July 14, 2023
New Jersey

Murphy gives billion dollar bailout to foreign offshore wind farm company

By Robert Walker | July 12, 2023 | shorenewsnetwork.com

New Jersey has recently faced controversy and concerns over a decision to provide a $1 billion bailout to Ørsted, a Danish wind developer, for their offshore wind project. The move has drawn criticism from some politicians and sparked discussions about the cost implications for New Jersey ratepayers.

Under the agreement, New Jersey families and businesses have been experiencing increased electricity bills to support the development of offshore wind farms, detractors claim.

Ørsted was expected to reimburse ratepayers to offset the rising utility costs. However, the company reportedly threatened to abandon their offshore wind project unless they were allowed to retain the $1 billion bailout funds.

Critics, including Republican Senator Ed Durr and Senator Michael Testa, have raised concerns about the economic impact on New Jerseyans. They argue that the decision represents corporate welfare and that wind farm projects should not rely heavily on government subsidies.

The controversy has sparked a broader discussion about the financial implications of supporting wind developers and the potential for future bailouts. Some politicians have expressed worry that this could lead to even higher utility bills for residents if other wind developers seek similar financial assistance.

The debate over the offshore wind farm bailout has drawn attention to the economic viability of such projects and the balance between supporting renewable energy initiatives and protecting the interests of ratepayers. The issue remains a topic of ongoing discussion among lawmakers and stakeholders in New Jersey.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2023/07/14/murphy-gives-billion-dollar-bailout-to-foreign-offshore-wind-farm-company/