Gov. Donald L. Carcieri, R-R.I., has unveiled the team of individuals responsible for selecting a contractor to develop and construct a wind energy project off the coast of Rhode Island. The Wind Energy Proposal Evaluation Team will include several state energy and economic development officials as well as David Farmer, the dean of the University of Rhode Island (URI) Graduate School of Oceanography.
In April, the Carcieri administration sought bids from private companies to design, construct, finance and operate an offshore wind farm designed to generate 1.3 million MWh annually of renewable energy. The evaluation team will review the seven proposals the state received and select the best project. In addition to Farmer, the Wind Energy Proposal Evaluation Team includes:
– Andrew Dzykewicz, commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources,
– Thomas F. Ahern, administrator of the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers,
– Saul Kaplan, executive director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corp., and
– Christopher Long, policy analyst in the governor's office.
‘The members of this team will represent and evaluate a broad array of concerns,’ says Carcieri. ‘Tom Ahern will represent the interests of Rhode Island ratepayers, while Saul Kaplan will work to ensure that this project fits with the state's economic development plans. And with the inclusion of Dr. Farmer from the URI Graduate School of Oceanography, we can be sure that we are taking into consideration all the elements that will be important for selecting the best project.’
The Wind Energy Proposal Evaluation Team will review bids on the basis of total cost to Rhode Island ratepayers, the qualification and experience of the bidder in constructing wind projects, and the number of jobs and the amount of tax dollars to be created. The team is expected to complete its work by the end of this summer.
SOURCE: State of Rhode Island
