State Releases "Florida's Energy Plan"

In response to an executive order issued by Governor Jeb Bush in November, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has released a comprehensive energy plan exploring options for future electric generating capacity, transportation fuel supply and conservation and efficiency initiatives. During the development of this plan, FSEC provided significant input to DEP, including a presentation to a Tallahassee energy forum in November by center director James Fenton.

Florida Govenor Jeb Bush

The plan includes a number of recommendations for conservation and efficiency measures relying on incentives and the government’s purchasing power rather than mandates and new taxes. It recommends that legislation be introduced this year to increase capacity and diversify the state’s electric generation and fuel supply.

DEP Secretary Colleen Castille noted in the plan’s executive summary that “An adequate, reliable, diverse, efficient and affordable energy supply, coupled with a long-term commitment to energy conservation, is vital for maintaining Florida’s growing economy and quality of life.”

The recommendations in the plan include:

Electric Power Generation

Diversity

Amend the Power Plant Siting Act and the Transmission Line Siting Act to reduce regulatory barriers, streamline permitting and reduce processing time, while maintaining opportunities for public input and protecting the environment.

Amend Chapter 403.519, Florida Statutes, to allow the Florida Public Service Commission to consider fuel diversity and fuel reliability as factors when determining the need for new electric generation.

Conservation

Expedite state performance contracting with Energy Service Companies, which could save Florida taxpayers more than $1 million each year.

Require all new State government buildings to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Environmental Design standards. Minimal increases in upfront costs of two percent or less to support green design will result in life cycle savings of 20 percent of total construction costs -- more than ten times the initial investment.

Economic Incentives

Provide consumer and corporate rebates to encourage investments in solar technologies and ENERGY STAR appliances. The typical household spends $1,500 a year on energy bills. With ENERGY STAR, Florida’s residents could save up to 30 percent or more than $450 per year.
Provide grant funding for renewable energy research and demonstration projects.

Transportation Fuels

Diversity

Improve petroleum supply and distribution mechanisms into and within Florida. Expedite all State permits required to create redundancy and increase capacity.

Before the 2006 hurricane season, register 10 percent of retail fueling stations in a generator sharing program to facilitate temporary power restoration and fuel availability in storm impacted areas.

Conservation

Foster state-local partnerships to encourage well-designed transportation and transit systems between established communities and within new community developments.

Economic Incentives

Provide corporate sales and income tax incentives to encourage the production of clean fuels in Florida and for pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells, vehicles and fueling infrastructure.

Provide grant funding for applied research and demonstration projects associated with the development and implementation of alternative fuel vehicles and other emerging technologies.

For a copy of the complete plan, visit:
http://myfloridaclimate.com/index.php/content/download/54389/228479/version/1/file/2006_Energy_Plan.pdf

For a copy of the Energy plan chart, visit: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/news/2006/01/0117_01b.htm#energy_plan