Massachusetts Regulators Direct Utilities to Shorten Offshore Wind Bid Evaluation Timeline

Renewable Energy World: The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) in a June 21 order directed National Grid, Unitil and Eversource Energy to shorten their proposed evaluation and contract negotiation periods for offshore wind bids.

While the due date for proposal submissions remains unchanged at Dec. 20, 2017, dates have been moved forward for the selection of projects for negotiation; negotiation and execution of contracts; and submission of contracts to the DPU for approval.

The utilities are required under the Green Communities Act to enter into long-term contracts for 1,600 MW of nameplate offshore wind capacity no later than June 30, 2027. In late April, the utilities jointly filed a request for DPU approval of a proposed timetable for solicitation and execution of those contracts.

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