Overview
Hingham Municipal Lighting Plant (HMLP) is responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the Electrical Transmission and Distributions systems in the Town of Hingham. This includes providing accurate bills for the consumption of electricity and a high level of customer service.
Residents should know that as a Municipal Light Plant, they are the owners of the system. The residents of Hingham have local control through an elected Light Board that sets policies and rates. The Light Board hires a qualified General Manager (Tom Morahan) to run the day-to-day operations of the Light Plant.
HMLP has 28 employees through four departments:
The Administration Department provides policy direction and departmental management and supports the activities of the operating divisions within HMLP.
The Operations Division provides reliable electric energy to the electric utility customers at the lowest possible cost. This Division also strives to operate and maintain Hingham’s electric system in a safe, economical, and environmentally sound manner and to provide customer service by responding to electrical outages promptly.
The Engineering Division provides the Operating Division with electrical system design, Computer Aided Design and Drafting Service (CADD), and technical engineering support in their mission to operate, maintain, and deliver their services to the HMLP customers.
The Customer Service Division provides front-end service to our customers. The Customer Service Department strives to ensure that the customer is HMLP’s number one concern and that they receive outstanding service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up for service?
Any customer whose premises may be served from suitable existing distribution lines of the HMLP without the installation of an intermediate pole can obtain electric service by completing a Start Service form.
What rebates do you offer?
HMLP offers a range of rebates and incentives from weatherization to heat pumps. For a program guideline and information on how to apply, visit our Rebate Page.
What options do I have to pay my bill?
HMLP offers our customers five convenient ways to pay their bill including enrolling in auto pay. All the information you’ll need is found on our Payment Options page.
What should residents know about the HMLP?
HMLP maintains the electrical infrastructure throughout the town, but it is not responsible for the other parties that attach to the poles including Comcast and Verizon. HMLP will help you identify if the service you need is with an HMLP line or a Comcast or Verizon line.
If the power in your house goes out, make sure the problem is not due to a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker in your home. One quick way to do this is to see if your neighbors have power. If not, call HMLP as soon as possible at 781-749-0134. An answering service is available 24 hours a day to field all calls and get the information to the right people within HMLP for emergencies, such as a power outage.
What are HMLP’s major projects or goals in 2024?
HMLP has a reconductoring project on Main Street that residents will notice as they travel on Main Street from Central Street toward the Town Center, we will be doing tree trimming in South Hingham, and we will be replacing insulators on the Transmission System along the railroad tracks from the National Grid Substation in East Weymouth to the Hobart Substation in Hingham.
The HMLP Offices are at 31 Bare Cove Park Drive. Our phone number is 781-749-0134. You can also follow HMLP on Facebook.
As part of our efforts to make Town Government more accessible to residents, Hingham will spotlight each Town department throughout the year. Our goal is to educate citizens about the inner workings of their local administration and the many responsibilities it holds.