BELD Plans Events to Celebrate Public Power Week

Braintree Electric Light Department (BELD) will celebrate national Public Power Week this year with a special tent at the Braintree Farmers Market on Oct. 3 and a Senior Breakfast on Oct. 6. This annual celebration is observed by more than 2,200 electric utilities that collectively provide electricity on a not-for-profit basis to 43 million Americans.

The Farmers Market was held between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, on the Town Hall Mall. Shoppers visited with BELD staff, who answered questions about our solar energy project and BELD Broadband offerings. Kids picked up a hardhat and explored the bucket truck. There was free apple cider and a "Taste of the Farmers Market" drawing just for Braintree residents.

Back by popular demand -- and in partnership with the Department of Elder Affairs -- BELD will host a Senior Breakfast there Tuesday, Oct. 6. Come to 71 Cleveland Avenue for a delicious meal prepared by members of the Braintree Rotary Club. A BELD representative will provide an overview of what’s new at Braintree Electric, and there’ll be giveaways and drawings as well. Two sittings will be available (8 and 9:30) but seating is limited, so please call the Department of Elder Affairs at 781.848.1963 to make your reservation. 

During Public Power Week, BELD honors the democratic tradition of community decision-making and participation that led to BELD’s founding in 1892. "Our customers are an important part of what we do -- not only as consumers, but as owners as well," said Municipal Light Board chairman Thomas Reynolds during a recent meeting with Vice Chair Anthony Agnitti and Secretary Jim Regan. "This is our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ for your continued support."

For more than 120 years BELD has been a nonprofit public power utility owned and operated by the citizens of Braintree. BELD Broadband offers affordable high-speed Internet, cable television and phone service to Braintree residents and businesses.

BELD Day at the farmers market




BELD lineman Dan Uhlman poses with some young visitors




Rotary members serve a hearty breakfast




Marketing staffers Ann Curran and JoAnn Stak Bregnard get ready to greet customers




Energy Advisor Ruth Slater serves up some free apple cider




Festive giveaways at the senior breakfast