Massachusetts lawmakers have advanced a long-awaited energy bill that would require utilities to buy 1.2GW of offshore wind energy.
The legislation approved by the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee also mandates the purchase of 1.2GW of Canadian hydroelectricity.
Utilities would be expected to hold competitive solicitations and sign long-term contracts of 15 to 20 years.
The New England state has among the most expensive electricity in the US.
The House is expected to debate the bill in June while the Senate considers a parallel measure.
Governor Charlie Baker has said he wants to sign the law before the legislative session ends on 31 July.
According to the proposed bill only wind projects in federal lease areas would qualify, which would leave out the 468MW Cape Wind project located in Nantucket Sound.
Dong Energy and OffshoreMW hold commercial leases for a pair of 1GW sites in federal waters about 14 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard.
Image: the Block Island project will be the US’ first offshore wind farm (Deepwater Wind)
