BERLIN, N.H. – North Country officials say they support converting the Berlin pulp mill into a Public Service Company of New Hampshire power plant.

PSNH President Gary Long said Berlin is one of the candidates the company is eyeing for a 50 megawatt wood-burning plant. Long said he is willing to move quickly on the proposal if the Legislature and local community support it.

A wood-burning power plant could absorb the supply of wood that will become available after the mill closes in May.

Construction of a power plant requires approval by the Legislature. North Country lawmakers say they are working on getting the necessary bills passed in Concord.

City officials have also been talking with New England Wood Pellet about putting a plant at the mill site.