The Avangrid Foundation, the charitable arm of Avangrid Inc., a member of the Iberdrola Group, and Central Maine Power (CMP) recently joined Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the Electrical Lineworker Technology Program. During the event, KVCC unveiled a new Derrick Digger Truck, an advanced piece of equipment that will enhance the program’s training resources. Funded through a $100,000 contribution from the Avangrid Foundation, the new truck will offer students essential hands-on experience. Digger trucks are critical tools used by lineworkers to set utility poles and perform earthwork.

KVCC’s Electrical Lineworker Technology Program, the only one of its kind in Maine, equips students with the skills necessary to maintain and advance the state’s energy grid. The Avangrid Foundation and CMP have been strong supporters of the program over the years, providing funding, equipment, and expertise. Early support from the Foundation included $250,000 in grants to renovate the Nutter Field House, transforming it into the classroom space for the program. More recently, the Foundation awarded $10,000 in scholarships for students enrolled in the Lineworker Technology Program or other specialties within the Trades and Technology Department.

Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO, said, “I’m incredibly proud of the Avangrid Foundation’s meaningful work supporting education and fostering thriving communities across the country. Investing in electrical lineworker education at Kennebec Valley Community College is crucial for grid resiliency, energy security, and economic growth. Today’s celebration underscores Avangrid’s commitment to modernizing U.S. grid infrastructure and bolstering our future workforce.”

“The Avangrid Foundation is proud to support Kennebec Valley Community College in providing a top-tier and hands-on education for our nation’s future lineworkers. Preparing the next generation of infrastructure workforce with new state-of-the-art resources is essential to maintaining and enhancing grid reliability and resiliency. I applaud KVCC for their commitment to Maine’s energy future,” commented Pablo Colón, Executive Director of Avangrid Foundation and Director of Corporate Citizenship at Avangrid.

Karen Normandin, KVCC President Karen Normandin, stated, “This investment represents more than just cutting-edge equipment for the Lineworker Program. It’s a powerful symbol of our commitment to prepare students for critical roles in Maine’s energy future. We’re deeply grateful to Avangrid Foundation, Central Maine Power, the Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges, and an anonymous donor for their generous support, which ensures our graduates are job-ready and positioned to keep our communities connected.”

In 2024, CMP hired several graduates from the KVCC program as lineworker apprentices, continuing a partnership with KVCC that has been in place for over six years. CMP has a long tradition of training lineworkers in central Maine, offering competitive wages and career opportunities throughout its 125-year history. Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) is a two-year comprehensive community college located in mid-Maine, serving students from Somerset, Kennebec, and Knox counties and beyond. The College operates two campuses: a 70-acre campus in Fairfield accessible via I-95 and the 600-acre Harold Alfond Campus located seven miles north.

KVCC offers 30 degree programs across various fields, including Nursing, Allied Health, Trades and Technology, Mental Health, Liberal Studies, Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, Biology, General Studies, and Psychology. Additionally, KVCC provides a variety of short-term training opportunities through its Workforce Training and Professional Development office. KVCC fosters a collegial environment focused on student success and embraces a diverse community of students, employees, and partners.