The Maine Public Utilities Commission is accepting public comment on proposed terms that would govern any long-term contract between Statoil and Maine utilities for offshore wind energy development. 

Statoil, a Norwegian energy company with operations in 37 countries, is seeking approval to construct a floating four-turbine pilot wind energy park about 12 miles off Boothbay Harbor. Statoil said it will use the Maine pilot to refine wind energy technology, with the long-term goal of developing commercial offshore wind ventures. 

In August, Statoil filed a proposed term sheet with the commission that identifies the key parameters of any long-term contract between Statoil and Maine transmission and distribution utilities. 

The term sheet identifies energy pricing options and also more specifically defines how Maine may benefit from the proposed project. In its proposed term sheet, Statoil commits “to contribute to the building of a renewable energy sector supply chain in Maine” and to “spend in Maine or allocate to Maine suppliers, at least 40 percent of the capital expenditures of the project.” They also propose an operation center in Maine, to employ 150 persons full-time during peak construction and to collaborate on research and development with the University of Maine.

The commission requests comments on the standards and criteria to be used to evaluate the term sheet, whether the term sheet is consistent with the Ocean Energy Act, and whether the term sheet should be approved.

The term sheet and other relevant documents can be found at www.maine.gov/mpuc/electricity/rfps/standard_offer/deepwater2010/. 

Comments should be emailed to Sarah Tracy at sarah.b.tracy@maine.gov or Mitch Tannenbaum at Mitchell.tannenbaum@maine.gov by 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7.