UMaine Submits Proposal for Offshore Wind Project

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The University of Maine has submitted a proposal to the state for a long-term contract for an offshore wind energy project.

Maine Public Utilities Commission says the university filed the proposal on Friday.

PUC spokesman Harry Lanphear says the proposal is confidential. University officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Its bid for an offshore wind project comes after lawmakers approved legislation backed by Gov. LePage to reopen the bidding process to let the university compete.

Norwegian energy company Statoil and the PUC agreed to terms in January for the $120 million project but the company said in July that it may abandon the project because the reopening of competition has created uncertainty.

The commission is expected to decide whether to authorize a contract by December 31.