DIXFIELD — Selectmen learned Monday night that they may be able to obtain cheaper electricity through two other companies, rather than Electricity Maine.
Town Manager Eugene Skibitsky began researching after a resident approached the board at the last selectmen’s meeting about using Electricity Maine.
Skibitsky said there are two other companies: Maine Power Options in Augusta, and Patriot Energy in Burlington, Mass. Both were less money than Electricity Maine for municipality needs, he said. However, the companies varied on how long the town would be required to participate in their programs.
Maine Power Options requires a contract agreement and Patriot Energy requires a one-to-five-year agreement, depending on what the customer wants, Skibitsky said.
Patriot Energy gave an estimate of $2,1000 in savings based on the town’s electrical use in 2010.
Skibitsky also said Dirigo High School’s electricity service is through Maine Power Options, which provides energy to local government and nonprofit organizations.
“Both of these are much better than CMP or Electricity Maine,” Skibitsky said. “We just need to see who has the best deal for us.”
The issue was tabled to the next meeting so Skibitsky could do further research on the matter.
Selectmen also heard reports from the police and fire departments.
Police Chief Richard A. Pickett informed the board that thefts were on the rise in town. He asked anyone who sees strange activity, especially around vacant buildings, to call the department.
Pickett said criminals have been looking into stripping copper pipes in abandoned buildings and said residents need to keep an eye out for such thefts.
He also reminded residents that Maine law prohibits residents from plowing snow from their driveway into the road. He said fines for doing so are substantial.
Fire Chief Scott Dennett approached the board about the need for a new boiler for the fire station. He said he talked with Community Energy and Home Town Energy about replacing the boiler.
He said both companies agreed that the current boiler has outlived its life expectancy and they believed it was using more oil than what was needed.
Selectman Steve Donahue asked to table the matter so he could research the issue with an expert in the field, and the board agreed.
Dennett also informed the board that the Dixfield Fire Co. ladder truck would be out of service for two weeks while repairs are made.
Dennett said while responding to a call a high rise door came off the truck.
He said he would be checking with Rumford Fire Department, which also had to take its ladder truck out of service for repairs, to coordinate the best time to have the work completed. Dennett said it would ensure at least one ladder truck would be in service in the River Valley area if needed.
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