Location: 4-35

Were any other towns investigated as locations to build the plant? Please explain.

Yes, Invenergy examined several sites in RI, MA and CT. The criteria used to evaluate a site are as follows:

  • Proper zoning;
  • Available land area;
  • Proximity to gas pipeline infrastructure;
  • Proximity to electric infrastructure.

Sites in CT were ruled out because CT is not in the SEMA/RI zone where new capacity was deemed to be needed by ISO NE. The Town of Burrillville was selected because the site met all of the above-listed criteria. There were other industrial sites examined, however either the gas or electric infrastructure or both could not support the plant with significant upgrades. Generally, new power projects need to be located on the main gas pipeline (which is why there are other projects being proposed in the region in both CT and MA within close proximity to the Burrillville site).