Wind Power News: Delaware
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These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted.
One dies, one rescued from boat; Rough seas damage wind farm research vessel
One crewman died Monday after gale force winds and giant waves damaged a specialized research ship launched in March to study Delaware’s offshore wind power resources.
Coast Guard Petty Officer Nick Cangemi said one of two crew members rescued by helicopter from the the RV Russell W. Peterson did not have any vital signs when pulled from the ship, reportedly after one of its tripod supporting legs had broken while the ship was propped out of …
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2 rescued as research vessel sinks off Rehoboth
A punishing gale broke apart a research ship launched in March to study Delaware’s offshore wind power resources, forcing the Coast Guard to rescue two crewmen from the sinking vessel.
An Atlantic City-based helicopter plucked two crewmen from the RV Russell W. Peterson at about 9:30 a.m. after they reported the ship was being pushed onto a jetty, taking on water and in danger of sinking.
Both men were ferried to Peninsula General Medical Center in Salisbury, …
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Delmarva Power says it will reword controversial advertisement
Delmarva Power officials say they will recast recently published newspaper ads against the proposed Bluewater Wind project. The company stands behind the information they contain but will no longer use the headline “Public Notice,” which has drawn a complaint to the Public Service Commission (PSC).
University of Delaware professor Jeremy Firestone filed a draft complaint with the commission, seeking a retraction of the ads and an apology from the company. This week an environmentalist group retaliated …
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Bid to curb wind farm fight costs fizzles
A legislative move to keep Delmarva Power from having its customers foot the bill for the Bluewater wind farm fight fizzled today, at least temporarily.
House Concurrent Resolution 50, whose prime sponsor is Rep. John J. Kowalko, D-Newark South, recommends that the Public Service Commission deny any request by Delmarva to pass on the costs to ratepayers.
But Kowalko’s resolution encountered heavy weather in the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee, whose chairman, Ocean View Republican Rep. …
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Delmarva pursues onshore wind deal
Delmarva Power says it hopes to sign long-term contracts with six developers of new land-based wind farms.
But Delmarva officials declined to publicly release the bids, citing competitive confidentiality.
Delmarva is trying to stop Delaware lawmakers from ordering the utility to sign a 25-year contract to buy offshore wind power from Bluewater Wind. Offshore wind power is too expensive, utility officials say.
On Wednesday, Delmarva President Gary Stockbridge said Delmarva, in conjunction with the Delaware Electric Cooperative, has …
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Anti-wind Delmarva ads called misleading
Cited costs not accurate, Bluewater argues
A Delmarva ad circulated throughout Delaware has raised eyebrows at the Public Service Commission and with Bluewater Wind.
The first line of the ad states: “Attention: Delaware customers of Delmarva Power. You may be forced into a 25-year energy commitment that could raise your electric bill by more than 30 percent.”
The nearly full-page ad was published in the Sunday News Journal under the large headline “Public Notice.”
On Tuesday, PSC Chairwoman Arnetta …
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Delmarva Power selects six companies for onshore wind farm talks
Delmarva Power said Wednesday that it has selected six companies with
which to negotiate contracts for 460 MW of power from onshore wind farms.
Delmarva had 31 offers in response to a solicitation for alternatives to
a power purchase agreement with Bluewater Wind, an offshore wind developer.
That PPA, tabled in December and still under debate, was the result of a
state law that required Delmarva to contract for …
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Millions of dollars, state energy policy at heart of dispute
When the Sustainable Energy Utility was formed last year, lawmakers envisioned a small nonprofit that could help Delawareans insulate their homes, buy energy-efficient refrigerators or install solar panels.
But the SEU’s scope could grow dramatically, thanks to a regional effort to tax polluters. Its coffers could swell by $5 million to $12 million per year, thanks to so-called “carbon taxes.” At a time when other agencies are cutting back, the SEU could become a big player …
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Wind farm supporters claim votes
A resolution approving a wind farm off the shore of Rehoboth Beach would pass if voted on by the Senate today, two Democratic and two Republican senators told The News Journal this week.
With two months left in the session, the Senate is the last government hurdle for Bluewater Wind’s 150-turbine energy project, but Democratic leaders have yet to schedule a vote on the resolution.
“It’s a big issue for my district,” said Sen. George Bunting Jr., …
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Move seeks ratepayer protection in wind fight
A bipartisan group of legislators Thursday unveiled a move to try to keep Delmarva Power from having its customers foot the bill for the Bluewater wind farm fight.
House Concurrent Resolution 50, whose prime sponsor is Rep. John J. Kowalko, D-Newark South, recommends that the Public Service Commission deny any request by Delmarva to pass on the costs to ratepayers.
“The campaign being waged by Delmarva Power and Bluewater and the expenses of that campaign must be …
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