Robitaille Crosses Former Boss Carcieri on Wind Farm

Republican candidate for governor John Robitaille is breaking with his former boss and fellow Republican Gov. Don Carcieri over a proposed wind farm off Block Island.

Robitaille (pictured left) last night criticized a new law that requires that the Public Utilities Commission reconsider its decision to reject a contract between National Grid and Deepwater Wind, the developer of the wind farm.

“Although I am in favor of alternative sources of energy, rewriting the regulatory process to get a desired outcome is not what the people of Rhode Island expect from their government,” Robitaille said.

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Opponents of the proposed eight-turbine wind farm have warned that it would raise electricity rates for homeowners by about $1.23 a month.

“With other potential sources of renewable energy available at a much lower cost, the promise of jobs in the future for Rhode Islanders does not offset the short term cost to the consumer in these tough economic times,” Robitaille said. “Rhode Island must be more attractive to business and increasing utility costs just doesn’t make good economic sense.”

He said National Grid and Deepwater Wind need to redesign the project to lower costs for consumers.

Robitaille served as the communications director for Carcieri (pictured right) from 2008 until earlier this year, when he resigned as his campaign for governor was gearing up. Carcieri has endorsed Robitaille’s run for governor.

Carcieri's office was not immediately available for comment.

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