"Opponents complain the deal will force the utility to buy overpriced wind power, whose cost will eventually be passed on to consumers. They also feel it was inappropriate for the Patrick administration to strong-arm the firm, which has long been reluctant to touch Cape Wind. But the administration need not lose any sleep for squeezing the companies. With their state-granted local monopolies on electricity, public utilities are not like normal private-sector businesses that have to compete for their market share. It's perfectly appropriate for state regulators to assert the Commonwealth's priorities, which include fostering clean energy both for environmental and economic reasons". WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL BULLIES AND STATE HOUSE BULLIES? We tell our children that verbal bullying is as bad as physical bullying and yet here we are allowing the Governor to increase OUR ELECTRIC BILLS because he likes the idea of wind power. BULLY, BULLY, BULLY This should be left to the market to deal with. REMEMBER SOLYNDRA ?

NHCabin- The difference is that Cape Wind is an initiative at the state level being pushed by a popular Govenor on a topic that is overwhelmingly approved of by the voters. Stop whining. This project was a good idea ten years ago and it's a great idea today. Patrick is showing some real backbone here standing up to the special interests and promoting an idea that is healthful for everyone. He's doing what we elected him to do. Lead.

Building and maintaining any structure that is sited on/in water, in particular the Atlantic Ocean, will have higher capital and operational expenses tied to it. This isn't a politically tainted statement, it's one that is substantiated by objective engineering based facts. The govenor's actions are the only way to make Cape Wind viable. Land based wind farms in up-state NY and other locations in the NE can provide cheaper power, even when factoring in transmission costs. I think the governor has overstepped here and sends a cautionary message to business about the lack of objectivity exhibited by our politicians.

Are you serious? Must be a PR person for the Patrick administration. Fact is wind power is a complete flop in this state. Why do you think that less than 1% of rate payers select wind power? Overpriced and inefficient. Just wait until after the four year rate freeze when the utilites need to price actual market conditions and on top of that the four years of losses. People in this state need to wake up and get rid of these clowns in office.

Either lead, follow or get out of the way.