§ 8056

(a) Definitions. — For the purposes of this section: (1) 'Department' means the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. (2) 'DPA' means the Delaware Division of the Public Advocate. (3) 'Offshore wind project' means a power production facility located in waters off the Atlantic coast, converting ocean winds into electricity. (4) 'PJM Interconnection' means PJM Interconnection, LLC or any successor organization that services the PJM region. (5) 'PSC' means the Delaware Public Service Commission. (b) Transmission planning. — (1) The Department shall cooperate with PJM Interconnection in an analysis of the impacts on transmission of offshore wind procurement goals of other states within the PJM region and the potential for procurement by Delaware of electricity from offshore wind projects including transmission system upgrade and expansion options that take into consideration both onshore and offshore infrastructure. The Department shall consult with the PSC, the DPA, and all electric utilities in Delaware prior to engaging with PJM Interconnection in this analysis and shall provide the results of any

astructure. The Department shall consult with the PSC, the DPA, and all electric utilities in Delaware prior to engaging with PJM Interconnection in this analysis and shall provide the results of any such analysis to the PSC, the DPA, and all electric utilities in Delaware. (2) The Department shall consult with the state energy offices, or equivalent offices, in other states served by PJM Interconnection to evaluate regional transmission cooperation that could help achieve the State's renewable energy goals with greater efficiency. The Department shall report to the PSC, the DPA, and all electric utilities in Delaware on this effort. (c) Offshore wind procurement planning. — The Department shall study the procurement processes, including those used in other Atlantic states for electricity from offshore wind projects, evaluate the options for conducting and evaluating a request for proposal process to procure offshore wind power, and prepare recommendations for potential offshore wind procurement. Any procurement process should consider at least the following: (1) The long-term cost impact, if any, on ratepayers in Delaware.

and prepare recommendations for potential offshore wind procurement. Any procurement process should consider at least the following: (1) The long-term cost impact, if any, on ratepayers in Delaware. (2) Potential economic costs and benefits for the State and for Delawareans. (3) The consistency of such a procurement with the Delaware Climate Action Plan, the Delaware Energy Plan, and the ability of the State to meet its Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards. (4) The avoided costs of greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants on the State from power generation sources. (5) Potential health benefits for the State and for Delawareans. (6) The availability and scale of suitable offshore wind locations. (7) The state of the offshore wind industry and associated supply chains. (8) The impacts on the electricity transmission system.84 Del. Laws, c. 146, § 2;