As waters off the Vineyard begin to attract strong interest among wind energy developers, legislation now before Massachusetts lawmakers would spur significant changes in the way local consumers buy power from renewable energy sources.

Vineyard Power is entering a new phase in its plans to develop a wind farm south of the Vineyard. Having successfully partnered with developer Offshore MW to secure a lease on 167,886 acres in January, the Island-owned energy cooperative is now focusing on public outreach.

Rhode Island Fast Ferry has partnered with Deepwater Wind to build a new transport vessel for technicians working on the country’s first offshore wind energy project, located between Block Island and the Vineyard.

Last week Gov. Deval Patrick announced that 742,000 acres of ocean south of Martha’s Vineyard will soon be available for commercial wind energy leases. On Monday state officials appeared on the Island to explain the project.

Some 742,000 acres of ocean south of Martha’s Vineyard will soon be available for commercial wind energy leases, Gov, Deval Patrick announced this week. A public meeting about commercial offshore wind energy leases is scheduled for Monday on the Vineyard.

Regional high school could save as much as $2.8 million on utility bills over the next 25 years using power produced by four turbines built on a 380-acre cranberry farm near the Bourne Bridge.