HARTFORD -- Dozens of generators are competing for the opportunity to provide "zero-carbon" electricity to Connecticut utilities, including the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant.

A range of low-emission power producers submitted bids by a Sept. 14 deadline to compete in the state's competitive clean energy procurement.

The inclusion of the Dominion Energy nuke plant in the bid process had been controversial, reports the Hartford Courant. Connecticut's legislature passed legislation last year that allowed Dominion to submit bids, but only after debate whether nuclear should compete for lucrative clean energy contracts with sources such as solar and wind.

Millstone had argued the plant could close, taking around 1,500 jobs and 2,200 megawatts of capacity from the New England grid. However, critics said the plant needs no subsidies, and is poised to remain highly profitable over the next 20 years.

State officials placed a condition on Millstone to ensure "state ratepayers are protected from paying above-market costs," the Hartford newspaper reports.

Also bidding were Vineyard Wind, LLC, the offshore wind firm which plans a major investment in Bridgeport harbor. The yet-to-be-built Vineyard Wind recently prevailed in a separate Massachusetts clean energy procurement.

Details of the bid proposals will be released after state review, and officials expect to make a decision by the end of 2018.