McKee Opens Public Comment For RI Offshore Wind Energy Project

RHODE ISLAND — Gov. Dan McKee is seeking input from residents about drafting a request for proposal for creating more offshore wind energy in Rhode Island.

McKee opened the 30-day public comment period Wednesday, and it will remain open through Oct. 7. The State’s primary utility company, Rhode Island Energy, is administering the RFP and will issue the procurement to the market no later than Oct. 15, state officials said.

In July, McKee signed into law clean energy legislation that seeks to expand Rhode Island’s offshore wind energy resources. The new law requires a market-competitive procurement for between 600 and 1,000 megawatts of newly developed offshore wind capacity.

"Rhode Island is home to the nation’s first offshore wind farm, making us a leader in the blue economy," McKee said. "Offshore wind is a clean and reliable source of energy that will be essential for meeting our new 100 percent renewable energy by 2033 goal and our Act on Climate emissions reductions target. This public comment period gives stakeholders an opportunity to make their voices heard during the RFP process. This is an important step toward developing an RFP that will effectively help to reach our climate, economic and environmental goals."

The RFP calls for an additional 600 to 1,000 megawatts of offshore wind, which has the potential to meet at least 30 percent of Rhode Island’s estimated 2030 electricity demand, state officials said. State officials said the project could power about 340,000 homes each year.

There will also be a public hearing at 9 a.m. Sept. 21. The draft RFP may be viewed at the following online, along with instructions for how to submit a public comment and attend the hearing.