FAQs
WBMLP Headquarters
WBMLP Answers to Questions Customers Ask Us
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- New Customers: Stop by our office or call to sign up for your service.
- Renters, Commercial and Industrial Customers: Please stop by our office or call at least a week in advance so that we can complete your paperwork. A deposit is required.*
- Other Parties: See us or call us to sign up for your service.
- Download WBMLP's Electric Service Application Fillable Form PDF here for New Construction & Service Upgrades only.
For more information, see our "Apply For Electric Service" Page.
*All deposits must be paid by cash or by check.
Please read our Ways To Pay Your Bill webpage to see all the options WBMLP offers.
Got a question? Please give us a call during regular business hours at 508-835-3681.
Please call us at 508-835-3681 or use our Online Contact Form. We will be glad to get a duplicate bill to you.
Please call us or stop in Monday-Friday during our regular office hours. We will help you understand the charge and assist you in reviewing and resolving any issue.
1. SEASON REASONS. In winter, cold snaps in some months can increase your bill by more than 10% as your heating increases. Because the sun sets earlier, you may use more lighting than you do in other seasons. Also, the type of clothing we wear is usually heavier in winter requiring longer electric dryer time. In cold weather, many people move inside and use more energy for lighting, cooking and entertainment. Even the types of food we cook in winter tend to be different and require longer cooking times.
In summer, the children are home. The hot, humid weather calls for more air conditioning and dehumidifier use. This alone can increase cooling costs by 10% or more. You may also use more energy for cooking outdoors, cleaning, home improvement projects and heating swimming pools.
2. BILLING PERIODS: A typical billing period is between 29 and 31 days, but holidays may make your billing period up to 35 days long. A difference of 5 days on your bill can increase your bill by 17 percent.
3. HOLIDAYS: During holidays, you might use more energy for cooking, cleaning, lighting and heating and company.
For safety reasons, please telephone us directly to report trouble at 508-835-3681. Your call may be monitored and recorded.
OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS HOURS, Call 508-835-3681, Press #2, Wachusett Regional Emergency Communication Center
Or call 774-450-3510, Press #3, Wachusett Regional Emergency Communication Center
Do not send an email. In safety emergencies, please Call 911. Never assume that your neighbor has already called. Please make the call.
To report a streetlight out, please call us at 508-835-3681. If it's outside of our regular business hours, please leave a message with our 24-Hour Answering Service with the exact location of the pole and light.
There is not a single answer for this question. Please give us a at 508-835-3681 and we'll be happy to discuss your project.
YES. CALL DIG SAFE AT LEAST 2 DAYS BEFORE YOU DIG AT 811! IT'S THE LAW. Click here for more from DigSafe.
Planning a home improvement job? Planting a tree? Installing a fence or deck? WAIT! Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, smart digging means doing the following. CALL DIG SAFE BEFORE YOU DIG at 811. Please call, do not send an email. A DIG SAFE Representative will send someone out to mark underground facilities.
Caution: the depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area.
Reading your electric meter is a good way to monitor how much you're spending on electricity. By the way, WBMLP’s residential rate is among the lowest in the state.
Electricity consumption is measured in kilowatt-hours. Electric meters keep track of how many kilowatt-hours you've used over some period time - typically about one month. Almost all of WBMLP residential electric customers have Automated Meter Read (AMR) meters with a digital display of electricity usage measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). These meters transmit billing data via a radio signal to handheld receivers that our meter readers carry in their trucks. AMR meters are more efficient and accurate for meter reading than the old-fashioned mechanical dial meters.
Reading a meter is easy. You can easily measure your own electric use by simply checking the meter and recording the appropriate display. All you have to do is read the meter like the mileage odometer in your car. Every time the number increases, that's another kilowatt-hour you used. Subtract the reading of last month’s bill from this month’s new reading to determine the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) used.
The AMR meter at most homes typically displays two alternating digital readouts:
- 1. The initial screen will display "88888…" indicating that the unit is functioning properly.
- 2. The next screen shows the total amount of kWh consumed to date. This 5-digit number is cumulative.
Pay attention to the bars that move under the digital kWh display. Every time a bar moves from left to right you use one “watt-hour”. The bar typically can be seen moving through 5-8 positions across the display. The faster the bar moves the more energy you are using. Turn off some appliances and you should notice the bar moving slower and vice-versa.
Reading the meter to save energy
Reading your meter on a regular basis and keeping a record of activities that affect your usage is the first step on your way to conserving energy and managing your utility bill. Periodically read the meter, turn off unnecessary appliances, and re-read the meter to see if that reduces your consumption over that time frame.
Locate your meter, which should be in an accessible location. Bring a notebook and pen with you so you can write down the reading. Note time and date that you took your reading of the electric meter. Repeat the reading of your electric meter at a later date and note the date and time. Subtract the first reading from the second reading and you will arrive at the number of kilowatt hours used during that time frame.
The biggest electricity consumption in your home is typically from heating and air conditioning equipment. Electric water heaters are usually the second-largest user of electricity in your home. After that come major appliances like refrigerators, dehumidifiers, stoves, washers, and dryers, followed by smaller items like TVs, lamps, and stereos.
Energy conservation help is just a click or phone call away. WBMLP is a member of NEXTZERO, a residential energy conservation service for Massachusetts municipal utility customers. NEXTZERO provides energy education, home energy audits, assistance with home energy improvements and ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebates. Check out our Rebates & Incentives Page. Or call NEXTZERO at 1-888-333-7525 or you can also visit them online for more information.