The Maine Public Utilities Commission has unanimously approved a 20-year contract with First Wind Holding LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Evergreen Wind Power III LLC, for its 60 MW Rollins project in Penobscot County.
First Wind met the criteria for commissioners' approval, including energy and capacity benefits, adequate hedging against high energy prices from fossil fuels and diversity in Maine's energy supply. The commissioners directed Central Maine Power and Bangor Hydro Energy to share the contract in an 80-20 split. The decision will be final with the completion of the written order.
In a statement released by First Wind, the company commented that Maine electricity customers will receive the benefit over a 20-year period of renewable power at a price that will help keep energy costs low. In addition, the project is expected to create about 300 construction jobs and six to eight full-time jobs.
SOURCES: Maine Public Utilities Commission, First Wind Holding LLC
