WIND RISING OFF NEW YORK SHORES

LIPA/Con Ed to continue N.Y. offshore wind study
Scott DiSavino (w/Marguerita Choy), March 23, 2009 (Reuters)

"The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and Consolidated Edison Inc…will move forward with plans for a new phase of study on a major offshore wind farm…[The first phase of the study] concluded the interconnection of up to 700 megawatts of wind power located at least 13 miles (21 km) off the Rockaway Peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean would be feasible with upgrades to their transmission systems.

"The companies expect to propose a wind farm of 350 MW, with the ability to expand it to 700 MW…The wind farm is consistent with New York Gov. David Paterson's "45 by 15" program, which establishes the goal for the state to meet 45 percent of its electricity needs through energy efficiency and renewable sources by 2015."

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"LIPA and Con Edison filed an application to interconnect the offshore wind project with the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), the operator of the state's power grid, for up to 1,400 MW by 2020, which would permit a future expansion beyond the 700 MW…"

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"Several years ago, LIPA proposed the construction of a 40-turbine wind farm that would have produced 140 MW of energy off the shore of Jones Beach on the south shore of Long Island…But LIPA shelved the project when costs substantially exceeded what was originally anticipated…If built, both companies have said they would share the cost of building the project and the energy it produces.

"The companies said they will work with interested parties, including the state, the New York Power Authority, New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Port Authority to see if there is demand for the off shore wind project…[and plan to] issue a request for proposals later this year…"