Advanced Energy Group Powers Emergency Backup Generators at Two MHA Homes

SPRINGFIELD — Advanced Energy Group of East Longmeadow has donated two Generac whole-house emergency backup generators for two community-based MHA homes in Longmeadow and East Longmeadow that serve people with severe developmental disabilities.

“Most of the individuals served in these homes rely on electrical appliances and equipment that need a reliable source of electricity,” said Kimberley Lee, vice president of Resource Development & Branding for MHA. “Coming on the heels of recent power outages experienced in our community, and other lengthy outages we have experienced in recent years, the generous support of Advanced Energy Group will be of tremendous assistance as we work to provide the high-quality of care that people in our residential programs so desperately need.”

The generators, which use natural gas or propane to create electricity, are designed to turn on immediately in the event of a power outage. Until now, MHA has had to rely on cumbersome portable generators to meet the needs of residents. As Lee explained, “if the power went out — especially if outages are widespread — getting the old generators up and running by our maintenance staff, who also have responsibilities at our dozens of other program homes, had sometimes resulted in extensive delays, which impact our residents enormously.”

Jenn Quinn, president of Advanced Energy Group, added that “MHA does such important work, so when Kim Lee reached out to ask if we could help, it pulled at our heartstrings, and of course we said yes. Now, if these MHA group homes lose power from the grid, an emergency generator will come on automatically. We understand that a reliable source of power is crucial for the people that MHA cares for in these residences, and we are very happy to do our part to help.”

The two MHA homes receiving new emergency backup generators serve nine women and one man who require 24/7 care from MHA’s caregivers. “Our residents in these homes range in age from 20 to 70 and are challenged by an array of developmental disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, and/or physical disabilities,” Lee explained. “Seven of them rely heavily on electrical appliances and equipment. Advanced Energy Group’s contribution, when you consider the very real and critical needs of our residents, is truly lifesaving.”