On October 2, 1891, the voters of Reading exercised their authority conferred in Section 1 of Chapter 370 of the Acts passed by the General Court of Massachusetts, which enabled cities and towns to manufacture and distribute gas and electricity. After several more votes and numerous committee reports, on May 21, 1894, the Special Town Meeting members voted to establish an electric light plant in the Town of Reading. Later that year on August 14, the Town voted to issue bonds in the amount of $50,000 to finance the construction of the light plant. Because of their foresight, the towns of Reading, North Reading, Wilmington and Lynnfield Center reap the benefits of owning and controlling their own municipal utility. A municipal light board comprised of three members was elected in 1894.