For more than 110 years Braintree Electric Light Department has consistently provided low-cost, reliable, and safe electric service to the citizens of Braintree. But we do more than keep your lights on—we're proud to be part of a tradition of giving back to the community by supporting local groups and projects.

In-lieu-of-tax-payment
As a Braintree municipal utility, BELD is exempt from paying taxes to the town. But BELD does give money to the town on an annual basis, in the amount it would pay if it were subject to paying property tax (more than $842,000 in 2005).

Scholarships
Each year BELD awards scholarships to graduating Braintree High School seniors who plan to continue their education. Braintree Electric Light Department, BELD Broadband, and BELD Utility Workers' Union-Local #379 have all sponsored scholarships.

Braintree July 4th Celebration
BELD donated $10,000 to the 2001 Braintree July 4th Celebration, making good on its launch pledge to make a donation for each new BELD Broadband cable installation.

Telecommunications services
In addition to providing a fiber-optic network, BELD supplies Braintree's municipal buildings and school buildings with four-digit telephone support and a high-speed data network. We provide voice mail services for the town's fire department, parks and recreation department, high school, and Thayer Library. BELD also provides technical assistance and computer maintenance to the police department at a contracted rate.

Assist other departments
BELD employees work very closely with staff from other departments in the town and county. In addition to setting poles at the Norfolk County Jail, linemen regularly hang banners in South Braintree Square and assist the Tree Warden with maintenance work.

Lights around town
BELD performs traffic signal maintenance for the town of Braintree. In addition to installing decorative streetlamps in Braintree Square and in South Braintree Square, BELD crews have installed lights at the BHS athletic field and at the Hollingsworth Little League field. And BELD provides electric service and lights to the Town Hall, as well as installing holiday lighting at the building each year.

Town organizations
BELD has sponsored a girls' softball team through the Braintree National Youth League, which provides the girls and boys of the town with organized baseball and softball. BELD has also sponsored numerous activities of the Braintree Rotary Club, a group committed to fostering service.

Community postings
BELD sponsors a community Web site where residents can easily post information about group activities. BELD's Bright Ideas newsletter offers another opportunity for free posting of local activities.

Energy Services
BELD's Energy Services programs—including energy audits, tree plantings, and other conservation projects—are available to customers at no charge. BELD also conducts energy safety programs in the Braintree schools.

Good Neighbor Energy Fund
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF) helped more than 3,000 families pay an electric, gas or oil bill in 2005. BELD partners with the Salvation Army and other state energy companies to bring assistance to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month's energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance. Click here for information on donating, or call 800/334-3047 to request assistance from the GNEF.