To view newsletters, please download Adobe Acrobat Reader to your PC free of charge at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.

For information on promoting your community organization in Bright Ideas, contact us.

Bright Ideas
October 2008
It's autumn in New England, and another season of high energy costs will soon be upon us; Increase in Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) effective October 1; Sum-sum-summertime at Sunset Lake; "The Help Desk is fabulous!," says Paul Carey; Turn down your heat and save $$; Community Bulletin Board

September 2008
Things are moving along nicely at the Watson Generating Station site...here's a progress report from GM Bill Bottiggi; Increase in base energy rate is effective this month; "Braintree on Demand—What a great idea!"; Celebrate Public Power Week Oct. 5-11; Community Bulletin Board

August 2008
Good news! BELD now offers 50% rebates* (up to $500) on qualifying energy-efficient improvements to your home; Concerned about protecting your children from safety risks on the Internet? BELD Broadband can help; BELD Scholarships awarded to Tanya Rossicone and John Sessions; The customer service is fabulous!; Do we have your current phone number?; Community Bulletin Board

July 2008
BELD works hard to provide you an excellent value for the money you spend on electricity; And BELD Broadband's Internet and cable rates for Braintree seniors aren't too shabby either; We are very fortunate to have you!; It's a jungle out there!; Community Bulletin Board

June 2008
BELD makes $1,000,000 Payment in Lieu of Taxes to the Town of Braintree; Save a total of $150 when you purchase ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances; View our 2007 Annual Report at www.beld.com; BELD Broadband delivers the winning double play; Always ask for identification; Community Bulletin Board

May 2008
BELD's General Manager announces increase in Power Cost Adjustment; BELD breaks ground for the Thomas A. Watson Generating Station; Harold Randolph is another satisfied BELD Broadband customer; If it sounds too good to be true... (you know the rest); Always ask for identification!; Community Bulletin Board

April, 2008
Spring has sprung, and you're planning outdoor projects. But before you start digging, you must call 1.888.DIG SAFE!; BELD will plant two maple trees in your yard—and they're free!; How will BELD Broadband customers be affected by the transformation to digital TV next year? Not to worry...; Another satisfied BELD Broadband customer weighs in; Our drop box at Town Hall has moved!; Community Bulletin Board.

March 2008
Big savings and extra features are really good reasons to subscribe to BELD Broadband's digital phone service; How to dispose of used Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs); Save a bundle!; Community Bulletin Board

February 2008
We try hard to provide GREAT service—thank you for telling us that you've noticed!; Good news for BELD Broadband customers; HD, or not HD: that is the question; Do we have your current phone number?; Community Bulletin Board

January 2008
BELD has partnered with two local agencies to help Braintree residents save on their energy bills; A 5% holiday prompt payment discount has been added to your January 2008 residential bill; It was a very good year for BELD Broadband—YOUR hometown broadband department; Want to spread out your bill payments? Ask about our Budget Plan; Community Bulletin Board

December 2007
Read the fine print before signing up for broadband services, advises BELD General Manager; Warmest wishes for a safe and joyful holiday season from Braintree Electric Light Department & BELD Broadband; When the weather outside is frightful...; Please keep the path to your meter clear; Community Bulletin Board

November 2007
It's easy bein' green when you install Climate Energy's freewatt system and get a $2,000 incentive from BELD; BELD's Public Power Week festivities offer something for everyone—from youngsters to seniors; For the third consecutive year, BELD earns a national award for its annual report; Hallmark holiday promotion; Community Bulletin Board

October 2007
Brighter lights, lower bills at the BHA; Do your lights sometimes go to half-power or flicker?; Another great deal from Showtime & BELD Broadband; Community Bulletin Board

September 2007
Public Power Week is October 7-13; Celebrate Public Power with a little extra buying power!; Internet update; Community Bulletin Board

August 2007
BELD does more than keep Braintree's lights on!; Bottiggi is presented South Shore Chamber of Commerce 2007 Public Service Award; Congratulations to BELD's 2007 Scholarship recipients; Get a FREE month of HBO and Cinemax from BELD Broadband; Always ask for identification; Community Bulletin Board

July 2007
In the market for new appliances this summer?; BELD's General Manager visits Washington, DC; It's a jungle out there!; Community Bulletin Board

June 2007
Plans for our new power plant are moving right along—we're already three years into our five-year project; We're always looking for ways to help you save $$ on your electric bill; Bundle up with BELD Broadband Digital Phone and High-speed Internet service; FREE maple trees!; Community Bulletin Board

May 2007
May is National Electrical Safety Month—an ideal time to address potential electrical hazards in the home; Guidelines for electrical safety in the home; Our 2006 Annual Report is now available on line; BELD Broadband offers a better value for high-speed Internet service; Electric tools and water don't mix; Community Bulletin Board

April 2007
Thank you for your understanding while we've been experiencing rising energy costs; Before you plan an excavation project, call Dig Safe® at 1.888.DIG-SAFE; BELD Broadband adds Hallmark and Anime; FREE maple trees; Community Bulletin Board

March 2007
Many hands make lights work—thank you for your vote of confidence in BELD and its employees; We're here to help!; Get a free month of HBO and Cinemax!; Check out the new kids' section on beld.com!; Community Bulletin Board

February 2007
BELD partners with Quincy Community Action Programs to assist low-income Braintree families; You can "Give the Gift of Warmth" by donating to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund; Get a free set of DVDs from BELD Broadband!; Turn down your heat and save $$; Community Bulletin Board

January 2007
BELD earns APPA's coveted Award of Excellence for its annual report; BELD's renewable energy sources now include Maine wood-burning facility; Understanding hypothermia; BELD Broadband customer wins NFL Network contest!; Always ask for indentification!; Community Bulletin Board

December 2006
Electricity 101: Demystifying your monthly electric bill; Holiday safety tips; BELD Broadband Digital Phone has arrived; Here's a great gift idea for the holidays!; Community Bulletin Board

November 2006
Guy Luke is presented award for contributions to public power; Clang, clang, clang... BELD guests are on board for a "Tour de Braintree"; Save big and look like a pro at NFLshop.com!; Here's a great gift idea for the holidays!; Community Bulletin Board

October 2006
It's autumn in New England, and another season of high energy costs will soon be upon us; Increase in Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) effective October 1; Fall for movies from Starz!; Tune up your heating system!; Community Bulletin Board

September 2006
We're celebrating public power on Thursday, October 5!; How about a little extra buying power while you're celebrating public power?; Get a free month of HBO and Cinemax from BELD Broadband; No hassle bill paying!; Community Bulletin Board

August 2006
Your town-owned electric light department does a lot more than keep your lights on!; Scholarships awarded to two Braintree High School graduates; Get into the fast lane with BELD Broadband; Community Bulletin Board

July 2006
In the market for new appliances this summer? Check out our appliance rebate program before you buy; BELD protects your personal information; It's a jungle out there!!; BELD Broadband's Video on Demand takes off!; Always ask for identification; Community Bulletin Board

June 2006
Town meeting gives resounding endorsement to BELD's plan to build power plant; BELD is honored with national award presented by the American Public Power Association; Jim Regan elected to Municipal Light Board; BELD Broadband system upgrades are paving the way for BELD telephone service; BELD's 2005 Annual Report is available at www.beld.com; Community Bulletin Board

May 2006
May is National Electrical Safety Month—a perfect time to address potential electrical hazards in the home; Clogged clothes dryer vents can cause big problems; BELD Broadband has added more digital channels; Electric tools and water don't mix!; Community Bulletin Board; BELD is supporting the Braintree community

April 2006
BELD to request Town Meeting approval of funding for proposed power plant; Spring has sprung, and our thoughts are turning to outside activities. Before you plan an excavation project, call Dig Safe at 1-888-DIG-SAFE; Free trees!; BELD On Demand has launched!; Community Bulletin Board

March 2006
BELD is partnering with The Salvation Army to "Give the Gift of Warmth"; Home carbon monoxide detectors now required by Massachusetts State Law; BELD's Budget Plan makes bill-paying a bit more bearable; Are you taking advantage of our senior discount?; Community Bulletin Board

February 2006
We CARE about our customers—and we try hard to be responsive to your questions and concerns; Help with winter heating bills is available...as is a program that will help you weatherize your home; Here are the latest BELD Broadband numbers!; Do we have your current phone number?; Community Bulletin Board; BELD is supporting the Braintree community

January 2006
When the weather outside is frightful... avoid indoor hazards while keeping warm by the fireplace; Thinking about making energy improvements?; Cable customers: Time is running out on your FREE gift!; Please keep the path to your meter clear!; Community Bulletin Board

December 2005
A message to BELD customers about electric rates; Subtle changes in electricity usage patterns during the winter months can add up to a higher monthly bill; Help with winter heating bills is available!; BELD Broadband says "Happy Holidays" with $50 gift; BELD holiday gift certificates; Community Bulletin Board

November 2005
U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch visits BELD, praises utility's operation; BELD's Public Power Week activities offer something for everyone; BELD On Demand is coming soon!; BELD holiday gift certificates; Community Bulletin Board

October 2005
Energy costs continue to climb; Rate increase is effective October 1, 2005; BELD Broadband beautifies backyard!; Half-power or flickering lights...; Community Bulletin Board; BELD is supporting the Braintree community

September 2005
Public Power Week is October 2-8; Celebrate public power with a little extra buying power; Thomas Watson Library and Research Center; Thank you for your cooperation; Community Bulletin Board; BELD is supporting the Braintree community

August 2005
BELD Broadband earns high marks in residential customer survey; BHS graduates awarded scholarships; Got central AC? Give BELD a call; Increase in Power Cost Adjustment; Community Bulletin Board

July 2005
Are you keeping your COOL this summer?; Get a $50 rebate on that new air conditioner; BELD Broadband by the numbers: how are we doing?; FREE maple trees!; Community Bulletin Board; BELD is supporting the Braintree community

June 2005
Furry foragers a formidable foe for utilities; A message from Bill Bottiggi, BELD General Manager; BELD Broadband launches spam and virus blocker; "Safety where we live, work and play"; Community Bulletin Board; BELD is supporting the Braintree community

May 2005
May is National Electrical Safety Month—a good time to think about safe electricity use OUTDOORS; PAY AS YOU GO, BELD'S voluntary prepayment program, is a hit with initial subscribers; Take a trip with FX and BELD Broadband; FREE maple trees!; Community Bulletin Board

April 2005
Digging in your yard this spring? Prevent damage to underground utilities by calling Dig Safe before you do—it's the law!; Spring is a great time to remind the kids to play safely outdoors; Showtime Unlimited + BELD Broadband Internet = BIG SAVINGS!; Use tools safely; Community Bulletin Board; BELD is supporting the Braintree community

March 2005
BELD introduces PAY AS YOU GO—a voluntary prepayment program that puts you in control of your electricity use!; Think spring—and two free maple trees; BELD Broadband WEB HOSTING is here!; Ask for an I.D.; Community Bulletin Board; BELD is supporting the Braintree community

February 2005
Understanding your electric bill—how BELD determines your monthly charges for electricity use; Deregulation update; BELD Broadband brings powerful dual-tuners and i-Guide to Braintree; Are you taking advantage of our senior discount?; Community Bulletin Board; BELD is supporting the Braintree community

January 2005
BELD announces 15% discount on January bills; Electric bills are often higher during the winter months. Here's why...; Understanding hypothermia; And the winners of the HDTV are...; BELD Broadband offers more—with no planned rate increase; Turn down your heat and save $$; Community Bulletin Board

Business Power
Summer 2008
Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Thomas A. Watson Generating Station; Brighter lights at a lower cost—a local parking garage gets a win-win lighting makeover; BELD Broadband wants to help you GROW your business

Spring 2008
Things are looking a lot brighter on two of Braintree's basketball courts; Thinking about making some landscaping improvements?; BELD Broadband introduces a new Division Manager and advanced commercial service options

Winter 2007
Braintree welcomes three retail businesses—two new and one moving a few doors up the street; A progress report on our new power plant; Brrrring!...The devil's in the fine print

Fall 2007
Businesses get monthly compensation for agreeing to curtail electrical usage during peak periods; New technology brings digital phone to Braintree businesses; Customer Satisfaction Sudy results

Summer 2007
BELD employees give the gift of life at Red Cross Donor Center; Demolition of Potter I; BELD works with the South Shore Plaza to support local businesses; FREE energy audits!

Spring 2007
BELD's renewable energy resources include hydroelectric, wood and nuclear; BELD Broadband offers Digital Phone to business customers; We value your opinion!

Winter 2006
Demystifying your electric bill: the Power Cost Adjustment; BELD completes deal with Maine wood-burning generation facility; An update on the new power plant; Happy Holidays!

Fall 2006
"The worst is basically over," says the Community Outreach Director for the Greenbush project; Public Power is good for business; BELD receives national award for Reliable Electric Operations

Summer 2006
Extreme makeover at BELD's Plain Street Substation moving right along; Town Meeting gives resounding endorsement to power plant proposal; BELD Broadband is working hard to meet the needs of Braintree businesses; Jim Regan elected to Light Board

Spring 2006
Volatile fuel prices and your electric bill: what's the connection?; BELD Broadband Business Internet Service now offers more plans and faster speeds—at no extra charge!; BELD to request Town Meeting approval of funding for proposed power plant; Nordstrom to open store at South Shore Plaza

Winter 2005
BELD seeks approval to build 110-MW power plant on Potter Road; BELD hosts Business Breakfast for Key Accounts; Big changes are underway at the Plain Street Substation!; BELD Broadband cable TV advertising now offers MORE channels at LOWER rates

Fall 2005
The MBTA Greenbush Commuter Rail Line: What's happening?; Rate increase to take effect October 1; Public Power is Good for Business; BELD has a new SCADA system

Summer 2005
Lighten Up: BELD's energy conservation program for commercial customers; An update on BELD's Commercial Grade Internet service; Now it will cost you LESS to advertise on BELD Broadband cable TV!

Spring 2005
Welcome to BELD's Business Power newsletter; BELD offers Braintree businesses fiber-based high-speed data service...and a new way to host your business website!

Winter 2004
Bernie & Phyl's Furniture to open superstore on Wood Road; We wish all our business customers a safe and joyful holiday season; BELD is working hard to keep your electric rates down; BELD Broadband cable TV advertising grows with you

Fall 2004
Spotlight on... the former Fore River Shipyard; BELD takes steps to reduce electric outages; BELD Broadband offers affordable cable TV advertising!; Update on the Route 128 Crossing project

Summer 2004
Anthony Agnitti is elected to BELD Municipal Light Board; Local emergency response plan drill planned for August; BELD Broadband's high-definition television (HDTV) service is available to Braintree businesses; Voluntary load curtailment

Spring 2004
Braintree businesses gaining competitive edge with BELD Broadband Internet services; Meeting of key account customers scheduled for May; BELD partners with town on PWED project; BELD rated #1 in CRPP Customer Satisfaction Study

Winter 2003
Interview with Steve Grattan from BELD's Lighten Up Program; BELD's new General Manager; holiday wishes; BELD Broadband's HD plans

Fall 2003
August 14 blackout; Power Cost Adjustment; digital cable update; Haemonetics thank you

Summer 2003
Installing timers on beverage coolers; closing the 115 kV transmission loop; Standard Market Design

Spring 2003
Route 128 update; newsletter redesign; demand charge explained; thanks for conserving