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After months of speculation, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced that it will not be purchasing into a new offshore wind project through the process it had previously advocated for and helped set up. This decision effectively ends what was supposed to be New England’s biggest and most innovative offshore wind initiative, and also kills a project that was planned in Massachusetts.
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes stated, “We have closed our solicitation for offshore wind resources without selecting any bids.” This means that the project, which was a three-state solicitation by Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, will not move forward. The initiative was designed to get the best prices and efficiencies for electricity created by new offshore wind, which would have been crucial in creating carbon-free energy and meeting anticipated increased energy needs.
The decision to not move forward with the offshore wind project was expected, as Governor Ned Lamont had expressed concerns about the cost to ratepayers. In an interview on WNPR’s “The Wheelhouse,” Lamont stated, “It seems very expensive, and I care deeply about green and affordability.” Senator Ryan Fazio, the ranking member on the energy and technology committee, also agreed with the decision, stating that it would have significantly raised electric bills for consumers in Connecticut.
While some may see this decision as a setback for clean energy efforts in the state, it is important to note that the impacts on consumer bills would not have been felt until the projects began generating power, which could be years from now. Additionally, the DEEP remains committed to coordinating procurements and sees it as a valuable tool for future projects.
It is unclear at this time if this decision will make partner states hesitant to team up with Connecticut on future projects. However, the DEEP remains committed to working with other states to coordinate procurements and believes it is a valuable tool for achieving clean energy goals.
Overall, the decision to not move forward with the offshore wind project may be disappointing for some, but it is important to consider the potential impact on consumer bills and the DEEP’s commitment to finding alternative solutions for clean energy.