Issue Position: Cape Wind

Issue Position

Renewable energy is an important goal for the Commonwealth, but I am opposed to the current Cape Wind proposal for 130 turbines in Nantucket Sound. All reasonable estimates of the cost of this project show that electricity generated would be two to three times the current rate paid by Cape consumers. The current contract signed between CapeWind and National Grid places the rate per kilowatt hour at 18.7 cents. Look at your electric bill this month, when I reviewed mine I found I was paying 8.7 cents with CONEDISON last month and this month the rate went down to 7.9 cents.

In this economy when unemployment has reached an all time high and people are working harder for less, I am opposed to anything that doubles or nearly triples electric rates for consumers. Let us look at land-based wind, or underwater hydrokinetic turbine projects which cost less and preserve our maritime vistas and the historic beauty of our region. Nantucket Sound is not the right location for this project.

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