Projo Biz Blog

Governor Carcieri's office has extended the deadline for developers to submit proposals to the state to build a massive offshore wind farm that would rival the Cape Wind project in Nantucket Sound.

The new deadline is May 30, according to Jeff Neal, a spokesman for the governor. The original deadline was tomorrow.

The governor is seeking proposals from private developers interested in building a wind farm that would generate at least 15 percent of the electricity consumed by Rhode Island households and businesses.

The state is seeking a partner in the private sector who would build, finance and operate the wind farm. The project is expected to be about the same size and scope of the proposed Cape Wind project in Massachusetts.

The state will help expedite the permitting process and secure a long-term contract for energy produced by the facility.

The governor has said the "preferred site" is off the south and western shores of Block Island, but others may be considered. He said that he wants proposals to include providing power to Block Island so that the 1,000 residents there can see some relief in electricity rates.

The state will choose the winning proposal based on the total cost to Rhode Island ratepayers, the qualifications and experience of the developer, and the number of jobs and amount of tax revenue the project would create.

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