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Fox Islands Wind:

Suzanne PudeCommunity Energy Director

Island Institute

Wind Power Siting WorkshopCambridge, MAMarch 24, 2011

A Case Study

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Overview• Island Institute• Project Overview

– Community Engagement– Local Benefit

• Sound Issue– Vinalhaven Experiences– Responses

• Summary

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• Working to sustain the way of life on Maine’s 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

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2008 Island Electricity Rates

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• Community Energy program - providing technical assistance and community outreach support related to:– Community-owned renewables

• Fox Islands Wind, Monhegan, Swan’s Island/Frenchboro, Camden

– Energy efficiency– Energy education– Offshore wind

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Wind Power on the Fox Islands

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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 - 2010

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Community Engagement• Community Meetings• Community Vote

– July 2008: 382 - 5• Local decision-making

– Fox Islands Coop and Fox Islands Wind, LLC boards

• Communications– Monthly updates, website, site tours

Fox Islands community leaders - 2008

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Local BenefitYear 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

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Lower & Stabilized Rates

Price paid by Fox Islands Electric Coop for energy (excluding T&D): 2004-2008