RMLD Public Power Open House returns Thursday with games, demonstrations, and treats

(2-minute read)

Graphic by RMLD.

The Reading Municipal Light Department will host its annual Public Power Open House on Thursday, October 8, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at the RMLD Garage, 218 Ash Street, Reading. The event will be held rain or shine, and parking is limited, so organizers ask visitors to park offsite if they can.

The open house is part of Public Power Week, a national celebration each October in which more than 2,000 public power utilities recognize the benefits of community-owned electric service. RMLD describes the event as a thank you to the customers and partners who make public power possible, with fun, education, and hands-on learning for all ages.

What to expect

This year’s open house will feature:

• Face painting

• Lineworker demonstrations

• Balloon art

• Pumpkin decorating

• Caricatures

• A visit from the Sanderson Sisters

• An inflatable games area

• Electricity and metering demonstrations

• An energy scavenger hunt

Cupcake City and Swissbakers will provide treats. Local organizations including DigSafe, Northern Tree, the Reading Police Department, and the Reading Environmental Sustainability Committee (formerly Climate Action Committee) will be on hand, along with energy partners Tangent Energy, Abode Energy Management, and MMWEC, who will share information on RMLD’s energy-saving programs.

Why public power matters

RMLD is community-owned and not-for-profit, with revenues reinvested locally to maintain infrastructure, support renewable energy programs, and provide customer service. The department says it consistently offers some of the lowest electric rates in the region while maintaining reliable service, and that it continues to meet and exceed the non-carbon benchmarks set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Customers can also support additional renewable energy resources through the Renewable Choice program.

A Board of Commissioners oversees RMLD, and a Citizens’ Advisory Board advises it; it also partners with local schools, libraries, and civic organizations to share information on electrical safety, energy efficiency, electrification, and sustainability.

A look back at 2025

Last year’s open house, held October 9 at the RMLD Garage, featured similar activities, along with appearances by Batman, Glinda, and the Reading Police Department, including Officer Rusty, along with treats from Cupcake City and Harrows Chicken Pies.