There is much to consider in offshore wind development as the Day’s “Winds of change,” (April 29) article indicates. The statement that Block Island wind turbines “generate a modest 30 MW of power for the popular tourist attraction” needs correction. That power, when available, far exceeds Block Island's needs and is shipped to an existing mainland substation on bi-directional cables, idling the island’s diesel generators, and delivering cleaner power at both ends of the cable.

Like the Block Island turbines, the next several offshore wind projects will seek connection to existing onshore substations. Proposals for interconnection (not shown in the Day article) include substations serving the Montville and Millstone power plant sites. Project permitting involves both federal and state permitting. Offshore permitting is the responsibility of federal agencies whose jurisdiction ends at three miles off state shores. State agencies take over project permitting at the three-mile mark. Finding minimal impact undersea and overhead pathways for high voltage connection sites will be a challenge. There are environmentally sensitive areas to be crossed and several conflicting uses to be considered. The Day can help inform these decisions.

Gabriel Stern

Ledyard