Clarifying Cape Wind’s clarification
Taunton Daily Gazette, www.tauntongazette.com 7 March 2012
Mark Rodgers’ letter, “Clarifying facts about Cape Wind,” leaves much to be desired in the area of facts. The apparent impact on customers is hidden behind state and federal subsidies that are ultimately paid by taxpayers.
Mr. Rodgers suggests that two-and-a-half higher costs per kilowatt, plus a 3 percent annual increase for 20 years is “a somewhat higher price.”
The initial contract called for a payment of three times current wholesale rates. There will also be substantial costs for changes to the present transmission lines and grid.
When the wind power is not adequate or shut down because of too intense winds, the aging power plants will have to make up the difference. Those plants will always be needed and will require upgrades that the presence of Cape Wind does not change.
Cape Wind pays zero for fuel, will pay no city or town property taxes and thinks that because they will produce such a small amount of electricity, no one should be concerned.
In short, a system based on paying triple the wholesale price for current electricity makes financial sense only to those selling it. If state and federal agencies had not limited our choices, we could have more and cleaner energy at a reasonable price.
Paul D. Sullivan
East Taunton
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/03/08/clarifying-cape-winds-clarification/