"Maryland waters could be home to some of the nation's first — and by far its largest — offshore wind farms after the state Public Service Commission on Thursday approved ratepayer subsidies to support a pair of projects off the coast of Ocean City.

Officials had been expected to choose one of the two vying proposals, but surprised many by giving both the green light. The two projects — together expected to cost more than $2 billion — would "position Maryland as a national leader in offshore wind energy," the commission said in its ruling.

The decision could dot the Ocean City horizon with wind turbines as soon as 2020 — and add $1 to monthly residential electricity bills once the windmills start spinning."

Scott Dance reports for the Baltimore Sun May 11, 2017. [2]