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1. 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.
2. As a municipal utility, is there a group which oversees the Reading Municipal Light
Department?
Although the day-to-day operations are overseen by the General Manager and the management team, the overall operation of the RMLD is overseen by the Board of Light Commission. The members of this five-member board are elected for a three-year term by voters in the Town of Reading.
3. 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.
4. Why is there a Board of Light Commission?
Its purpose is to represent the ratepayers, who are its owners. The Board sets policies, reviews and approves all budgets, and meets regularly to make policy decisions affecting RMLD.
5. Why are the commissioners elected by Reading voters?
RMLD is a part of the Town of Reading’s governmental structure, and the full faith and credit of the Town of Reading underwrites any RMLD debt. RMLD extended its service to the other three communities in the early 1900s.
6. When does the RMLD Board meet? Can I attend the meeting?
Yes. The RMLD Board holds public meetings usually twice a month. You can call the business office, look in the local paper, or check for upcoming meetings on the Community Calendar for the dates and times.
7. 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. Although it does not have a direct vote in policy decisions, the CAB reviews budgets and other fiscal and administrative matters.
8. Are the CAB members elected or appointed?
The CAB members are appointed by their respective community’s Board of Selectmen. When a vacancy occurs on the CAB, candidates submit an application to the Board of Selectmen who in turn select the new member.
9. 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. At the time, 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 the 20-year agreement, which, among other things, created the CAB to provide representation of all four member communities. The CAB members meet regularly to discuss RMLD-related activities.
10. 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.
11. What is the kWh rate for a residential customer?
RMLD charges $.07351 per Kilowatt-hour for all Kilowatt-hours used.
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. How many towns are in RMLD’s service territory?
RMLD’s service territory covers Reading, North Reading, Wilmington and Lynnfield Center.
14. What is the rate for commercial customers?
RMLD charges $0.04260 per Kilowatt-hour for all Kilowatt-hours used.
15. How many residential customers are in each town?
As of 2008, the number of residential customers in each town are:
- Reading: 9,061
- Lynnfield Center: 2,963
- North Reading: 5,768
- Wilmington: 7,798
TOTAL RESIDENTIAL: 25,590
16. How many commercial customers are in each town?
As of 2008, the number of commercial customers in each town are:
- Reading: 913
- Lynnfield Center: 115
- North Reading: 881
- Wilmington: 1,374
TOTAL COMMERCIAL: 3,283
17. 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, scholarship program, the Salvation Army’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund, and has active members in the local Chambers of Commerce and Rotary groups.
10-30-2008
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Copyright© 2004 RMLD