Revolution Wind Online: 350,000 Homes Connected After Federal Delays
The Rhode Island-based array is now powering Connecticut households, contributing to a regional wind generation record set in September.
By Nadia Rahman ·
Connecticut and Rhode Island have secured a new source of electricity following the full activation of the Revolution Wind offshore project. The installation, located off the coast of Rhode Island, had faced repeated delays due to opposition from the Trump administration before finally reaching full operation this week.
The facility is designed to generate enough power for 350,000 homes. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont called the operational status a welcome addition to the state's energy mix. He stated the project will help lower utility costs for families and businesses while improving grid reliability. Eversource and United Illuminating are the primary buyers of the electricity produced by the turbines.
The new capacity contributed to a historic shift in New England's energy output this fall. ISO-New England reported that wind farms in the region produced more electricity in September than all gas and hydropower plants in New Hampshire combined. The surge included more than 2,000 megawatts of generation. The Concord Monitor noted that the coming online of Revolution Wind and the Vineyard Wind project drove this increase.
State Senator Norm Needleman, a Democrat from Essex who co-chairs the state Energy Committee, described the delay as unreasonable. He said the federal government's interruptions had made the process difficult. Needleman emphasized that offshore wind provides stable, carbon-free energy during winter months. He noted that this source is not subject to the price volatility of gas, oil, or coal.
Utility executives and environmental leaders also commented on the launch. Tricia Taskey Modifica, a spokesperson for Eversource, said the new generation is needed as customer demand rises. Chris Phelps, the state director for Environment Connecticut, said the project provides a large, reliable source of clean power. He added that this reduces the region's need for polluting power plants that contribute to climate change.
The project's activation marks a concrete step in the region's renewable energy goals. It adds a fixed, non-fuel-dependent source to the grid. The electricity generated will flow to homes and businesses in both Connecticut and Rhode Island. The full operation resolves the uncertainty that has surrounded the project since its early development phases.
