The City of Gastonia announced Monday, May 12, that it has been awarded funding from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) State Energy Office to launch its Strategic Upgrades for Resilient Grid Enhancements (SURGE) project, an initiative designed to modernize and fortify the city’s electrical grid.
The City requested $679,000 to support the SURGE project, which will replace vulnerable wooden substation poles with more durable steel poles and automate critical electrical circuits. These improvements will increase the grid’s capacity and enable it to “self-heal” during and after disruptive events, such as hurricanes or ice storms.
According to the DEQ, the project “will update grid infrastructure to increase load capacity and resilience against severe weather, resulting in a more affordable and reliable electricity supply for North Carolinians.”
“These upgrades are about protecting our residents, reducing long-term energy costs, and building a stronger, smarter system for the future,” said Gastonia Mayor Richard Franks. “We’re grateful to the North Carolina State Energy Office for supporting this critical investment in our city’s energy resilience.”
The SURGE project reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and public safety. Additional details about the SURGE Project will be released as they become available.
