Critics Blast State's Backing Of Cape Wind Energy Deal

Critics are blasting a state decision to back an energy deal for the controversial Cape Wind wind farm project on Nantucket Sound.

State regulators approved an agreement to sell half of Cape Wind's energy to the utility company National Grid, saying the environmental benefits justify a small increase in electric rates.

National Grid customers will see their bills jump by up to 1.7 percent and business rates could increase even more.

"Commercial use of energy can be in some businesses — manufacturing especially — can be very high. and it makes it just that much more difficult for small businesses in Massachusetts — already in a high-cost state — to compete," says Bill Vernon, director of the Massachusetts chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

Cape Wind says it is still trying to find a buyer for the other half of the power produced, before it starts construction.

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