May 21, 2008
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The Block Island Power Co. is negotiating with wind farm firms “willing to build a wind tower on the island,” probably on the company’s Ocean Avenue grounds. The companies it is talking with are those that are competing for the offshore state wind farm sites, bids for which were to be opened today (Friday, May 16).
BIPCo President Albert Casazza dropped that news while testifying Friday at the Public Utilities Commission hearing on the BIPCo request for a rate hike. Here’s what he said:
“The company is talking with companies interested in the state wind farm process. We could be of some help. Several companies have expressed interest and are willing to build a wind tower on the island.”
The state has called for proposals to exploit two potential wind farm sites, one just south of Block Island and the other southwest of the island. Gov. Don Carcieri stipulated that “respondents should strongly consider locating a substation on the island,” for which BIPCo “has indicated that they would make space available on their premises….”
It is not the first time BIPCo has expressed interest in a wind turbine, according to Everett Shorey, a member of the town’s Electrical Utility Task Group. “Some time ago Al Casazza called to see if the town would support a BIPCo grant application that included a wind tower,” Shorey said. “But somehow the application morphed into a request for funds for a cable” from the mainland. That request for a USDA Rural Development High Energy Cost grant was turned down.
A 600-kilowatt wind turbine, presumably at the transfer station, is included in the town’s application for a grant from the same source.
20 May 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/05/21/bipco-seeking-to-partner-with-windmill-company/