AUGUSTA (AP) – A Maine-based division of Energy East Corp. has won a $30 million U.S. Navy contract to upgrade infrastructure and facilities at naval bases in northern New England.

Combined Energies will develop construction projects and hire subcontractors to carry out the work under a contract that’s guaranteed for one year. The federal government can choose to renew it for up to four more years.

The total cost of improvements to Navy installations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont cannot exceed $30 million, said Bob Smith of the Navy.

Most of the projects will be carried out at Brunswick Naval Air Station and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Smith said. Upgrades can range from street repairs to bowling alley renovations and cost anywhere from $10,000 to $1.5 million.

Augusta-based Combined Energies specializes in helping large energy users like colleges, hospitals and military installations conserve power through renovations.

Duncan Morrison, Combined Energies’ general manager, said the company was in good position for the contract after completing a $9.6 million boiler decentralization project at the Brunswick Naval Air Station.

Prior to the Navy contract, Combined Energies’ largest contract was a $10 million project, he said.

AP-ES-08-20-03 0216EDT