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 and is expected to be completed in mid-May. Work will cease from Memorial Day through Labor Day to account for the Tourist season. The project will pick back up in the fall with the installation of new underground cable, and the removal of overhead poles and wires. The entire project is scheduled for completion by December 2025. Kent Power will be performing the work and right of way permits have already been issued by the City of Grand Haven.
There will be short interruption of electrical services to end use customers in the fall to complete this conversion. Residents and businesses will be notified by postcard in the fall prior to the interruption of services of the scheduled outages necessary to allow for the conversion.
Electrical Line Upgrades
GHBLP is about to begin 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
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
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
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.
Tree Trimming Project
In order to maintain reliable electric service for its over 15,000 customers, GHBLP is constantly trimming trees around the distribution system. In the colder months the BLP places its attention on trimming oak trees which are susceptible to the infectious Oak Wilt disease. Trimming these trees outside of the growing season minimizes the spread of the disease. Starting January 6th 2025, Asplundh Tree Expert crews will begin line clearance trimming on approximately 4.6 miles of power line. This work is expected to be completed in the Spring, and it will take place along Grand Ave, Robbins Rd, and Wisconsin Ave in Grand Haven, and North Shore Dr and West Spring Lake Rd in Ferrysburg and Spring Lake Township.
