Projects
Undergrounding of Harbor Drive Electrical Lines
The Grand Haven Board of Light & Power (BLP) has begun the undergrounding of electrical lines along Harbor Drive in downtown Grand Haven. The work will convert the 13.2 kilovolt overhead distribution electrical lines along Harbor Drive from Columbus Avenue to Howard Avenue at a budgetary cost of $1.3 million.
The project consists of two new underground three phase circuits, padmount switchgear, sectionalizing cabinets, underground secondary conductors, and the removal of poles and overhead wire. Directional boring began in March 2025, but work ceased from Memorial Day through Labor Day to account for the tourist season. GHBLP is now in the process of installing new underground cable, and removing the overhead poles and wires. While there were some delays in the Fall construction period, the entire project is scheduled to be completed before Spring of 2026. Kent Power has been contracted to complete this project.
Some residents and businesses within the project area will experience a short interruption of electrical services to complete this conversion. Residents and businesses will be notified prior to these necessary scheduled outages.
Electrical Line Upgrades
GHBLP has begun three projects to increase the reliability and capacity of its electric distribution system. Each project will be utilizing storm hardened construction methods, including aerial spacer cable designed to protect the system from incidental tree contact, and strategic undergrounding of high voltage lines. Newkirk Electric Associates has been contracted to complete this construction work with an anticipated start date in May. Construction work in all three project areas is scheduled to be completed by December 31st, 2025.
Beechtree & Marion -In Progress
The scope of this project includes the reconstruction of 1.1 miles of 7.6/13.2kV overhead line with double circuit #477 Hendrix aerial spacer cable along Beechtree Street from Fulton Street to Ohio Avenue. This project also includes reconstruction of 0.3 miles of 7.6/13.2kV overhead line along Marion Ave, as well as primary and secondary taps off Beechtree Street. Once complete, this reconstruction will increase the reliability for the residential and commercial/industrial customers in this area, as well as increase GHBLP’s ability to transfer load from other areas during maintenance or large outage events.
Robbins & Wisconsin -In Progress
The scope of this project includes the reconstruction of 1.2 miles of 7.6/13.2kV overhead line along Robbins Road west of the railroad, and north on Wisconsin Avenue to Taylor Avenue. While the mainline construction will be overhead #336.4 Hendrix aerial spacer cable, several high voltage taps and backlot secondary lines will be undergrounded in conjunction with the project. This work will increase the reliability for residential customers in the area, as well as provide additional storm hardening for the circuit that serves the Trinity Health Grand Haven Hospital.
West Spring Lake Road -Complete
The scope of this project includes the reconstruction of 0.3 miles of 7.6/13.2kV overhead line along West Spring Lake Road from 168th Avenue to Williams Street with #336.4 Hendrix aerial spacer cable. This work will increase the capacity of this circuit in Ferrysburg.
2025/2026 Annual Tree Trimming
GHBLP has contracted with CHOP Tree Service to perform tree trimming on nearly 10 miles of power line in the City of Grand Haven. Each year GHBLP focuses on tree trimming in the colder months to minimize the risk of Oak Wilt, which exists in some parts of GHBLP’s service territory. The project is scheduled to start in December 2025 and to be completed by May 2026. This year’s contracted trimming primarily includes lines that are in alleyways and backlot easements. Residents and businesses in the immediate vicinity of the project area have been notified by mail. Please view the maps of the project area for more details about specific locations.
