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The state power process, designed to make electric power more available in Delaware, is moving forward and the state Public Service Commission plans to release detailed information in September.
The commission adopted an order that will require negotiated terms to be submitted by Thursday, Sept. 14. Those terms are expected to be made public by Monday, Sept. 18. Then a hearing will be held releasing the proposal for construction, costs and timeline.
Jim Lanard, director of strategic planning and communications for Bluewater Wind, said he is pleased with the way negotiations are going, even though he cannot give details because all of the parties involved agreed not to speak until agreement is reached.
History of power process
After Delawareans were faced with increases up to 60 percent on their electric bills last year, legislators decided to start a process to broaden the scope and availability of energy. They issued a request for proposals, which were reviewed by the Public Service Commission (PSC), Delmarva Power, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and other state agencies.
The proposals they received included an offshore wind farm, a natural gas plant and a coal-fired power plant.
Legislators hoped finding this “homegrown” power would lead to price stability and increase the job market, while addressing environmental concerns.
NRG Energy, owners of the Indian River Power Plant outside Millsboro, submitted plans to build a 600 megawatt integrated coal gasification plant, which would burn cleaner coal and be able to remove much of the pollution emitted from the stacks. Bluewater Wind submitted plans for a 200-turbine wind farm in the Atlantic Ocean that could generate 600 megawatts. Conectiv proposed to build a 200-megawatt natural gas plant in Wilmington. Both NRG and Conectiv have long histories in Delaware as power providers. Bluewater, based in New York and New Jersey, is new to the state but brings advanced technology that would emit virtually no pollution.
The state agencies voted and required Delmarva Power to negotiate with Bluewater Wind for the offshore wind farm, possibly on a smaller scale than what was originally proposed. The agencies also mandated Delmarva Power contract with either NRG or Conectiv for a back-up natural gas plant to be located in Sussex County. The negotiations are still underway, and according to PSC officials, hearings in September will allow public comment through October, followed by finalized agreements. From there, by the end of the year, Bluewater can begin assessment and siting work, followed by permitting and environmental work before construction would begin.
Contact Rachel Swick at: rswick@capegazette.com
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