Projo Biz Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Identical bills that would pave the way for National Grid to set up long-term contracts to purchase renewable energy unanimously passed key committees in the House and Senate late Wednesday.

If approved by the full chambers, a move that could come as early as next week, it could lead to wind turbines off Block Island and allow the island, which has some of the highest electric rates in the country, to utilize that power and -- thanks to a seafloor cable to be laid to the island -- tap the lower-cost energy National Grid purchases for the rest of Rhode Island.

The legislation is considered vital to giving the Ocean State the first offshore wind farm in the country and, supporters hope, making the state the nexus for wind energy-related jobs in the United States.

Governor Carcieri vetoed a similar bill last year. But that was before he signed a deal with Deepwater Wind Rhode Island LLC for the offshore project. The coalition of energy and environmental interests that helped hammer out the new version approved Wednesday says it addresses the objections raised by the governor.

gemery@projo.com / (401)277-7442

 Tags  Block Island RI energy National Grid wind power

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