Payment Assistance

Because every customer’s situation is unique, RMLD provides programs designed to fit your needs.

At Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD), we understand that everyone’s financial situation is unique. To help make managing your electric bill easier, we offer several payment assistance options, including budget billing to even out your payments throughout the year, an early payment discount, and a low-income rate available to qualified customers. We value all customers and work to provide supportive solutions that make reliable energy service accessible to everyone.

RMLD Programs

Low-Income Rate

Residential customers who meet the established criteria may apply to have the customer charge portion of their RMLD bill waived.

Eligibility Criteria for the Low-Income Rate: 

• You are a residential customer (primary dwelling), and you are the customer of record.
• You are eligible for the low-income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP), for which eligibility does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level based on a household’s gross income. In a calendar year in which maximum eligibility for LIHEAP exceeds 200% of the federal poverty level, a household that is income eligible under LIHEAP shall be eligible for the Reading Municipal Light Department’s Low-Income Rate. 
• You are currently receiving benefits under a means-tested program.

To apply for the RMLD Low-Income Rate, please fill out the RMLD Low Income Rate Application (PDF). Mail or fax, your eligibility documentation and completed application to: Reading Municipal Light Department, Attention: Customer Service, 230 Ash Street, Reading, MA 01867-0250, Fax: 781-944-0614

If you have any additional questions, please call Customer Service at 781-942- 6598. 

Budget Billing 

RMLD offers Budget Billing to residential and commercial customers who wish to reduce fluctuations in their monthly bills due to seasonal patterns of electricity usage. RMLD will review the participating customer's usage history and determine a monthly payment that accounts for these fluctuations. These equalized monthly payments are due from January to November. In December, the customer's account is trued-up, and depending on actual usage, a balance will be due to RMLD, or a credit will be due to the customer. 

Budget Billing Details & Requirements

• Customers must sign up for the budget bill program for a period of one year and are encouraged to utilize autopay during their enrollment. 
• Only accounts that are paid in full at the beginning of the program are eligible to participate.
• Budget billing customers are guaranteed to receive the prompt payment discount. 

To learn more and to sign up, please contact Customer Service at 781-942-6598.

Early Payment Discount

RMLD offers a 15% discount on the customer charge and distribution energy charge portions of your bill if paid in full within 17 days of the billing date. Your billing statement will specify the date payment must be received by to take advantage of the prompt payment discount.