Massachusetts has banded together with two other New England states in an attempt to get larger offshore wind energy projects at a lower price.

Gov. Maura Healey announced Wednesday that the state has entered into an agreement with Connecticut and Rhode Island to start a coordinated effort to procure offshore wind energy. The agreement is the first of its kind in the U.S. and officials hope it will help cut costs in an industry that has been hit hard by inflation.

The agreement says the three states will seek multi-state proposals that would expand benefits to the region and reduce costs by working on a larger scale to develop viable projects. The states expect to seek proposals for next year, with solicitations for a combined 6,000 megawatts of offshore wind power. In the past, each state has put out solicitations individually on a smaller scale.

“The climate crisis requires us to act in new and innovative ways. Massachusetts is proud to join with our neighboring states to continue to grow New England’s offshore wind industry,” Governor Healey said in a statement. “By working together, we can amplify the many benefits of offshore wind for all three states, including regional economic development opportunities, healthier communities, lower energy bills, and advantages to environmental justice populations and low-income ratepayers.”

The area south of Martha’s Vineyard has been targeted by wind developers for years as one of the best locations in the country for offshore wind turbines. The area’s shallow waters and strong, persistent winds make it an ideal place for developers.

Vineyard Wind started construction on its wind farm earlier this year, but other companies hoping to build in the area have run into obstacles in recent years. Several wind farms have asked to get out of their existing power contracts since the pandemic.

The contracts, which stipulate the rates and amount of energy the state and utilities will buy from projects, were made prior to the pandemic and are no longer economically viable due to rising costs, chaotic supply chains and higher interest rates, developers say.

SouthCoast Wind, which asked to terminate its contract to supply power to the state from turbines about 30 miles south of the Island, proposes to have electric transmission infrastructure in Rhode Island, and connect to the energy grid in Falmouth. The company was pleased to see the new collaboration between the three southern New England states.

“We hope that this joint effort also extends to permitting and grid improvements,” said Rebecca Ullman, the director of external affairs for the company. “Many offshore wind projects, including our own, extend across borders. A united and collaborative effort by the states to ensure that these important clean energy projects come to fruition will help ensure all states meet their 2050 net zero emissions goals.”