Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
Citing supply-chain disruptions, inflation and rising interest rates, Orange-based Avangrid defended its decision last week to pull back from a major wind farm planned for Massachusetts.
The Boston Globe reported last week that Avangrid had filed with Massachusetts state regulators to end its contracts to build the 1,200-megawatt Commonwealth Wind project south of Martha’s Vineyard.
Avangrid said it was seeking to dismiss the state’s review of its current contracts in favor of a new 2023 bid for a 1,200-watt project.
Avangrid had partnered with three utilities on Commonwealth Wind, planned as a major component of the state’s power grid that would eventually generate enough power for up to 750,000 homes.
In a statement released Dec. 16, the company said, “Despite unprecedented challenges in the global economy in the form of supply chain disruptions, historic levels of inflation, and rising interest rates, Avangrid has engaged in good faith and productive discussions with Massachusetts state officials regarding these challenges and the need to restore the project to economic viability.”
As economic challenges mounted, Avangrid had announced a later completion date for the project and was negotiating with the utilities, but a filing with the state’s Department of Public Utilities marked the end of negotiations, the Globe reported.
“As building Commonwealth Wind remains our objective, Avangrid has been disappointed in the electric distribution companies’ refusal to immediately engage on this matter,” the company said in its statement.
Avangrid began construction this year on another Massachusetts wind farm, the 800-megawatt Vineyard Wind 1 joint venture.
“We are proud that Vineyard Wind 1 is a turning point moment for the U.S. and launches a brand new American clean energy industry that will create thousands of jobs, improve our energy security, and help address the climate emergency,” the company said in the statement.
Massachusetts picked Avangrid to build Commonwealth Wind in 2021. The wind farm would have been the largest in New England, creating 11,000 jobs over its lifetime and helping the state meet its ambitious climate goals.
Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.
The Hartford Business Journal 2025 Charity Event Guide is the annual resource publication highlighting the top charity events in 2025.
Learn moreHartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeDelivering vital marketplace content and context to senior decision-makers throughout Connecticut ...
All Year Long!
The Hartford Business Journal 2025 Charity Event Guide is the annual resource publication highlighting the top charity events in 2025.
Hartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Delivering vital marketplace content and context to senior decision-makers throughout Connecticut ...
All Year Long!
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments