Lehighton department holds open house for Public Power Week
Steven and Breane Bennett of Palmerton watch as their son, Jayke, 2, plays with a flashlight at the Lehighton Light and Power Department’s Open House on Wednesday. Visit www.tnonline.com for a video. TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS
The Lehighton Light and Power Department’s new bucket truck was among the many attractions available to guests who attended the department’s Open House on Wednesday. TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS
Lehighton Borough Council President Grant Hunsicker chats with lineman Jeff Repsher during the Lehighton Light and Power Department’s Open House on Wednesday. TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS
They play a crucial role in the Upper Park project, Hometown Heroes Banners and Christmas in the park event.
With credentials like that, it’s clear the Lehighton Light and Power Department is more than just your average full-service electricity provider.
In celebration of Public Power Week, the department held an open house for the public to attend Wednesday at its facility at 675 Bridge St.
Barry Fisher, assistant superintendent of the Lehighton L&P Department, said the department looks forward to hosting the open house each year.
“It’s something we’ve been doing for the past couple of years,” Fisher said. “It gives them a chance to see our facility and meet our staff.”
Steven and Breane Bennett of Palmerton brought their son, Jayke Bennett, 2, to the event.
“I think it’s awesome that they open it up to see what they do,” Breane said.
“It’s also good for the kids to see the trucks,” Steven added.
Refreshments were provided, and guests received some small giveaways.
The borough is one of 35 municipalities in the state that distribute electricity to their community, according to borough Manager Nicole Beckett.
“We are fortunate to have an excellent department, and a top-notch facility, that we are pleased to share,” Beckett said. “It’s fair to say that (the department) not only keeps the lights on, they are an asset who also have a multitude of talent which enables them to help us with many Light and Power projects.”
The department is among more than 2,000 other community-owned, not-for-profit electric utilities that collectively provide electricity to 49 million Americans to celebrate Public Power Week.
Public Power Week is a nationally celebrated event. Established by the American Public Power Association and its members in 1986, Public Power Week celebrates the importance of public power.
