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HARTFORD, CT — Connecticut, along with Massachusetts and Rhode Island have announced the selection of new clean energy projects totaling 102.4 megawatts of new solar generation through a collaborative, multistate, competitive solicitation. Connecticut is procuring 63.4 MW across three projects, with the remainder procured by Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
State DEEP officials said the portfolio of projects selected will improve the reliability of the state and region’s electric grid, save New England ratepayers money on energy supply and capacity market costs by bringing new affordable generation online, and increase the state’s electricity supply with clean, emission-free resources.
“New England states are strongest when we work together to secure reliable and affordable energy for our residents and businesses,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. “These selections will bring additional generation onto the regional grid, help diversify our energy supply, and deliver clean power at competitive prices.”
Acting DEEP Commissioner Emma Cimino said the competitive procurement demonstrated the value of regional coordination.
“By partnering with Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Connecticut can secure additional clean energy resources while sharing project output and expanding the benefits across the region,” she said. “These solar projects will strengthen New England’s electricity supply and support our shared affordability, reliability, and climate goals.”
Solar is the fastest way to add affordable power to the electric grid, according to Massachusetts Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. She said the collaboration would bring clean energy and economic development opportunities and help meet demand.
“Every summer, solar keeps our lights on and saves ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars during extreme heat, and in winter, solar adds reliability to our grid.,” she said.
No single state can address New England’s energy challenges alone, said President of Rhode Island Energy Greg Cornett.
“This collaboration demonstrates how regional partnerships can deliver practical solutions that expand electricity supply, strengthen grid reliability, and provide customers with access to competitively sourced clean energy,” he said.
The projects were selected pursuant to a February 11, 2026, Requests for Proposals from DEEP seeking cost-effective zero-carbon resources to support an affordable and reliable electricity supply while advancing Connecticut’s greenhouse gas reduction requirements and broader energy and environmental goals. The RFP was conducted in coordination with Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont to maximize savings and reliability benefits to ratepayers by sharing costs between states and ensuring procurement of affordable and reliable new zero-carbon electricity.
All selected projects must begin delivering electricity by the end of 2032, with project schedules designed, where applicable, to meet eligibility deadlines for federal tax credits and other federal support. DEEP is still evaluating the nuclear proposals submitted in response to this RFP and will make an announcement about those projects at a later date.
Connecticut and Rhode Island selected 30 MW and 20 MW, respectively, from the 50 MW Keene Meadow Solar Station. Connecticut also selected 17MW rom the West Baldwin Solar Station in Baldwin, Maine, and 16.4MW from the Emergy Meadow Solar Station in Buxton, Maine.
Combined, the four solar projects represent 102.4 MW of new solar generation. The portfolio is expected to produce approximately 190,000 megawatt hours of electricity each year, and Connecticut’s share is expected to generate electricity equivalent to the annual usage of more than 22,000 residential homes.
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