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MPUC Releases RFP for Off-Shore Wind and Tidal Renewable Energy Projects

September 1, 2010

Augusta, Maine—Today the Maine Public Utilities Commission announces the release of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for off-shore wind and tidal renewable energy projects. During its 2010 session, the Maine Legislature passed a law based on the recommendations of the Governor’s Ocean Energy Task Force designed to facilitate the development of such off-shore wind or tidal projects. The law required that the Commission initiate the RFP by September 1, 2010. Initial proposals are to be submitted to the Commission by May 1st, 2011.

The law directs the Commission to conduct a competitive solicitation for proposals for long-term contracts to supply installed capacity, associated renewable energy supply, and renewable energy credits from deep-water off-shore wind energy pilot projects or tidal energy demonstration projects. As specified in the new law, the Commission may authorize one or more long-term contracts for an aggregate total of no more than 30 megawatts from these projects as long as no more than 5 megawatts of the total is supplied by tidal energy demonstration projects.

For more information, click here for a link to the RFP on the Commission’s website: http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/electricity/rfps/standard_offer/deepwater2010/.

For technical information about the RFP, contact: Mitch Tannenbaum (mitchell.tannenbaum@maine.gov or 207-297-1391). To view documents regarding this case, visit the Commission’s Virtual Case File (accessible from the homepage) and refer to docket number: 2010-235.

Contact: Evelyn deFrees, 207-287-6141 evelyn.defrees@maine.gov