Marblehead Light Department :: Light Dept. History 1977-1994

MARBLEHEAD MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT

"Owned By The People We Serve"

Marblehead Municipal Light
Department Managers

Charles B. Graves
1899-1900

William A. Haskell
1900-1903

Charles B. Tucker
1903-1909

Robert W. Carey
1909-1918

Emery G. Goodwin
1918-1945

Frank Snow
1945

William K. Goodwin
1946-1970

Richard L. Bailey
1970-1995

Robert V. Jolly, Jr.
1995

OVER A CENTURY OF SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MARBLEHEAD MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT'S HISTORY

	1977 Skyrocketing fuel costs have made for conversation and the wise use of energy a necessity. The "Stop Peaking" program is introduced in 1977to encourage voluntary reductions in electric use during peak periods. Highly successful, the program becomes the model for other utilities throughout the Northeast.

	1980 Because wise energy use remains a crucial part of cost containment, the Department offers energy audit services to all customers. A computer-controlled load management systems, the first in the Northeast, is introduced in 1988 to directly control water heaters and central air conditioners during peak use periods. SAVERLIGHTS, energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs, are supplied to customers through a lease program. Existing street lights are changed to more energy-efficient models, and the 1947 Fairbanks Morse generator is refurbished for continued service and optimum efficiency.

	1993 The people of Marblehead wholeheartedly support the Department's efforts to contain costs. By 1993, some 800 load managementswitches are installed, and more than 3,000 SAVERLIGHTS are in use. Looking toward the future, the Department builds an electric-powered truck to demonstrate the clean, quiet potential of electric transportation. The Commission also establishes an off-peak charging rate for all electric vehicles in the fall of 1993.


	The Light Department's electric vehicle, completed in 1994.

	1994 The Department celebrates a century of service to the people of Marblehead. We're proud of our utility's 100 year tradition of local control and local service, and are grateful for the opportunity to carry on that tradition. Thank you, Marblehead!


	Line crew with modern line truck.