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The complete project, which was approved in August, also includes putting in a new water disinfecting process that that uses ozone to pre-oxidize the water, a method that'll improve its taste and odor during periods of algae growth.
Shanley said details of the fuel cell will be included in the engineers' report due to the town this month, including whether a fuel cell would be appropriate for the facility, whether it'd be able to provide all its power needs, and what the exact cost will be. Now it's estimated to carry a price tag of between $1 million and $1.5 million.
The concept will be submitted to U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-1st District, for federal funding. It's unknown whether the government would provide all or partial funding.
Nevertheless, Shanley said there are federal grants dedicated to funding such alternative energy sources.
Peak said Republicans, who hold a 5-4 majority on the Board of Directors, would lobby the town's congressional
delegation for funding should the engineers' report show it's a viable power source.
He said he expects Republicans to take the proposal to a National League of Cities conference in March where Larson and others meet with local officials to learn about projects and decide whether to support them.
What's exciting about the fuel cell, Peak said, is that it's more than just the town becoming environmentally conscious. It represents a shift in thinking on how to achieve certain municipal goals: Energy conservation equals a tax reduction.
During the next handful of years, water customers face significant rate hikes largely due to capital projects and the resulting financial demands, Peak said. If energy costs are lower in the Water Department, it's possible those rate increases won't be as steep.
Peak noted that he's hopeful Larson, of East Hartford, would back the project since it benefits not only Manchester but also his district. A United Technologies Corp.'s division in South Windsor one of the largest producers of fuel cells.
"It's a win for the Connecticut-Hartford area as well as Manchester so it's likely to have a lot of interest," Peak said, adding that locally, "It's an opportunity for the entire board to get very excited about this."
Four board members, including Peak, Republican Director Mark D. Tweedie, Democratic Minority Leader Kevin L. Zingler, and Democratic Director Lisa Paggioli O'Neill, are slated to meet Wednesday to review three other alternative energy initiatives.
They include conducting an audit of the town's energy consumption and needs, creating an energy improvement district to lure businesses to town, and bidding a contract for locating solar panels on municipal buildings.
Peak said the latter, which Zingler proposed during the fall campaign, likely will be addressed first. He also said he hopes the Board of Education would join with the town in the bid process so school buildings could be considered for the panels.
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