Air Source Heat Pump 101 Webinar: Coming Soon |
|
An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) is an HVAC system powered by electricity that provides all-in-one heating and cooling. ASHPs offer many advantages over traditional oil, propane, or electric resistance systems including cost savings, improved efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions. Increasing the adoption of ASHPs is an important component in RMLD’s ongoing electrification efforts, as well as overall carbon reduction efforts across the Commonwealth.
To that end, in 2020 RMLD revamped its ASHP rebate to be more financially beneficial to customers, and we also hired Abode Energy Management (Abode) to provide technical and educational assistance to customers and contractors throughout the shopping and installation process. Check out our Air Source Heat Pump Guide to learn more.
In the coming months, RMLD and Abode will partner on an educational webinar covering how ASHPs work, advantages over traditional systems, installation considerations, and more. Be on the lookout for more details coming soon!
|
|
Thank You for Participating in RMLD’s Customer Satisfaction Survey |
|
RMLD recently hired GreatBlue Research to conduct a survey with our customers seeking input in the areas of service reliability, rates, customer service, energy efficiency programs, power supply, and more. Survey collection wrapped up in January.
We were thrilled with the number of responses that came in during the survey collection period:
- Phone: 400 residential and 88 commercial customer surveys completed.
- Online: 1,210 residential and 22 commercial customer surveys completed.
We greatly appreciate the opportunity to receive customer input and would like to thank each customer who took the time to complete the survey. The feedback collected will help ensure continued successful process and program improvements for RMLD.
|
|
MLP Solar Rebate Extended Through June |
|
The MLP Solar Rebate Program, launched in 2019, offers a limited-time rebate to customers who install a qualifying solar system that is 25 kW DC or less in size. The program has been extended again, through June 30, 2021 (or until funding runs out, whichever comes first).
An additional $250,000 in funding (half from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (MA DOER) and half from the RMLD's existing Energy Conservation budget) has also been made available for solar projects in RMLD's service area.
If you're thinking about installing solar, don't miss out on this rebate opportunity!
Click here for RMLD's Solar Guide which contains additional information about installing solar and applying for solar rebates.
|
|
Service Requirements Handbook Updated |
|
RMLD recently completed a thorough review and update of its Service Requirements Handbook effective January 20, 2021. The handbook provides comprehensive information for all customer needs relating to electric service, including residential, commercial, architects, engineers, municipal inspectors, contractors, and developers. The handbook is periodically updated to remain consistent with best utility practices and align with current operational goals. Highlights of the updates include, but are not limited to:
- Clarified rebate programs and requirements to ensure efficiency measures are commensurate with rebate offerings, accelerate rebate processing, and capture potential system load changes that may impact transformers and service reliability.
- Clarified contractor requirements for residential sub-divisions, underground residential distribution systems (URDs), and commercial/industrial electrical service, to promote additional electrification and maintain network reliability.
- Defined 1,500 kVa as the threshold for primary metering consideration and qualification. Clarified equipment ownership between customer and RMLD.
- Updated distributed generation resources (i.e. customer-owned generation such as solar) requirements to require impact study for all systems above 150 kW; clarified requirements for systems below 20 kW; clarified disconnect switch requirements for systems between 20 kW and 150 kW.
- Defined size of RMLD provided transformer at up to and including 750 kW for Non-URD installations.
|
|
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 residential candidates. Click here for more on eligibility and how to apply.
RMLD customers 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 bill. Customers can also DONATE ONLINE 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.
|
|
Program Spotlight: Plug-In Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate |
|
Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) offer many benefits to traditional gas-powered vehicles including reduced operating costs for drivers and reduced carbon emissions. PEV adoption has steadily increased in recent years thanks to improvements in battery technology, more vehicle options, and increased public awareness. Adoption is likely to grow even more rapidly with the Commonwealth’s recent announcement that it plans to require 100% of light-duty vehicle sales be electric by 2035.
To aid in the adoption of PEVs, RMLD offers commercial customers a rebate of up to $1,500 on the purchase and installation of a Level 2 single-port or dual-port Electric Vehicle Charging Station that is installed within RMLD’s service area. Click here for details.
RMLD is also planning to hold a Virtual EV Workshop in the Spring for customers interested in learning more. Be on the lookout for details in the coming months!
|
|
4th Annual High School Art Contest Kicks Off TODAY! |
|
High school students living in RMLD's service area are invited to participate in its 4th Annual High School Art Contest. Artwork is due by Monday, March 15, 2021.
Each student who submits artwork for the contest will receive a certificate for ten hours of community service. Up to five winners will be selected based on the number of submissions received and the content of the artwork. Each winner will receive a gift card of up to $100 for qualified school or art supplies. One or more of the winning submissions will be selected to be featured on the cover of RMLD’s 2020 Annual Report.
|
|
Monday, February 15 - President's Day |
|
Customer Service and Billing:
Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (phone/email only)
|
|
|
RMLD is available 24/7/365 to respond to emergencies and outages. |
|
Coronavirus Status - RMLD Lobby Remains Closed |
RMLD's lobby remains closed to the public. We are available to assist you with billing and general inquiries by phone and email during regular business hours. Our crews are available to respond to outages and emergencies 24/7/365.
If you have been financially impacted by the pandemic and are having difficulty paying some or all of your RMLD bill, please contact Customer Service at 781-942-6598 to discuss a payment arrangement as soon as possible.
We will share updates as appropriate and encourage you to check the Coronavirus page on our website for information. We wish you and your family continued health and safety during this difficult time.
|
|
|
|
 |
Reporting Outages/Emergencies:
(24/7/365)
Billing/General Inquiries:
(M-F 8:00 am-4:30 pm)
|
|
|
|
Remote Bill Payment Options:
-Pay by Phone: 1-844-368-3946
-Drop Box:
- RMLD – 230 Ash Street, Reading
- Reading Town Hall – 16 Lowell Street
- New England Beverage – 158 Main Street, North Reading
- Lucci’s Supermarket – 223 Lowell Street, Wilmington
-By Mail
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
