With offshore wind developers inching their way through the federal permitting process, government and company representatives stopped by the Vineyard this week.

Surveys of a future wind energy site south of Martha’s Vineyard are beginning Sept. 23, according to a notice to fishermen.

A landmark energy bill passed in the final hours of the legislative session Sunday opens the door to offshore wind energy, but prevents Cape Wind from competing for state-required energy contracts.

A representative from Denmark’s largest energy company had a chilly reception in Chilmark this week as commercial fishermen and others discussed a proposed wind farm south of the Vineyard.

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.

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.