Authority directors spent much of their June 13 meeting observing a presentation from a renewable energy company.

Executive Director Steve Repasch said New York-based Rentricity had spoken to directors more than six years ago, but at the time the project study was deemed unworkable. He was more positive this time.

Rentricity Regional Director Frank Bursic described a system that takes advantage of existing infrastructure to find energy recovery in sewer and water systems. Rentricity installs turbines that use water and waste flow to generate electricity, putting it right back into the grid to offset usage.

Bursic said Rentricity has spent the years since their earlier presentation installing and monitoring such systems in other locations, and he was excited by the possibilities in Bethlehem for this new green energy source.

Though Bursic laid out some basic information regarding three installation sites and an estimated revenue, he said the details would be discovered during further negotiations.

Director Richard Master said for him the decision fell on only one question: Is it worthwhile for the authority?

Repasch said he would set up further talks with Rentricity for closer consideration, but his tone was favorable. "We think we can generate some electricity and hopefully some revenue."

The next authority meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. July 11 at City Hall.