The US community of Block Island started drawing wind-generated electricity for the first time today.
The 30MW Block Island wind farm started commercial operation in late 2016 and has been sending power to the mainland for the last few months, however, the local utility just completed the on-island interconnection facilities.
Block Island Power switched off the diesel generator this morning, the final step in a process that began more than a decade ago when high fuel costs drove electricity rates to more than $0.60/kWh.
Deepwater Wind built the five-turbine $360m wind farm while National Grid constructed the 48km $100m two-way transmission system, which connects the island to the Rhode Island grid for the first time.
“Wholesale energy prices are at historic lows right now and to have the opportunity to secure some long-term contracts for our customers provides price stability and allows customers to budget month to month, rather than have their electric bills tied to volatile diesel fuel prices,” said interim Block Island Power president Jeffery Wright.
“Our power contract that went into effect today will take us into the fall of 2018,” he said.
“Between now and then we will monitor the regional energy markets and seek out even better opportunities that will provide our customers with predictable electric rates.”
Deepwater chief executive Jeffrey Grybowski said: We’re confident that the example Block Island has set will inspire communities up and down the Eastern Seaboard to chart their own path toward a renewable future.”
Image: Deepwater Wind
Image:
