UI, CNG, SCG Invest in Revitalization Projects for Three Connecticut Communities Through Partnership with Connecticut Main Street Center

Windsor, Old Saybrook, and New Haven receive a portion of the $25,000 grant through the EmPOWER Main Street Fund

ORANGE, Conn. - January 15, 2026 - Today, United Illuminating (UI), Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), subsidiaries of Avangrid, Inc., announced their $25,000 grant to Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC) has been allocated to Windsor, Old Saybrook, and New Haven. CMSC is a nonprofit that drives economic development and community pride through the revitalization of downtown areas in towns across Connecticut.

"Strong communities start with vibrant downtowns, and we're proud to play a role in making that happen," said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of UI, CNG, and SCG. "Through the EmPOWER Main Street Fund, we're investing in projects that create welcoming spaces, support local businesses, and encourage economic growth. Partnering with CMSC allows us to amplify these efforts and ensure that our cities and towns remain places where people want to live, work, and visit."

The EmPOWER Main Street Fund was launched by CMSC in June 2025 in partnership with UI, SCG, and CNG, funded by a $25,000 investment from the utilities. Eligible member towns within the companies' service areas were invited to apply for a portion of the $25,000 grant, which can be used to support improvements and initiatives in their downtown areas, such as lighting, beautification, signage, and commercial space enhancements. CMSC received applications from twelve communities requesting over $80,000. The selected projects will be implemented beginning in the Spring of this year.

The grant recipients and projects are a reflection of the diverse nature of Connecticut's downtowns and align with CMSC's mission to foster vibrant, walkable communities across the state:

• Old Saybrook Flower Bed Program - $3,800: Three green spaces and 19 street tree planting areas on Main Street will be beautified through a partnership between the Town's Economic Development Department and the Old Saybrook Garden Club.

• Westville Village Renaissance Alliance Holiday Lighting Program - $5,000: Festive lighting will be installed on 38 trees along Whalley Avenue and Fountain Street, creating a welcoming seasonal atmosphere and strengthening the district's visual identity.

• Windsor First Town Downtown Digital Loyalty Program - $8,200: A centralized digital loyalty platform will be developed to support small businesses, drive customer traffic, and promote Windsor Center as a unified shopping destination.

"Our downtowns thrive when communities have the resources to make meaningful improvements. Through the EmPOWER Main Street Fund, we're helping towns take action on projects that not only beautify and enhance their streetscapes, but also strengthen local economies and foster a sense of pride. These grants represent an investment in the everyday experiences that make our Main Streets welcoming and vibrant," said Michelle McCabe, CMSC's Executive Director.