Rebate for Mansfield Electric Customers?

Cash on hand is rare these days, but the has lots of it - about $17 million, to be exact. Members of the light commission, who are also the selectmen, are now suggesting residential, business, and industrial rate-payers share in the wealth.

How that gift to the public will manifest itself in the new year has not been decided, but commissioner and chairman of selectmen Jess Aptowitz wants it to come in a tangible form.

"It should be a one-time bonus," suggested Aptowitz during a discussion of the topic Wednesday. "The rate payers paid this - let's give some back. A one-time shot sticks right out there."

Commissioner Olivier Kozlowski agreed with the idea of giving back to all those who contributed.

"This cash has been accumulating over time from all our classes," he said. "It seems only fair to give back as broadly as we can. Everybody chipped in to create this surplus."

The reserves come from a combination of operating reserves, depreciation funds, and the rate stabilization account, and light department director Gary Babin had a list of possible ways to funnel some back to the public.

Babin said the board could reduce the electric rate for everyone, dedicate funds to energy efficiency plans and equipment for residential and commercial customers, earmark money for the pay down of debt associated with energy projects, pitch some into implementation of remote meter reading, or even pay for the new East Mansfield substation out of pocket.

But Town Manager Bill Ross advised against reducing the rates short term. "When you decide X number of dollars, should it be in one fell swoop or over time?" Ross asked. "I have a hesitation in establishing rates that cause you to lose money - eventually you have to raise it back up, and then people are saying, why are you raising my rate?"

The board made no final decisions Wednesday because it was operating without members George Dentino and Doug Annino.

"This is a horse we're going to beat a few more times," said Aptowitz.