PEABODY — Peabody Municipal Light Plant (PMLP) is celebrating Public Power Week Oct. 2-8, along with more than 2,000 other community-powered, not-for-profit electric utilities that collectively provide electricity to 49 million Americans.
“This year, we are focusing on educating the next generation of PMLP customers on the benefits of public power,” said PMLP Manager Joe Anastasi. “We are pleased to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable power to Peabody and South Lynnfield. We hope that young people in our community, and their families, continue to gain awareness of this vital service, and maybe even look to the utility as a good place to work down the road.”
As part of Public Power Week, PMLP is holding its annual light bulb sale on Saturday, Oct. 8 at PMLP headquarters, 201 Warren St. Ext. from 9 a.m. -1 p.m. PMLP ratepayers can receive up to 10 LED bulbs at no cost. Voluntary donations to North Shore Community Action Programs (NSCAP) can be made and NSCA representatives will be on hand to questions.
The partnership between PMLP and NSCAP was established in 1985 with programs that assist elderly, disabled, unemployed, working poor, those with high medical bills, and families unable to meet winter fuel costs as well as to support eligible people with fuel assistance.
Anastasi said that during the COVID-19 pandemic a drive-through event was needed for the light bulb sale. This year, PMLP will return to an in-person event with coffee, donuts, apples, and more.
To reduce the transmission of any virus, a tent will be set up at the McCarthy Auditorium, and orders will be fulfilled while people wait. Engineers and other PMLP employees will be available to answer any questions.
PMLP will also be engaging in outreach to senior citizens on Thursday, Oct. 13 in conjunction with other public safety departments as part of Fire Prevention Week.
PMLP serves all of Peabody and a portion of Lynnfield (an autonomous subdivision of the City of Peabody). With approximately 26,000 customers, PMLP is the third largest of 40 municipal electric utilities in the Commonwealth. PMLP has 67 employees and six substations.
“Since we operate right here in Peabody and South Lynnfield and serve our friends and neighbors, we care a great deal about things like customer service, helping folks save energy and money, and keeping the community safe,” said Anastasi. “We are proud of the work we do in these areas.”
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
