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Cape Wind Construction To Impact National Grid Bills

BOSTON (CBS) -- We now know how much more we'll pay to get our energy from a wind farm off Cape Cod.

When the Cape Wind turbines start spinning, more than one million National Grid customers will see it in their bill.

Starting in 2013, customers will pay an average of $1.25 more a month.

On Monday, the State Department of Public Utilities (DPU) approved the 15-year deal between National Grid and Cape Wind, saying "The benefits of wind power outweigh the costs of the project."

While the cost to customers may be less than $2, National Grid will be paying Cape Wind double the cost of current electric rates.

The DPU approval allows National Grid to only buy half of all the power generated by Cape Wind.

Construction on the 130 turbines for Nantucket Sound should begin next year.

Cape Wind estimates the company will create 1,000 new jobs for Massachusetts workers during the construction of those turbines.

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