NORWAY – Town officials have submitted an application to the Department of Environmental Protection for two more solar-powered reservoir circulators at the treatment plant lagoons.

In 2007, the town became the first in the state to use the solar equipment at a municipal treatment plant. “That cut the (power) bill from $50,000 to $25,000 last year,” Town Manager David Holt said. “It’s really that good when you see that much cut. Our goal is to save another $25,000.”

The system operates on solar power reducing energy consumption by reducing aeration/mixing equipment run time.

If approved, the additional SolarBees will significantly decrease the plant’s use of traditional power sources.

Norway Wastewater Department Superintendent Shawn Brown said he first saw the equipment being used in New Hampshire and thought it would work for the Norway plant.

More than 1 million gallons of treated wastewater, which meet or exceed state and federal requirements for removal of pollution, are discharged into the Little Androscoggin River.

each year, according to department records.