CONWAY — Two sustainable energy companies have submitted their qualifications for a town solar contract.
Town Administrator Tom Hutchinson said Co-op Power and New Ecology Inc. both submitted bids for a two-phase contract for solar energy consultation. The winner of the bid will advise the town about the best type and location for a possible solar array that could provide power locally.
The consultant will also measure town interest in solar energy and help to develop a business model. Several area towns have hosted solar farms, built by private developers, who then sell power to the town at a discount and also pay taxes for the property. Shutesbury and Deerfield are currently working on such projects.
If the first phase goes well, the winner will help the town prepare for and select a developer to build the array. According to the request for qualifications, both phases can’t cost more than the $12,500 available funding. Both bids met the criteria for the request. Hutchinson said Co-op Power’s bid is the lowest; however, the request for qualifications doesn’t take money into account.
If, after qualifications are reviewed, both companies are deemed qualified, money will be considered.
“We’re not prepared to declare a winner,” he said, “the energy meeting will review the bids on Tuesday.”
The energy committee will review the bids and make a recommendation to the Selectboard. Then, the board will decide which company wins the bid. Right now, the process is still in its preliminary steps. After Tuesday, the town should have a clearer understanding of which direction it will take in regards to the solar energy project.
“When the energy committee makes their recommendation,” Hutchinson said, “that’s when it becomes more real. It’s a multistep process.”
You can reach Andy Castillo at:
acastillo@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 263
On Twitter: @AndyCCastillo