicles and generators can also produce dangerous levels of CO.  Some signs that indicate the presence of carbon monoxide in your home include stuffy, stale, or smelly air, very high humidity, and soot coming from a fireplace or heating system.

Learn more about Carbon Monoxide

HOME GENERATOR SAFETY

Though the generators may be a convenient way to keep items running during a power outage, caution must be used when installing and operating!

Learn more about Generator Safety

Public Awareness

As part of its commitment to safety, HG&E educates the public about safe practices, such as Dig Safe®, what to do in a natural gas emergency, and the dangers of carbon monoxide.  This education takes place in the form of annual bill inserts, communication with emergency officials, even meetings with local schools to educate children on the dangers of natural gas leaks.

Learn more about Public Awareness

EMERGENCY RESPONSE OFFICIAL

HG&E’s pipelines quietly, reliably, and efficiently deliver natural gas throughout the service territory for household, commercial, and industrial use. Natural gas energy is the most popular home heating fuel in America and its pipeline system is among the safest and most secure methods of transporting energy.

Learn more about Emergency Response Information

Payment Safety

Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) would like to point out a series of important community safety precautions. Please check out our Payment Fraud page for more information.

Learn more about Payment Safety

HG&E Educates

Our children are the future of Holyoke. HG&E is leading the way in electric and gas safetyenergy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental education.  In the classroom, at the Fishway, with our seniors, and all around the City, HG&E partners with educators, students, parents, and grandparents to spread knowledge in our community. 

Learn more about HG&E Educates

EXCESS FLOW VALVE

In 2017, a new federal regulator was implemented regarding gas pipeline safety and Excess Flow Valves (EFV). The regulation requires HG&E to notify customers of their right to request installation of an EFV on their existing gas service line, under certain circumstances. 

Learn More about Excess Flow Valve

Latest News

  • Engineering the Future

    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

    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

    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.

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