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1. When was RMLD established?
On August 14, 1894, the Town of Reading voted to appropriate bonds in the amount of $50,000 to finance construction of the light plant.
2. How many towns are in RMLD’s service territory?
RMLD’s service territory covers Reading, North Reading, Wilmington and Lynnfield Center.
3. What current technological advances does the RMLD provide?
The technological advances include the installation of fiber optic cables linking all substations, the conversion to an automated meter reading service, the employment of a preventative maintenance program and the utilization of state-of-the-art information services.
4. What type of generation does RMLD purchase?
RMLD’s resource mix consists of 37% oil; 6.7% nuclear; 5.5% hydro; and 50.2% market purchases.
5. What is the kWh rate for residential and commercial customers?
RMLD residential rate is $0.08365 per Kilowatt-hour for all Kilowatt-hours used.
RMLD commercial rate is $0.05190 per Kilowatt-hour for all Kilowatt-hours used.
6. How many residential and commercial customers are in each town?
As of 2011, the number of residential customers in each town are:
Reading: 9,130
Lynnfield Center: 2,961
North Reading: 5,826
Wilmington: 7,833
TOTAL RESIDENTIAL: 25,750
As of 2011, the number of commercial customers in each town are:
Reading: 911
Lynnfield Center: 171
North Reading: 903
Wilmington: 1,473
TOTAL COMMERCIAL: 3,458
7. What type of payments is accepted at RMLD?
RMLD accepts cash, checks and money orders. We also offer auto-pay through your checking/savings account, debit or credit card. We take payments by debit card, credit card over the phone and online through our Website www.rmld.com. Online you can also pay by check.
We have four mailbox locations where you can drop off your payments. At RMLD a mailbox is located in our parking lot. Others are located at: The Reading Town Hall, Lucci's Supermarket, Route 129 in Wilmington and at, New England Beverage & Redemption Center on Route 28, North Reading. All Payments are picked up and processed Monday-Friday.
8. Does RMLD have a Budget Bill program?
RMLD has a budget bill program that runs from January to November with the month of December being the true up month. Equalized monthly payments are offered to customers electing to be billed under this program. Customers must sign up for this option for a period of one year. Contact our Customer Service Departmet at 781-944-1340, one of our Customer Specialsts will be glad to help you.
9. Why is there a fuel charge on my bill?
The fuel charge is a way to adjust customer bills on a monthly basis so they are an accurate reflection of the current generation cost of wholesale power. The amount is a pass through charge representing what RMLD pays when purchasing power for our customers.
10. Does RMLD have different rates for its customers?
Along with its Residential A rate, Residential customers are offered a Time of Use rate and a Residential Hot Water Heater rate. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 781-944-1340 to speak with a Customer Specialist regarding our rates.
11. Is the RMLD involved in community programs
The RMLD’s current community involvement includes energy conservation programs, school electrical safety programs, school-to-work partnerships, outreach to senior groups, the Salvation Army’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund, and has active members in the local Chambers of Commerce and Rotary groups.
12. What are the benefits of public power?
The benefits of public power include:
- Lower rates: On a national average, public power rates are significantly lower than private power company rates.
- Local control: Every citizen in the municipally-owned system is an owner.
- Not-for-profit rates: There are no stockholders who reap the financial dividends.
- Community development: The RMLD gives money back to the communities through in-lieu-of-tax payments.
13. As a municipal utility, is there a group which oversees the Reading Municipal Light
Department?
Although the General Manager and the management team oversee the day-to-day operations, the Board of Light Commission oversees the overall operation of the RMLD. Voters in the Town of Reading elect the members of this five-member board for a three-year term.
14. Why are the commissioners elected by Reading voters?
RMLD is a part of the Town of Reading’s governmental structure, and the Town of Reading underwrites any RMLD debt. RMLD extended its service to the other three communities in the early 1900s.
15. Why is there a Board of Light Commission? Can I attend meetings?
Its purpose is to represent the ratepayers, who are its owners. The Board sets policies, reviews and approves all budgets.
16. Is there another group whose membership includes all four communities in
the RMLD service territory?
The Citizens’ Advisory Board (CAB) acts in an advisory capacity. This five-member board is comprised of one representative from Reading, Lynnfield, and North Reading and two members from the Town of Wilmington. Wilmington, which represents more than 60% of RMLD’s electricity demand due to its large industrial base, has one representative from the residential sector, and one from the commercial/industrial sector. The CAB does not have a direct vote in policy decisions.
17. When and why was the CAB created?
The CAB was a direct result of a 20-year agreement between RMLD and the Town of Wilmington in 1990. The Town of Wilmington researched its options to withdraw from RMLD to create its own municipal light department. Negotiations between RMLD, the Town of Wilmington and the other three communities concluded in an agreement, which was approved by all concerned. The result was a 20-year agreement providing CAB representation of all four-member communities.
Revised
08-09-2011 jpc
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