In a partnership between Hopkinsville Electric Systems and Pennyrile Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation, energynet is getting a considerable boost — courtesy of funds from the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority.
The local fiber Internet service is already in hundreds of homes across Christian, Todd and Trigg counties, but this funding will further support the continued investment made by Pennyrile Electric & HES to provide energynet fiber internet service to more residents.
This announcement follows Monday’s news of more than $200 million being invested to deliver high-speed Internet to more than 34,000 Kentucky homes and businesses.
Governor Andy Beshear’s “Better Internet” program will provide more than $89 million for 35 counties, including seven grants totaling more than $13.8 million for PRECC. Considered a match for a $27.9 million expansion project, the money will help provide nearly 5,600 non-serviced households and businesses in Caldwell, Christian, Lyon, Todd and Trigg counties.
Alan Gates, president & CEO of PRECC, noted his organization was “immensely grateful” for KIA’s support. Providing electricity to local residents and businesses since 1937, Gates added PRECC was “excited” to deliver another critical utility — one that will further empower PRECC members and communities, while enhancing quality of life.
HES General Manager Jeff Hurd said the investment required to bring fast, reliable Internet service to the Hopkinsville and Pennyrile area is “significant,” and that it’s commendable how the state recognizes the importance of an investment into a digital infrastructure.
In November 2020, energynet expanded to serve the city of Cadiz, and at the time was already serving more than 4,000 residents of Hopkinsville and 1,200 in Todd County.
In a February Christian County Fiscal Court update, officials with HES, PRECC and energynet announced the fiber network timetable within its own community, with most everything hopefully completed by spring 2023.
