1 Fox Islands Wind: Suzanne Pude Community Energy Director Island Institute Wind Power Siting Workshop Cambridge, MA March 24, 2011 A Case Study 2 Overview Island Institute Project Overview Community Engagement Local Benefit Sound Issue Vinalhaven Experiences Responses Summary 3 Working to sustain the way of life on Maines island and coastal communities At the turn of the last century, there were more than 300 year-round island communities; now there are only 15 Increasing energy costs have become a serious threat to the viability of these communities Island Electricity Rates 5 Community Energy program - providing technical assistance and community outreach support related to: Community-owned renewables Fox Islands Wind, Monhegan, Swans Island/Frenchboro, Camden Energy efficiency Energy education Offshore wind 6 Wind Power on the Fox Islands 7 Project Overview 4.5 MW rated capacity 3 GE 1.5 MW turbines Sized to meet community needs $14.5M cost $5M tax equity investor $9.5 low-interest RUS loan Fox Islands Electric Coop 1,800 ratepayers Owns 11-mile submarine cable 28 cents/kWh high & volatile Fox Islands Wind and the Irene Alton 8 Community Engagement Community Meetings Community Vote July 2008: Local decision-making Fox Islands Coop and Fox Islands Wind, LLC boards Communications Monthly updates, website, site tours Fox Islands community leaders 9 Local Benefit Year One 12,105 MWh produced 4% above projections Electric rate reductions and stabilization 15% reduction of the annual average rate Significant community support 95% of community members are either as supportive or more supportive of project as they were when they originally voted on it 10 Lower & Stabilized Rates Price paid by Fox Islands Electric Coop for energy (excluding T&D):