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Bright Ideas
August 2010
BELD makes it very easy to show your support for local green and sustainable projects; Something for everyone at Braintree's 37th Annual Independence Day Celebration; Retransmission consent fees are "into the stratosphere"; Taking advantage of our senior discount?; Community Bulletin Board

July 2010
Braintree Electric Light Department makes another commitment to renewable energy; BELD Scholarship awarded to Notre Dame graduate Julianne McGowan; Nielsen reports that more than 50% of North American homes are Hi-Def...are you?; Tune up your heating system; Community Bulletin Board

June 2010
Electricity 101: Demystifying your monthly electric bill; Frank Belcastro testimonial; BELD's 2009 Annual Report is on www.beld.com; BELD is supporting some special summer events; Play it safe around power lines; Community Bulletin Board

May 2010
Furry foragers a formidable foe for utilities; We're pleased to announce another reduction in our Power Cost Adjustment—starting June 1; You asked...and we listened; Always ask for identification; Community Bulletin Board

April 2010
Planning outdoor projects this spring? Before you start digging, you must call 888-DIG-SAFE (or 811); BELD will plant two maple trees in your yard—and they're free!; Thomas A. Watson Generating Station named one of the fourteen best power plants worldwide; Braintree Rotary Haiti Relief Project; Truth in cable advertising? You be the judge; Electric tools and water don't mix; Community Bulletin Board

March 2010
Many hands make lights work—thank you for your vote of confidence in BELD and its employees (2009 Customer Satisfaction Study); Reynolds and Regan re-elected to Braintree Municipal Light Board; We've added five new channels—at no extra charge!; Please keep the path to your meter clear; Community Bulletin Board

February 2010
Electric bills often rise during the winter months—these are some of the typical reasons they do; This power strip saves energy $$ by turning your peripherals off when you're not using them; Understanding hypothermia; Want to avoid paying more for cable, Internet or phone? Bundle up with BELD Broadband by March 1 and lock in the 2009 rate; "The customer comes first at BELD"; Are you taking advantage of our senior discount?; Community Bulletin Board

January 2010
Braintree Electric Light Department invites you to "BGREEN@home" and lower your energy costs; Please "Give the Gift of Warmth" by donating to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund; We're pleased to announce another reduction in our Power Cost Adjustment—starting February 1; Cold and blustery outside? Stay inside and play...with BELD Broadband; Always ask for identification!; Community Bulletin Board

December 2009
Hydroelectric, solar, wind...BELD is fully committed to the generation of renewable GREEN ENERGY; Warmest wishes for a safe and joyful holiday season from Braintree Electric Light Department and BELD Broadband; Bundle up with BELD Broadband and SAVE—our discounted cable + Internet bundle is just $64.99/month for 6 months; Please keep the path to your meter clear; Community Bulletin Board

November 2009
Ribbon-cutting Ceremony marks completion of the state-of-the-art Thomas A. Watson Generating Station; BELD earns APPA Award of Excellence for Annual Report (again!); BELD Broadband launches eight more HD channels; UWUA Local 379 awards scholarships; Here's a great gift idea for the holidays!; Community Bulletin Board

October 2009
Get a 50% rebate (up to $500) on qualifying energy-efficient home improvements; Are you sending email ads for offshore gambling and male "enhancements"?; BELD announces a reduction in our Power Cost Adjustment as of November 1; Tony & Betty DiBisceglia "can't say enough" about their recent experience with BELD Broadband's service crew; Are you taking advantage of our senior discount?; Community Bulletin Board

September 2009
We have a special reason to celebrate public power this year—a brand new state-of-the-art power plant—and we want YOU to be a part of that celebration; Broadband testimonial from Cindy Hoover; BELD Broadband is a "Top Op;" Two BELD Scholarships awarded; Our Help Desk hours have changed; Community Bulletin Board

August 2009
The Watson Generating Station is up and running!; Scenic overview dedicated to "Fore River guardian;" Kristin Creighton testimonial; Follow BELD & BELD Broadband on Twitter; Our Help Desk hours have changed; Community Bulletin Board

July 2009
Before the kids stowed their backpacks for the summer, BELD visited five local schools to talk ELECTRICAL SAFETY; "You can be assured that BELD Broadband does indeed serve their customers with their knowledge;" Beware of phishy requests from spammers; BELD will again sponsor the Sunset Concert Series; Always ask for identification; Community Bulletin Board

June 2009
Braintree Electric Light Department invites YOU to make an investment in Braintree's future energy projects...and to save $$$ on your investment in applicances; View our 2008 Annual Report at www.beld.com; We've improved our phone service—now is a great time to sign up; FREE maple trees; Community Bulletin Board

May 2009
Lured by too-good-to-be-true offers from our competitors? We hope you'll consider the long-term benefits of staying with BELD Broadband before you switch; Roger Perfetti is staying with BELD Broadband; BELD announces a reduction in our Power Cost Adjustment as of June 1; Think spring... and two FREE maples trees; Please keep the path to your meter clear; Community Bulletin Board

April 2009
Digging in your yard this spring? Prevent damage to underground utilities by calling Dig Safe before you do—it's the law!; Broadband competition is a BIG plus for Braintree residents; Electric tools and water don't mix; Community Bulletin Board

March 2009
Electric bills making you cranky? There are several reasons why bills can rise during the winter months—here are some common ones; How to dispose of used Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs); "Local service is FAST service," says BELD Broadband customer Marie Lenane; Are you taking advantage of our senior discount?; Community Bulletin Board

February 2009
Winter storms in New England can bring unexpected power outages; Understanding hypothermia; The digital transition is February 17—don't let your television signal disappear; Always ask for indentification; Community Bulletin Board

January 2009
A message from BELD General Manager Bill Bottiggi about our November 18 electrical outage; Please "Give the Gift of Warmth" by donating to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund; An historic moment is upon us—are you ready for the switch to digital broadcasting?; Gift cards donated to food pantry; Community Bulletin Board

December 2008
When the weather outside is frightful...keep warm by the fireplace (or space heater)—but use caution; We care about you and your safety—please use holiday lights and decorations wisely; "All I could think of was 'OMG, this is going to take forever!'"; Please keep the path to your meter clear; Community Bulletin Board

November 2008
BELD earns (another) 1st place award for annual report; Public Power Week Senior Breakfast rated eggcellent; The best possible service at the lowest reasonable cost; Looking for a unique holiday gift? How about a gift certificate from BELD!; Holiday office hours; Important information about the future of your cable television rates; Want to spread out your bill payments? Ask about our Budget Plan; Community Bulletin Board

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

Business Power
Summer 2010
BELD reaches final major milestone in construction of the Thomas A. Watson Generating Staion; We're pleased to announce another reduction in our Power Cost Adjustment—starting this month: South Shore Plaza substation gets extensive upgrade, including a second transformer

Spring 2010
BELD is one of only a handful of vertically integrated municipals in the state of Massachusetts; We're practicing what we preach—in our own backyard; Energy New England announces an enhanced Commercial Auditing Program

Winter 2009
New business moving to town? BELD's Engineering Department works behind the scenes to make the move a smooth one; Reduction in Power Cost Adjustment (PCA); BELD works hard to help Braintree businesses succeed; Here's an innovative way for non-traditional TV advertisers to partner with the Braintree community

Fall 2009
Support sustainability and energy independence by joining BELD's BGREEN program for businesses; Another Braintree business benefits from our Lighten Up rebate program; An update on Braintree's proposed wind turbine—what's new?

Summer 2009
The Thomas A. Watson Generating Station commenced commercial operation June 23; The Braintree Farmers' Market is now open for business; See your own commercial on eight cable networks for $300 a month!

Spring 2009
BELD announces a reduction in our Power Cost Adjustment as of June 1, 2009; BELD Broadband is offering LOWER rates and FASTER speeds this spring; BELD introduces BGREEN!

Winter 2008
BELD restores power within one hour following massive electrical outage on November 18; Get a free energy audit AND a rebate—a deal that's hard to beat in today's economy; BELD is replacing more than 2,000 porcelain cutouts

Fall 2008
Thinking about going green? Let the buyer beware; BELD's Demand Response program is good for business(es); Our Lighten Up program has another satisfied customer

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