BEACON FALLS — The town is looking into getting some outside help when it comes to dealing with upcoming energy projects.
First Selectmen Christopher Bielik presented a proposal from Globele Energy, a New Haven-based energy consulting firm, during Monday’s Board of Selectmen meeting. In the proposal, Globele said it would represent the town’s interests in dealing with potential energy projects.
The town is currently considering a proposal from the Troy, N.Y.-based solar company Jordan Energy to install solar panels at the town’s wastewater treatment plant. Also, CT Energy & Technology is planning to build a 66.3-megawatt fuel cell energy park on a 23.8-acre site off Lopus Road.
“They (Globele) would kind of act as the agent for the town for these two energy projects we are discussing … to make sure the town’s interests are met as fully as possible by the entities that are going to be bidding on and ultimately building these projects here in town,” Bielik said.
Selectman Dominic Sorrentino suggested shopping around to make sure the town is getting the best price.
“If there is one company out there may be more,” Sorrentino said.
Bielik declined to discuss the exact fee Globele Energy presented in its proposal, in case the town goes out to bid for the service in the future. Bielik did say that the town couldn’t just hire Globele Energy because the firm’s fee exceeds $10,000. All contracts and projects over $10,000 have to go out to bid, according to town regulations.
While the board was not ready to commit to the proposal from Globele, or even the idea of using a consulting firm to assist with its upcoming energy projects, it did give its consensus to continue to look into the option.
“There’s a little bit more legwork I think we need to do, but generally we are in favor of continuing to pursue this,” Bielik said.
