Connecticut Wells at work installing a geothermal system. | Photo courtesy of Connecticut Wells
Connecticut Wells has gone through many changes since its inception in the 1960s. One of the most significant is its transformation into a thriving geothermal well-drilling business.
In the beginning, the small business drilled water wells throughout Connecticut. It was the main source of revenue for the company, “There was a big demand for many years but when building construction declined in the mid-80s, so did the demand for water wells,” says president Anthony Ganio.
Faced with the lagging interest in water wells, Anthony and founder Tony Mahan decided to change the direction of the company and began focusing on geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy can be used to warm both residential and commercial buildings in the winter and cool them in the summer. The environmental benefits are significant — it’s a renewable source of energy that replaces the need for fossil fuels entirely
Geothermal drilling accesses the unlimited amount of heat found below the earth’s surface. Holes are drilled deep into the ground to extract the heat.
Connecticut Wells’ move to geothermal proved a lucrative decision, especially as the price of oil began to rise, “When fuel prices started to spike, that’s when people started looking for alternatives. As that demand grew, so did our company,” says Anthony. The staff at Connecticut Wells has doubled to meet the demand.
With the newly launched Connecticut Geothermal Incentive Program, even more locals will be making the switch to geothermal. With the incentive program covering the majority of the cost of geothermal drilling, both Connecticut Wells and its customers will greatly benefit.
