The history of EnergyNet
In May of 1998, the Hopkinsville Electric System (HES) board of directors agreed to run fiber optic cable to the HES substations to implement automated monitoring. By March of 1999, the fiber infrastructure was in place and the fiber was lit for the first time.
Since fiber optic broadband was not available in Hopkinsville, HES elected to begin offering broadband as a service to local businesses, industries and city/county agencies. To manage the internet side of the HES operation, EnergyNet was created. By April of 1999, EnergyNet connected the first of many commercial customers to its fiber optic network. Early in 2000, the HES board decided to offer affordable dialup internet service to Hopkinsville and surrounding communities. In November of that year, the first dialup customer was added. Since that time, over 2000 area residents and businesses have used the EnergyNet dialup service.
In late 2006, the decision was made by the HES board to provide the residents of Hopkinsville with a locally served, affordable high-speed internet service. This was to be accomplished by deploying a wireless mesh network throughout Hopkinsville. In addition to providing Hopkinsville residents with high-speed internet service, the network would also pave the way for deploying "smart meters" in the future. By August of 2007, the first residential customer began using the EnergyNet broadband network.
As EnergyNet continued to grow and add both residential and commercial customers, management realized the need to deepen the level of support and security provided to its customers. In November of 2006, the decision was made to build a new Data Center. This new facility was designed from the ground up to be state-of-the-art and provide EnergyNet a secure, stable environment in which to house its own critical network operations equipment. In addition, excess space in the facility could also be offered to business customers as a place to colocate their own critical equipment and data. In February of 2008, the facility was completed and operations commenced.
Throughout its history, EnergyNet has continually looked for ways to provide affordable, high-quality solutions to its Hopkinsville customers, both residential and commercial. EnergyNet will continue to seek new avenues to meet local needs and keep Hopkinsville and Christian County competitive in the global marketplace.
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