Overview
Concord Municipal Light Plant (CMLP) is a municipal-owned, public power utility offering electric and broadband Internet service under the direction of the Town Manager. With 110 miles of streets in the service territory, CMLP serves approximately 8,200 meters providing 170,000 Megawatt Hours (MWh) to 6898 residential, 1244 commercial, and 69 municipal customers.

  
CMLP Celebrates 125th Anniversary

The Concord Municipal Light Plant was established on April 4, 1898.  Under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Chapter 370 of the Acts of 1891 allowed a Town like Concord to “engage in the manufacture and distribution of gas and electricity.”  Passage required two consecutive town meeting votes in the affirmative by two-thirds of the voters using written or printed ballots.

Because of the growing dissatisfaction with the operation and cost of gas streetlights, the need for a new sewer power plant and the possible economies of considering a combined electric and sewer power station, the Committees on Electric Lighting and Sewerage recommended the first of the necessary two votes.  This would begin the evaluation process of forming a town owned electric plant.  The Town Meeting on March 30, 1896, voted in favor of the proposal.  The Town Meeting in 1897 voted in favor for the required second time but deferred any action because of the estimated cost of over $125,000 to construct the combined power station. 

On April 4, 1898, Town Meeting voters finally decided to take control of Concord’s electric service, voting to establish a Light Plant governed by a three-member Light Board of local citizens.

In late March 2023, the Town of Concord Select Board presented CMLP with a proclamation acknowledging its continuous operation and outstanding public service for 125 years. On April 4, State Representative Simon Cataldo presented Dave Wood, CMLP Director, with a proclamation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives recognizing Concord Municipal Light Plant for its 125 years of service. In addition, Michael Hyland, Executive Director, Northeast Public Power Association, also presented a proclamation to Dave Wood. 

CMLP held an open house for Concord residents on Saturday, October 14th to celebrate our 125th anniversary. Approximately 130 Concord residents joined us for fun activities and events including bucket truck rides, hands on excavator experience, Broadband demos, electric circuit building, bicycle generator, and more. 

Grid & Substations
CMLP maintains a grid that consists of a Town-owned distribution system with substations, power lines, light poles, and transformers. We operate two electric distribution substations. The substation at Forest Ridge is the primary substation which functions as a gateway for all electricity coming into Concord from Eversource.

Power Supply
CMLP does not generate electricity; we purchase power from third party suppliers, passing the costs to customers without a markup. How the Town sources electricity significantly impacts Concord’s ability to achieve its climate goals. 

CMLP is committed to providing 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030. CMLP has been de-carbonizing its power supply by purchasing renewable power from developers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Maine and purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). In 2022 99% of CMLP’s sales were supplied by non-carbon emitting power sources.

Services
CMLP offers a wide array of programs and services designed to encourage energy conservation, beneficial electrification, and generation of carbon-free solar power on homes and businesses. Residential and commercial energy assessments help customers identify worthwhile energy efficiency measures. 

Rebate programs help customers offset the cost of improvements such as weatherization, high efficiency lighting, rooftop solar PV arrays, heat pumps for space and water heating and purchases of electric vehicles and home EV charging systems. Off-peak EV charging incentives reduce the impact of charging on peak demand. Technical support services help customers navigate the switch from conventional heating systems and vehicles to heat pumps and electric cars.

People
CMLP has a dedicated group of 47 people who together strive to supply the Town with reliable and affordable electricity and broadband. The Team is made up of line crews, engineers, electricians, accountants, technicians, conservation specialists, technology professionals and a customer care team. We’re here to serve you.