National Grid wraps up GI investment

National Grid is wrapping up a significant investment in its electricity delivery network on Grand Island that will improve reliability and provide additional capacity for new or expanding customer demand.

The company has invested approximately $3.25 million in the project, last week completing months of work installing new poles, 3.5 miles of new lines and other equipment. Increased customer demand, primarily in the southern half of the island, had started to strain the existing network. The new investment will relieve that pressure and provide room for additional growth.

The project created a new distribution circuit served by the Whitehaven Road substation, providing relief to existing circuits. This also provides more options to restore service in the event of emergencies, and allows the company to better meet the needs of its customers.

"The Town of Grand Island greatly appreciates the improvements in our town recently completed by National Grid," said Mary Cooke, Grand Island town supervisor. "Improving the Island's electrical distribution system, and adding more capacity, helps everyone and is a huge boost for future economic development."

National Grid's investment is part of the company's Connect21 strategy to provide safe and reliable service, while preparing the network for the future.