The Massachusetts electric distribution companies (“Distribution Companies”), together with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, have asked the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities to approve a second request for proposal (“RFP”) for long-term offshore wind contracts in accordance with Section 83C of the Green Communities Act (“83C”).  Pursuant to 83C, the Distribution Companies are authorized to solicit up to 1600MW of offshore wind energy generation in staggered rounds of procurements.  After the success of the first 83C solicitation last year resulting in the award of an 800MW contract to our client Vineyard Wind, the new RFP seeks to solicit the remaining 800MW of offshore wind energy generation currently authorized under the Act.  The new RFP as proposed would require submissions in August with the announcement of awards in November of this year.