January-February 2020
Thank You for Donating to Coats for KIDS
RMLD's recent coat drive to benefit Anton’s Cleaners Coats for KIDS Campaign was a tremendous success. A sincere thanks to customers who generously made a coat donation when picking up their 2020 historical calendar. Approximately 325 coats were donated during the three-week drive. 

RMLD would also like to thank the following organizations for hosting a coat collection box during the drive: the Town of Reading, Reading Public Library, the Pleasant Street Center, the Town of North Reading, the Edith A. O’Leary Senior Center, Flint Memorial Library, New England Beverage, the Town of Wilmington, Wilmington Memorial Library, Buzzell Senior Center, Lucci’s Supermarket, and the Town of Lynnfield.

Due to ongoing updates to RMLD's front parking lot, the payment drop box located at 230 Ash Street is temporarily unavailable. Payments can be made at the Customer Service Counter during normal business hours or at the payment drop box located at Reading Town Hall.
Good Neighbor Energy Fund Accepting Applications and Donations
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, which helps families who do not qualify for federal or state assistance with the payment of their energy expenses, is currently open to all eligible candidates. To be eligible, households must have a gross income of between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels. To apply to the Fund for assistance, visit a local Salvation Army Corps Community Center or call 800-334-3047.

Massachusetts residents who wish to support the Fund can “Give the Gift of Warmth” by using the green-colored Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelope found as an insert in your January or February electric bill. Customers can also donate on-line HERE or by mailing a check payable to "Good Neighbor Energy Fund" to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, Massachusetts 02021-1408.
MLP Solar Rebate Program Still Available
The MLP Solar Rebate Program, launched in May of 2019, offers a limited-time rebate to customers of participating Massachusetts Municipal Light Plants (MLPs) who install a qualifying solar system that is 25 kW DC or less.

Funding for the program is 50% from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (MA DOER) and 50% from RMLD's existing Energy Conservation budget. As of now, about one-third of the available $500,000 in funding for solar projects in RMLD's service area has been spent or allocated.

If you're thinking about installing solar, don't miss out on this rebate opportunity! The program will run through June 30, 2020 or until funding runs out, whichever comes first.

Click here for RMLD's Solar Guide which contains additional information about installing solar and applying for solar rebates.
*SOLAR MILESTONE*
As of November 2019, residential installed solar in RMLD's service area has reached one megawatt! Total installed solar is now approximately seven megawatts.
Homeowner Info Sessions Coming in March
RMLD is in the process of scheduling free Homeowner Info Sessions to be held in March at each of the four town libraries. Topics will include available energy efficiency programs such as rebates and the no-cost home energy assessment; RMLD online tools; programs such as Solar Choice and Shred the Peak; and energy efficiency tips. Technical staff will also be on hand to provide an overview of the home electrical service configuration covering topics such as ownership and safety.

These info sessions are a great opportunity for both new and experienced homeowners to learn about their electrical service and RMLD programs. Customers who rent are also welcome! Light refreshments will be served, and each attendee will receive a complimentary LED light bulb. Stay tuned for dates!
Upcoming Online Energy Efficiency Store Promotions
Save on Sensi Thermostat
January 29, 2020 - February 25, 2020
Retail Price: $169
RMLD Rebate: -$50
Additional Discount: -$20

FINAL PRICE: $99 (Plus, free shipping!)
10% Off Site-Wide
February 25, 2020 - March 3, 2020
Celebrate Leap Year with 10% off site-wide.

Use the code " LeapDay" at checkout.

THE FINE PRINT: Sale prices are not available until the sales dates listed above. RMLD's online store is limited to residential customers served by RMLD. Customers are required to provide their RMLD account number to complete an order. Customers are eligible for a maximum of two RMLD smart thermostat rebates per lifetime of the device (10 years). 
Storm Preparation Tips
Here in New England, storms are a fact of life. Whether they bring heavy snow, ice, wind, rain, or all of the above, storms can interrupt our daily lives and in some cases, cause power outages. RMLD takes steps to be prepared to respond to power outages before each extreme weather event. Here are some steps you can take to be prepared to safely weather storms:

  • Have plenty of supplies on hand such as non-perishable food, drinking water, first-aid supplies, flashlights and spare batteries, etc. Click here for MEMA's Emergency Kit Checklist.
  • Fill your car's gas tank and charge electronics to full capacity.
  • Turn your refrigerator/freezer up to the coldest setting to keep food cold longer if the power goes out.
  • If you use a home medical device that requires power, have a plan for where to go if the power goes out and gather relevant supplies so that you are ready to move if need be.
  • If you have a generator, make sure you know how to operate it safely and that you have fuel on hand.
  • Know where to find information from your town and RMLD, as well as how to report a power outage.
  • NEVER approach downed power lines - contact RMLD or local emergency personnel immediately.
  • If you lose power, minimize opening and closing your refrigerator/freezer, and unplug electrical devices that are not plugged into surge protectors. When power is restored, wait a few moments to plug back in.
State MOR-EV Rebate Reestablished
The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has reestablished Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOR-EV), effective through 2021. MOR-EV eligibility requirements effective January 1, 2020 are as follows:

  • Only purchases and leases made on or after January 1, 2020 are eligible.
  • Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) with a sales price under $50,000 are eligible for a $2,500 rebate.
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) with a sales price under $50,000 and an all-electric range of 25+ miles are eligible for a $1,500 rebate.

Additionally, the American Public Power Association (APPA) and Nissan have extended the offer to public power communities on exclusive rebates on the all-electric 2019 Nissan LEAF. Public power customers are eligible for a rebate of $3,500 on the 2019 Nissan LEAF 40 kWh Standard and of $2,500 on the 2019 Nissan LEAF 62 kWh ePlus. This limited-time offer has been extended to March 31, 2020. Click here for details.
Residential Rebates and Energy Efficiency Programs
RMLD is pleased to offer an assortment of savings programs to our residential customers including rebates on ENERGY STAR® rated appliances, renewable energy systems, and electric vehicle charging stations; 50% off an assortment of LED Light Bulbs and Advanced Power Strips as well as instant rebates on Smart Thermostats through our online store; a no-cost home energy assessment; and more. Click here for details.
Holiday Closings
Monday, January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, February 17 - President's Day
Business Hours
Customer Service and Billing:
Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
*RMLD is available 24/7/365 to respond to emergencies and outages.*
Don't forget to check www.rmld.com for the
latest on RMLD news, events, and programs.
Reading Municipal Light Department | 781-942-6598 | www.rmld.com