Your Hometown
Electric Utility
How BELD delivers electric savings and reliability for Braintree businesses
General Manager Bill Bottiggi talks public power 101, how BELD keeps rates low, and the story behind its “Braintree: Open for Business” campaign.
BELD has been Braintree’s electric provider for more than 130 years. The world has changed considerably since then, but we still pride ourselves on offering superior service at low rates to all our customers.
BELD supplies electric service to approximately 16,500 residential and business customers in the town of Braintree using cost-of-service rates, which are among the lowest in the state. The utility operates generation, transmission and distribution facilities.
BELD’s 14-square-mile service territory includes close to 10 miles of transmission lines (mostly underground) and about 167 miles of primary distribution lines (105 miles overhead and 62 miles underground). We operate three electric distribution substations and three 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission switching stations. BELD is connected to two separate 115 kV Eversource transmission lines, which are part of the ISO New England electric grid. This provides BELD with easy access to power supply sources throughout the Northeast.
When the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) ordered deregulation to begin in 1998, it allowed customers of privately owned Massachusetts electric companies to be given a choice in energy suppliers. The new legislation allowed customers to choose what company they wanted to receive their energy from. This restructuring law was introduced to create competition and lower electric costs for consumers. However, Braintree Electric Light is a municipal electric utility and is exempt from this legislation. Currently, BELD has no plans to open our borders and allow for electric competition in the town. BELD continues to maintain low-cost and reliable electric service to all our customers.
BELD is a founding member of Energy New England (ENE), an organization dedicated to helping municipal electric utilities with power procurement, residential energy conservation services, consulting and more. BELD employees are also active with the American Public Power Association, Northeast Public Power Association and the Municipal Electric Association of Massachusetts.
our energy and electrical systems
What People Say About Us
Resident Testimonials
Been a Braintree resident my entire life and never been without power for days. Lost it for 20 minutes today. Stay safe you guys are the best.
Keri A.Braintree Resident 
Thank you BELD! Extraordinary, above and beyond service as always. Stay Safe
Thomas F.Braintree Resident 
We've been living in Braintree for 35+ years and the longest we've been without power was with hurricane Bob back in 1991 and it was only for a couple hours. Most times we're back up and running after about an hour or less. This is not to say that it can't be longer but the point of my comment is that BELD Linemen work as fast as they can and it's much appreciated. I remember after Hurricane Gloria in 1985 when I lived in another town we were without power for about 2 weeks.
Noel G.Braintree Resident
Another shout out to the people working at BELD. Getting the power back on in crazy weather conditions has got to be difficult.
Greg H.Braintree Resident
Was sure feeling blessed to have full power all day yesterday home with the kids! 8 years in Braintree and haven't lost power yet! One of the best parts about living in Braintree. Thanks for all your hard work!
Carolyn O.Braintree Resident
Be careful out there. U guys do a hell of a job keeping Braintree power on. U guys are the best.
Joey R.Braintree Resident
Thank you, BELD. It's not only the power plants; it's the constant maintenance you do on the distribution network, that has made such a difference in these big storms! The big companies neglect all these things in favor of profits.
Marje S.Braintree Resident
I feel grateful to have such efficient electric company in the town.
Carlos V.Braintree Resident