Corner pole with (then new) distribution transformer serving numerous stores and businesses in the downtown section of town. Upgading transformers since the light plant's beginning in 1894 was an important priority. Older transformers had very high core losses which meant the utility (and customers) had to pay for this since the town never generated its own electricity. It and the series street lighting circuit current was purchased from a neighboring privately owned power company that had a generation station within a mile of the Hingham town line.

Transformer upgrades continued well into the 1920s, thanks to manufacturers' innovations in their efficiency (lower core losses). In addition, new transformers installed for additional customers and in answer to ever-increasing demand assisted in reducing the degree of losses within the town's electrical system. Every penny of these savings was routed back to all of the town's customers' pockets since the Hingham Municipal Light Plant (like 39 other municipals here in MA and at least 2,000 others across the USA). Municipal electric utilities are publicly owned by their customers and not by stockholders of a private power company. Thus, municipal electric customers are the utility's shareholders with proceeds directed to them (typically via lower rates).