Massachusetts approves state's first offshore wind contracts for 800 MW

Massachusetts regulators on April 16 approved Vineyard Wind's 20-year contracts with the state's electric distributors for 800 MW of offshore wind. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) deemed that the contracts, averaging 8.9 cents/kWh between the two separate phases of the project, are cost-effective and in the public interest. Vineyard Wind also committed to provide $15 million over 15 years to help integrate battery storage in low-income communities. National Grid, Eversource and Unitil have already kicked off a new offshore wind solicitation, submitting in March their second request for proposals (RFP) for up to 800 MW of the renewable resource.