Revolution Wind powers 350,000 homes after federal delays

The Revolution Wind offshore renewable energy project is now fully operational off the coast of Rhode Island. The facility is currently generating electricity for homes in both Rhode Island and Connecticut. This marks the completion of a project that faced multiple delays due to opposition from the Trump administration.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced the milestone in a press release. Lamont stated that the project provides a clean energy addition to the state's mix. He noted that the facility will help lower utility costs for families and businesses. The governor also said the project will improve grid reliability. According to Lamont, the wind farm will power 350,000 homes.

Eversource and United Illuminating are the utility companies purchasing power from the project. Tricia Taskey Modifica, a spokesperson for Eversource, described the launch as a milestone. She said the new generation provides needed energy to customers while demand is rising.

The project contributed to a record for offshore wind energy production this fall. ISO-New England reported that wind farms in New England produced more electricity than all gas and hydropower plants in New Hampshire combined. The Concord Monitor reported that the coming online of Revolution Wind and Vineyard Wind helped drive a surge of more than 2,000 megawatts generated in September.

State Sen. Norm Needleman, an Essex Democrat, called the completion long overdue. Needleman, who co-chairs the Connecticut General Assembly’s Energy Committee, said the project finally came to fruition after interruptions by the federal government. He argued that the power will help counter gas shortages and grid unreliability during winter months.

Needleman described offshore wind as a stabilizing force for the energy grid. He said the energy is carbon-free and reasonably priced. He contrasted this stability with the volatility of gas, oil, and coal sources. Needleman said the project leads into the next 20 or 30 years and improves air quality for future generations.

Chris Phelps, state director of the nonprofit Environment Connecticut, said the project offers a reliable source of clean generation. Phelps noted that the facility serves the New England electric grid. He said the new capacity reduces the need for polluting power plants that contribute to climate change.