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Fox Islands Wind Goes Live

Preti Flaherty proudly congratulates our client, Fox Islands Electric Cooperative of Vinalhaven, on the successful completion of Fox Islands Wind – the East Coast's largest "community wind" project that's creating energy self-sufficiency for the islands of Vinalhaven and North Haven, Maine. The project officially goes live today with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Since 1970, America has been talking about achieving energy independence from foreign oil by increasing reliance on renewable energy sources. Preti Flaherty attorneys Anthony Buxton and Andrew Landry led the process of obtaining critical permits from the Public Utilities Commission. Buxton explained "Our client embraced the concept of energy self-sufficiency and developed a smart renewable energy solution. This is energy independence at its finest and Preti Flaherty is proud to have been involved in driving the regulatory aspects of the project."

Using three 1.5 megawatt wind turbines, Fox Islands Wind will generate enough energy to power both Vinalhaven and North Haven. Any extra energy produced will be sold back to the grid via a submarine cable. The wind turbines and electrical substation improvements will ensure the power supply on the islands and reduce energy expenses by 15-20% -- creating zero climate change gases.

Preti Flaherty served as counsel to the Fox Islands Electric Cooperative during commercial negotiations relating to the creation of the project entity, including those with the project's tax equity investor, and in connection with state and federal energy regulatory matters. Attorney Jeffrey Peters, who represents the Cooperative, explained that "Preti Flaherty is very pleased to have helped our client bring wind power to Vinalhaven. Our work orchestrating the permitting process – which progressed very smoothly despite a very fast turnaround – was key to making this project a reality. We are thrilled for our client and happy to have been involved."

The firm applauds Vinalhaven and North Haven's smart solution to achieving energy independence and lighting the way for Maine's energy future.