Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- With some minor amendments, the House late Tuesday unanimously approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would let National Grid sign long-term contracts to purchase power from alternative energy suppliers, giving a green light to the developers of a Rhode Island offshore wind farm that would be the first in the United States.

The Senate was scheduled to vote on a nearly-identical bill at the same time, but moved it to Wednesday's calendar because information sought by some skeptical Senators was not received until late Monday.

Tuesday's approval came after the House bill was amended to reduce National Grid's profit from its long-term contracts from 3 percent down to 2.75 percent, the same markup as the Senate version.

But it also made four other language changes, which could complicate its approval.

The Senate can either amend its version to conform to the House's, pass the House version, or approve its version as is and send it to the House.

Governor Carcieri, who vetoed similar legislation last year, has said he favors the Senate bill.

gemery@projo.com / (401)277-7442

 Tags  energy National Grid wind power

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