LEWISTON – The city plans to hire an energy specialist to make sure all departments are operating as efficiently as possible, City Administrator Jim Bennett said.

It makes sense, given the economy, he said.

The energy specialist would look at all city departments and help them come up with plans to cut the costs associated with energy use, he said.

“It’s a cutting-edge way for us to see what we can do today.”

Officially, the job title is special assistant to the city administrator, but Bennett is calling the position “energy czar.” The city began advertising for the job last weekend; Bennett hopes to fill the position by the end of the summer.

“We’re not looking at one-time-only savings, but multiple, long-term items that will help the city,” Bennett said.

The idea was presented to city councilors during budget discussions this past spring. Councilors approved the idea as long as the position pays for itself.

“As long as the person is able to come up with a plan to cut costs equal to the salary, we’ll make it a long-term kind of position,” Bennett said.

He said the energy czar would work closely with the new Energy Savings Committee, designed to look for ways to reduce government spending on energy.

Bennett said the person could work with Auburn officials or with local businesses to help them trim energy costs.