Wind project near Block Island sees more power produced than expected, cutting consumer costs

The energy company planning an offshore wind farm near Block Island expects its five-turbine project to produce more power than initially projected.

Deepwater Wind chief executive Jeffrey Grybowski told the state Public Utilities Commission Wednesday that lower costs will result, benefiting consumers.

The Providence Journal reports (http://bit.ly/1ATtYaO ) that Grybowski said offshore wind turbines operate more efficiently and do a better job capturing wind because of improvements in technology.

As a result, more electricity is generated.

Grybowski said financing is on track for the $225 million wind farm and construction is set to start this spring. Full operation is expected in fall 2016.

"You'll see vessels off the shore of Block Island this summer," he said.

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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com