Press Release

RMLD offers GREEN CHOICE to customers

Reading, MA, July 25, 2006 - Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) plans to offer its customers GREEN CHOICE in September – a program that supports electricity production from renewable energy sources. Through GREEN CHOICE, customers can support generators that use renewable energy such as wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, biogas and biomass.

“Customers have told us that they are concerned about protecting our shared environment,” said RMLD’s General Manager Vinnie Cameron. “We are very pleased to offer this easy way to make a difference.”

An RMLD Customer Survey conducted in December showed that 69.5% of RMLD customers in Reading, North Reading, Lynnfield and Wilmington would be interested in supporting green or renewable electricity if it were available to them.

Traditional power plants in New England rely heavily on fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal to generate electricity. In addition to being subject to unstable costs, these fuels produce significant environmental pollutants.

Customer Service Manager Laurie Cavagnaro anticipates a high interest in customers choosing to support green energy. “RMLD customers have consistently supported issues that concern the environment,” said Cavagnaro. “We are proud to respond to their interest in participating in the GREEN CHOICE program.”

Cavagnaro added, “The GREEN CHOICE program is completely voluntary. Those who choose to support GREEN CHOICE will pay as little as an additional $3 each month to support the production of 100 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy sources in New England. Customers can choose to buy as many blocks of 100 kilowatt-hours as they wish at $3 per block. They may end their participation at any time by giving RMLD 30 days’ notice.”

Through participation in GREEN CHOICE, RMLD customers will guarantee that green energy has been added to New England’s power grid. However, it is physically impossible to distinguish and deliver energy to specific homes or businesses. By choosing GREEN CHOICE, customers ensure that green energy is delivered to the New England Power grid on their behalf.

“We strongly encourage all customers to consider participating in GREEN CHOICE,” said Cameron. “It’s an investment in our future.”

Look for more information in RMLD’s August customer newsletter. Customers who choose to support GREEN CHOICE can pick up a free compact fluorescent light bulb, while supplies last, at RMLD’s 230 Ash Street office. Call Customer Service at 781-944-1340 or 781-942-6598.

 Click here for more information about the GREEN CHOICE Rate.