According to a report from The Providence Journal, Allco Renewable Energy – which is planning an 8 MW solar farm in Coventry, R.I. – will pursue its large-scale project only if the state passes favorable renewable-energy legislation.
Timothy C. Barmann, a Journal staff writer, reported that Allco executives particularly support passage of the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Sources Act, which was recently introduced by Rep. Raymond J. Sullivan, D-Coventry.
The bill would require Rhode Island utility National Grid to enter into minimum 20-year contracts and would also set rates that the utility would have to pay. National Grid, as well as many members of the state legislature, opposes the bill. However, the state general assembly is considering several other pieces of legislation that encourage renewable-energy development.