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FSEC Policy Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes

February 19, 2010

Attendees: John Anderson, Addison Bain, Sena Black, Tommy Boroughs, Howard Bryant, Griff Carrison, Nick Gladding, Steve Gorman, Nick Guarriello, Al Harms, C.T. Hsu, Larry Hufford, Colleen Kettles, Syd Kitson, Buck Martinez, John Masiello, Ted McCullough, Kevin Noonan, Louis Rotundo, M.J. Soileau, Mickie Valente, Lynda Weatherman, David Winslow

Guests: Zach Cherry (Energy 5.0), Erin Deady (Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.), Sharon Smeenk (FMPA), Dane Theodore (Brevard County School Board)

  1. Chairman Tommy Boroughs called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. and welcomed the Board members and guests.  PAB members, guests and FSEC staff introduced themselves. Rob Vickers joined via conference phone.

  2. Motion made and seconded to approve the Minutes of the December 11, 2009, meeting.  Minutes approved as submitted.

  3. Dr. Fenton began a discussion of new federal programs for FSEC and presented slides describing the Solar and Weatherization Training Program, Emergency Shelter Program, DOE Energy Hubs and the 2011 DOE Budget Request.  Dr. Fenton’s slides are available at the following Web site:  http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/about/pab/2010-02-19/agenda.htm.

  4. Subrato Chandra was introduced and gave an update on the Zero Energy Home and its success.  Larry Hufford, of LifeStyle Homes, stated that their sales have gone up 92% in a year when the market has gone down 40%!  When asked how he would account for the sales success of the LifeStyle Homes, he believes it is basically because of homeowner acceptance of energy products; people want to see our nation’s energy dependence minimized; a large percentage of homeowners are taking the LifeStyles $8,000 energy package; customers see it as doing the right thing and that it makes economic sense in the long run.  Larry pointed out, however, that subcontractors have to buy into it.  [Larry was later asked what things were included in LifeStyle Homes’ $8,000 energy package, and some items mentioned were: solar water heaters with extra insulation; extra wall and attic insulation; energy-efficient appliances; radiant barriers, high-performance windows; efficient lighting (100% compact fluorescent bulbs); upgraded air conditioning; solar-powered attic ventilation.]

  5. Dr. Fenton continued with discussion of the DOE budget requests for building technologies, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, education activities and solar energy activities.

  6. Nick Gladding was then introduced and gave a presentation entitled “Status Report on Florida’s Recovery and Re-Investment Plan” (Florida’s ARRA Energy Funding Strategy).  Discussion followed of the Florida Energy Systems Consortium (FESC), Florida’s energy incentives, deployment of energy-efficiency projects, determination of barriers to commercialization, and the impact of an RPS in Florida.  Nick’s presentation is available at:  http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/about/pab/2010-02-19/agenda.htm.

  7. Tommy Boroughs then led a brief discussion of energy legislation.  Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla has filed 7 bills.  Louis Rotundo advised that Senators Lee Constantine and Senator Mike Bennett have also filed several bills.  Approval has also been obtained to begin issuing “Go Green” license tags.  Louis also stated that there’s only a 50-50 chance that any energy bill is passed.

  8. Eric Deady, of Lewis, Longman & Walker, discussed the Property Assessed Clean Energy “PACE” Bonds Program – Innovative funding to accelerate the retrofitting of America’s buildings for energy independence.

  9. The meeting broke for lunch at Noon and reconvened at 1:05 p.m., at which time Lynda Weatherman gave a presentation on economic development and job creation.  Bill Cunningham, the EDC Chairman of the Board, believes that we need to develop a market, and until we do, manufacturers are going to go where the market is.  Lynda’s presentation is available at:  http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/about/pab/2010-02-19/agenda.htm.

  10. Sena Black expressed some population projections – Florida is estimated to grow at one-half the rate of past decades; going to be an innovation economy – knowledge-based economy; emerging clean energy areas:  solar and biomass.  Strategies:  R&D base in Florida, commercialization and skilled workforce.

  11. Nick Gladding stated that we need to meet with state delegates to push an energy bill; no matter what, there will be momentum for R&D, and Florida needs to get its share.

  12. Tommy Boroughs recommended the next PAB meeting be held in either September or December, but it may also be a possibility that one could be called for June or July.

  13. Louis asked for input from the Board regarding any member activities that we could forward to the Board members.

  14. Meeting adjourned at 2:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tommy Boroughs
Chairman