Category Archives: Energy

Energy

Nothing is scarier than wasting electricity on energy phantoms

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“While FPL customers have the lowest electric bill in Florida, we’re committed to helping them and their families manage the energy they use every day,” said Craig Muccio, FPL Energy Expert.

Juno Beach, FL (October 31, 2012) — FPL offers kids Top 10 Tips to Fight Energy Phantoms lurking in homes this Halloween.

Florida Power & Light Company doesn’t want its customers to get spooked by energy phantoms creeping around this Halloween. In fact, the company has many ways to help shed light on these unwanted energy consumers.

Phantom energy, or phantom load, is electricity consumed by an electrical device when it is in the “off” mode. Many electronic items are in “standby” mode when turned off, helping them turn on faster or respond to a remote control. Power adapters, such as cell phone chargers, are also powered whenever they are plugged in. This is why they feel slightly warm even when there’s no device connected. Also, anything with a lit digital display uses a tiny bit of power, even when not in use.

“While FPL customers have the lowest electric bill in Florida, we’re committed to helping them and their families manage the energy they use every day,” said Craig Muccio, FPL Energy Expert. “Halloween is a perfect time to teach kids how they can rid their homes of these scary energy-phantoms.”

Top 10 Tips to Fight Energy Phantoms

1. Unplug your charger when you’re not charging your cell phone
2. Turn off electronics, like the radio, TV, computer and video games, as well as lights and ceiling fans when you leave a room
3. Keep windows and outside doors closed when the air conditioning is on
4. Open curtains so you can use the sunlight during the day
5. Use a small lamp when you read or study at night
6. Use the microwave to warm up food instead of the stove
7. Decide what you want from the refrigerator before opening the door
8. Turn off the dishwasher before the drying cycle to let the dishes air dry
9. Take short showers so you’re not using as much energy to heat water
10. Ask your parents to replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights

There are other tips that can help you reduce the amount of electricity you may not realize you’re wasting, find out what they are at, http://www.FPL.com/energyfit.

About Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is a leading employer in the state with approximately 10,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while customer bills are below the national average. A clean energy leader, FPL has one of the lowest emissions profiles and one of the leading energy efficiency programs among utilities nationwide. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla. – based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit http://www.FPL.com.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
http://www.newsroom.fpl.com/phantoms

Business, Energy, Environment

Energy-Efficient Donations help Fort Myers Homeless Organization save on its Electric Bill

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Businesses and organizations looking to better manage their energy use and save on their monthly bills can take FPL’s free Business Energy Evaluation.

Juno Beach, FL (October 3, 2012) — Today, Florida Power & Light Company and local contractors led an effort to benefit a nonprofit organization that helps those in need every day. Fort Myers-based Community Cooperative Ministries Incorporated (CCMI) received a free energy makeover from FPL, which will help the organization save at least $3,000 a year in electricity costs.

Incorporated in 1984, the CCMI is dedicated to ending hunger in Lee County by providing nutritious meals, groceries, quality early childhood education, social services, case management and referral to the homeless, homebound, seniors, working poor, children and the frail in our community. The agency provides more than 14,000 meals each month through their Everyday Café & Marketplace and Home Delivered Meals programs. CCMI also educates 40 children in its Community Montessori, offers homeless and comprehensive case management services through its United Way Resource House, oversees an emergency mobile food pantry and supplies weekend backpacks full of food to more than 2,500 children each school year.

“We are so appreciative and thankful to FPL and its partners for their generosity and hard work in making our organization more energy-efficient,” said Tracey Galloway, CEO of Community Cooperative Ministries Incorporated. “It feels good to know that there are companies out there that take an active role helping those in need in our community. The money we save on our electric bill will help us to provide more comprehensive services to the homeless in our community.”

FPL and local contractors added film to all windows to save energy by reducing solar heat gain in summer and retaining heat in winter. Other upgrades included the installation of energy-efficient lighting and the addition of new freezer curtain strips in the organization’s large walk-in freezer to keep chilled air inside and energy bills even lower.

“We are very grateful for the CCMI’s important role in the community,” said FPL Community Relations Specialist, Tim Moore. “We’re happy that we are able to give back to such an integral organization in our neighborhood. This makeover has allowed us to give the CCMI a long-term return on the investments we make here today at no charge to them. FPL customers have the lowest electric bills in the state, and these upgrades will help them continue to save and further help others who need assistance.”

Most of the energy efficiency upgrades that were completed today can be adopted by any business customer looking to make smarter energy choices. Businesses and organizations looking to better manage their energy use and save on their monthly bills can take FPL’s free Business Energy Evaluation.

About Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is a leading employer in the state with approximately 10,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while customer bills are below the national average. A clean energy leader, FPL has one of the lowest emissions profiles and one of the leading energy efficiency programs among utilities nationwide. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla. – based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit http://www.FPL.com.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
http://www.newsroom.fpl.com

Business, Energy, Environment

Florida Power & Light Energizes Classrooms with Zany, New Educational School Show

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“We know that many teachers reach into their own pockets to supplement their teaching and to help bring lessons to life,” said FPL’s Education Program Manager, Maureen Wilt.

Juno Beach, FL, USA (September 13, 2012) — The fast-paced educational school show, “Men in Plaid: The Kilowatt Connection,” is energizing classrooms throughout Florida Power & Light Company‘s service territory. The program, featuring an incredible cast of characters, is available free of charge to teachers who are looking to enrich their science curricula for the 2012-13 school year.

“Men in Plaid: The Kilowatt Connection” delivers important energy conservation messages through an engaging cast of characters including Moldy and Skuller, The Boss, Ooot Blatuu, and The Slug. The foursome travels the planet finding ways electricity is being used unsafely and unwisely. The cast teaches students how energy is made, used and wasted and why it’s important to conserve it.

“We know that many teachers reach into their own pockets to supplement their teaching and to help bring lessons to life,” said FPL’s Education Program Manager, Maureen Wilt. “It’s our hope that programs like this will inspire students to be energy conservation advocates in their homes and ease the educational load on Florida teachers.”

The show is performed by professional actors from The National Theatre for Children based in Minneapolis, Minn. This organization specializes in writing and performing educational programs for children nationwide using simple sets and audience participation.

The 25-minute live theatre performance is offered to kindergarten through fifth-grade students in FPL’s service territory. The show can be performed at individual schools in the gym, cafeteria or any large assembly area where students can be seated on the floor. Each show includes grade-appropriate workbooks for each student, and comprehensive online teacher guides.

To learn more about arranging a performance or to see the tour schedule, visit http://www.fpl.com/community/learning/show.shtml.

About Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is a leading employer in the state with approximately 10,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while customer bills are below the national average. A clean energy leader, FPL has one of the lowest emissions profiles and one of the leading energy efficiency programs among utilities nationwide. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla. – based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit http://www.FPL.com.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
For photos visit: http://www.fpl.com/newsroom

Business, Energy

On Hurricane Andrew’s 20th Anniversary, FPL Recognizes the Contributions of Electric Workers

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“Our electric workers are our first responders, consistently answering the call for help, whether it’s working to upgrade our electrical system on a daily basis or leading the charge after a storm,” said Keith Hardy, FPL’s vice president of Distribution.

Juno Beach, FL (August 22, 2012) — As the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew is observed, Florida Power & Light Company is paying special tribute to the members of its team whose work is critical to providing reliable power year-round and in the wake of devastating storms – electrical workers.

Karl Greer, an FPL electric worker based in South Florida, knows the importance of having a plan and being prepared because Greer rode out Hurricane Andrew 20 years ago with his family in Homestead, the storm’s ground zero. After the storm, he worked 16-hour shifts alongside thousands of FPL employees until power was fully restored.

“We put up wires and poles for a living, but the need I saw after Hurricane Andrew was unlike anything that I had ever witnessed,” said Greer. “Andrew taught us all a vital lesson about the seriousness of storms, and the need for serious preparation.”

Greer’s experience during Andrew was like many in the region. At 12:35 a.m., his power went out, and the noise of the wind and debris against the shutters grew so loud that he and his family could barely hear their own voices. When daylight arrived, he went outside to find his roof in tatters, and each of the 29 mature pine trees in his yard fallen. His uncle’s home on a neighboring property, once a two story residence, had been cut in half, with only the bottom floor remaining.

However, Greer had to put aside his personal challenges, because duty called. “The roads were all blocked, but as soon as I could I was at FPL with my crew, getting the power back on,” said Greer. “In one area, we replaced every single pole along a 6-mile stretch. It was tough, but what kept me going was the thought that my friends and family were counting on us; people all throughout the area were counting on us.”

The efforts of electric workers and other dedicated employees after Hurricane Andrew helped to improve FPL’s preparations for storms and the recovery that follows. The strategies employed to create restoration staging areas to coordinate with out-of-state service providers to assist with field operations were formed by experiences in Hurricane Andrew.

“Our electric workers are our first responders, consistently answering the call for help, whether it’s working to upgrade our electrical system on a daily basis or leading the charge after a storm,” said Keith Hardy, FPL’s vice president of Distribution. “We are showing our appreciation by celebrating throughout August, especially on Sunday Aug. 26, Lineworker Appreciation Day in Florida.”

To hear more from FPL electric workers that were on the ground during Hurricane Andrew, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_5-obibfjg&feature=youtu.be

About Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is a leading employer in the state with approximately 10,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while customer bills are below the national average. A clean energy leader, FPL has one of the lowest emissions profiles and one of the leading energy efficiency programs among utilities nationwide. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla. – based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit http://www.FPL.com.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
Tel: 305-552-3888
E-Mail: amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
Web: To hear more from FPL electric workers that were on the ground during Hurricane Andrew, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_5-obibfjg&feature=youtu.be

Business, Energy, Environment

FPL Marks Hurricane Andrew Anniversary as a Time to Remember, Learn and Prepare

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“At FPL, hurricane preparation is now part of our daily operations, every day we’re not in a storm we’re preparing for one,” said Keith Hardy, FPL’s vice president of Distribution.

Juno Beach, FL (August 10, 2012) — On Aug. 24, Florida and the nation will observe the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew, one of the most dramatic and devastating natural disasters in modern history. For those who lived through the storm and witnessed its incredible destruction first hand, this month is a time of solemn remembrance. And for everyone across the state of Florida and all along the Eastern seaboard and the Gulf Coast, Andrew’s anniversary is an occasion to learn from the past and to recognize the unpredictable and powerful nature of hurricanes, along with the absolute necessity of good planning and preparation throughout every hurricane season.

When Andrew struck just south of Miami, it made landfall with peak sustained winds of 165 miles per hour, and gusts of up to 175 mph. Now classified as a rare Category 5, the hurricane pushed a massive storm surge up Biscayne Bay, and delivered more than 7 inches of rain along the core of its path. Damages from the storm totaled more than $25 billion dollars throughout the Bahamas, Florida and the Gulf states, with thousands of homes lost and many more damaged.

FPL’s storm preparedness and recovery processes were also significantly challenged by Hurricane Andrew. As crews worked feverishly to restore power after the storm, FPL developed and perfected some of the systems now in place to map storm damage and to estimate restoration times.

“At FPL, hurricane preparation is now part of our daily operations, every day we’re not in a storm we’re preparing for one. On this anniversary, we urge our customers to prioritize disaster planning too,” said Keith Hardy, FPL’s vice president of Distribution. “We are always working to help the communities we serve prepare for the next storm. Every year we make multi-million dollar investments in our infrastructure to make it more resilient.”

In the past two decades, advances in technology have changed every step in the hurricane preparation and recovery process. New forecasting tools allow for more frequent assessments of a storm’s path and intensity, and better computer modeling has improved accuracy, especially on the intensity front. At the same time, technology has altered the way that information is communicated – before, during and after a hurricane. Today, storms can be tracked on-line, on mobile devices, through social media outlets, and of course through traditional media sources.

“In the past twenty years, our ability to respond to hurricanes and to keep our customers informed of our progress has improved dramatically with the advent of advanced technologies, and FPL is working to bring new tools to the forefront every day,” said Hardy.

FPL has harnessed technology to enhance the way that it communicates with customers before and after hurricanes, and the way that it pre-positions restoration crews and models the damage to its system from a storm. To help with preparation, FPL offers customers a wealth of information and tips on its website, http://www.FPL.com. After a hurricane, FPL offers constant updates and information about the power restoration process through its website, which is mobile friendly, and through Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/insideFPL), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/FPLconnect) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/FPL). FPL’s blog (http://www.FPLblog.com) is also an important source of news.

Technology advancements also allow FPL to inform customers about the post-storm restoration process faster. For example, hours after a storm, a preliminary restoration estimate is created through computer modeling based on historical data. It will change as damage reports from the field are complete, but it’s intended to help customers and communities make initial plans. At the same time, technology gives FPL the ability to streamline and shorten the restoration process by providing real-time location of crews and crew movements through a super-GPS technology called Restoration Spatial View.

“But the fact is, while much has changed since Andrew reached our shores,” said Hardy, “one simple truth remains the same: hurricanes carry with them a potentially overwhelming destructive power, and when a major storm hits, power will be interrupted, trees will fall and water will rise. Floridians must understand this fact and make every preparation for it.”

To view photos, please visit: http://www.fpl.com/newsroom

About Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is a leading employer in the state with approximately 10,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while customer bills are below the national average. A clean energy leader, FPL has one of the lowest emissions profiles and one of the leading energy efficiency programs among utilities nationwide. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla. – based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit http://www.FPL.com.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
http://www.fpl.com

Energy, Environment

Florida Power & Light Company Encourages Customers to get ‘Energy Fit’ and make their Bill even Lower

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“We’re committed to helping our customers manage their energy use to help keep their bills low,” says Sondra Houhoulis, an FPL Energy Expert.

Juno Beach, FL (August 1, 2012) — Have you ever wondered what it costs to power your television or your refrigerator?

Florida Power & Light Company‘s new “energy fit” campaign answers those questions and wants customers to think about energy savings in a new way. The campaign shows the benefits of applying simple energy-saving tips by comparing how those savings could power popular household appliances.

Sondra Houhoulis, an FPL Energy Expert featured in the campaign, says customers may not realize the effect from a few simple changes. “By making simple changes like turning your air conditioner’s thermostat up by one degree, it gives you enough savings in one month to be able to power: your home for one day, your refrigerator for 29 days or your 50-inch TV for 40 days. This simple change is just one of the ways you can save with the improved FPL Online Home Energy Survey.”

Houhoulis recommends FPL customers take advantage of free tools like the Online Home Energy Survey. Furthermore, she adds, not only is it well worth your time, but taking the improved Online Home Energy Survey is easier than ever. “It’s the most convenient way to get personalized, expert advice on how to save energy and money.”

“We’re committed to helping our customers manage their energy use to help keep their bills low,” says Houhoulis. FPL residential customers have the lowest bills out of all 55 utilities in the state and bills 25 percent below the national average.

To get energy fit and make your bill even lower, visit http://www.FPL.com/energyfit. Take the Online Home Energy Survey between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30 for a chance to win a $5,000 Energy Fit Makeover. For videos, please visit: http://www.newsroom.fpl.com.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
http://www.fpl.com

Energy

FPL Provides Energy Makeover to Oldest Animal Welfare Organization in Brevard County

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“Our energy makeover team is helping to make the lowest electric bill in the state even lower by sharing tips from FPL’s energy efficiency programs and implementing easy, low-cost improvements that can save all customers even more money,” said Sandy Sanderson, FPL’s external affairs manager.

Juno Beach, FL (July 21, 2012) — Florida Power & Light Company, with the help of local contractors, provided an energy makeover to the Central Brevard Humane Society (CBHS) in Cocoa today. As part of FPL’s non-profit energy efficiency program, the CBHS received free efficiency upgrades that are expected to save the organization at least $2,200 annually on its electric bill.

FPL energy experts and local contractors installed a new air conditioning unit, conducted air conditioning duct work, and installed energy-efficient lighting to help save energy and money. FPL’s energy experts also provided CBHS with energy-efficiency improvement tips to make it easier for the organization to manage its monthly energy usage.

“As Brevard County’s oldest established animal welfare organization, the CBHS is an important part of our community and providing them with the resources to be more energy-efficient is a great accomplishment,” Cocoa Deputy Mayor Don Boisvert said. “Our partnership with FPL helps give organizations like ours the tools and information they need to save money and continue making a positive impact in the community.”

“Every dollar the CBHS can save on its energy bill is a dollar it can use to provide quality care to Brevard’s abandoned animals,” said Sandy Sanderson, FPL’s external affairs manager. “Our energy makeover team is helping to make the lowest electric bill in the state even lower by sharing tips from FPL’s energy efficiency programs and implementing easy, low-cost improvements that can save all customers even more money.”

Most of these energy efficiency upgrades can be adopted by any business customer looking to make smarter energy choices. Businesses and organizations looking to better manage their energy use and save on their monthly bills can take FPL’s free Business Energy Evaluation.

To see highlights and photos from the CBHS energy makeover visit: http://www.FPL.com/newsroom

About Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is a leading employer in the state with approximately 10,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while customer bills are below the national average. A clean energy leader, FPL has one of the lowest emissions profiles and one of the leading energy efficiency programs among utilities nationwide. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla. – based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit http://www.FPL.com.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
http://www.fpl.com

Energy, Environment

FPL and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center Partner to Rescue Sea Turtles Tilly and Kahuna

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“There’s nothing better than witnessing a rehabbed sea turtle as it disappears into the surf,” said Amy Albury, director of sustainability, FPL. “If the sick turtles we find could talk, they would tell you that without the help of FPL and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, they probably wouldn’t have survived much longer in the open ocean.”

Juno Beach, FL (July 12, 2012) — With names like Kahuna and Tilly, you would think they would be hanging out with characters like Moondoggie in a Gidget movie, but that’s where any similarities would end.

Tilly and Kahuna are two loggerhead sea turtles. They are linked to one another because they were both recovered from a canal at Florida Power & Light Company‘s St. Lucie Nuclear plant by onsite biologists and then sent to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) in Juno Beach, Fla., for rehabilitation and recently released.

Tilly, a teenager in turtle years, was severely anemic, dehydrated, hypoglycemic and suffered from other maladies when admitted to LMC in April 2012. Kahuna, one of LMC’s longest admission-to-recovery residents, appeared to be suffering from every surfer’s worse nightmare when she was admitted about two years ago – a shark attack. Part of her left front flipper was missing and there were several deep lacerations on her right front flipper that required surgery. In addition, she had developed a bone infection. Antibiotics, vitamins and nutritional therapy were recommended for both turtles as part of their respective recovery processes.

“There’s nothing better than witnessing a rehabbed sea turtle as it disappears into the surf,” said Amy Albury, director of sustainability, FPL. “If the sick turtles we find could talk, they would tell you that without the help of FPL and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, they probably wouldn’t have survived much longer in the open ocean.”

This has been a landmark year in monitoring Florida’s sea turtle population with a record number of sea turtle nests found along Florida beaches in 2012. Even Kahuna is getting in on monitoring efforts as she was fitted with a global positioning satellite tracking device so researchers and turtle lovers can track her whereabouts.

“FPL conducts the necessary assessments and does preliminary evaluations of turtles before they are brought to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center for treatment,” said Dr. Charles A. Manire, director of research and rehabilitation, Loggerhead Marinelife Center. “The company’s comprehensive sea turtle program allows us to share data and develop an important resource to help these magnificent creatures.”

Within days of each other, Tilly and Kahuna made their way back to the ocean in separate “sand carpet” ceremonies befitting a blockbuster movie premiere attended by legions of adoring fans. Tilly was released at a fighting weight of 95 pounds and Kahuna tipped the scales at 209 pounds as they lumbered into the choppy surf. Tilly, formerly weighed 86 pounds; Kahuna was 172 pounds when first admitted.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
kristy.kennedy@rbbpr.com
http://www.fpl.com

Business, Energy

FPL Uses Infrared Technology to keep Service Reliability in the Top 25 Percent of Utilities Nationwide

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“What I like best about my job is knowing that I’m making a difference for FPL customers every day and helping to deliver affordable and reliable power,” said Florida Power & Light’s Delivery Assurance Lead, Eli Cueto.

Juno Beach, FL (June 23, 2012) — Florida Power & Light‘s Delivery Assurance Lead, Eli Cueto, can see things most of us would never even notice. He sees problems before they develop. Think of him as a detective who patrols the electric grid.

“Doing this, I get to fulfill a lot of things that I like, which is field work, and investigating and uncovering potential problems,” he says.

This detective’s tool of choice? An advanced infrared camera, which he carries in a black suitcase as he patrols the power lines across Florida in his FPL van.

“If you’re looking at a section of an overhead line, everything could appear fine,” he says. “You could look at it with binoculars and still everything looks good.”

Cueto says if he stopped there, and relied only on his eyesight, he would miss the most important evidence of all – the clue that’s the key to delivering reliable service. Opening his suitcase and flipping on his infrared camera, Cueto reveals what’s really going on inside the fuse switch, fixed 60 feet high atop an FPL pole.

“The way it works is that the camera picks up the infrared energy being displayed, so the brighter the color, the hotter the temperature,” Cueto says, pointing to a purplish image on the camera screen.

In the center of the image, he points to a bright white circle. “What we are seeing right here is a hot fuse switch. We can see it right here on the camera that it is overheating. The temperature, it’s over 150 degrees, so we know that it’s a candidate for replacement.”

Cueto returns to his office and uploads the infrared image to his computer. He calls up a database that provides more information about the specific pole and switch. The information he discovers helps him create a work order for his team, which can then perform preventive maintenance on the equipment and avoid a potential outage for customers. Like a good detective, Cueto followed the clues, determined the cause and cracked the case.

“I think FPL sets a standard, because we actually take the initiative to go out there and evaluate all the facilities that we have,” says Cueto. He is part of a team of 26 FPL employees and contractors who use infrared technology to help provide reliable service.

“What I like best about my job is knowing that I’m making a difference for FPL customers every day and helping to deliver affordable and reliable power.”

To view photos and video of FPL’s infrared technology, visit http://www.fpl.com/newsroom.

Eli Cueto joined FPL in 2005 and began his career as a meter reader. He later worked in the Distribution service planning area first, as an associate project designer, assisting with trouble tickets and working on projects to help improve service reliability, and later, as a customer project manager, helping plan for power delivery to new and existing construction. In December 2010, Cueto transitioned into his current delivery assurance lead position, where his focus day in and day out is preventing problems to help ensure service reliability.

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
kristy.kennedy@rbbpr.com
http://www.fpl.com

Business, Energy

FPL Installs New Poles to Strengthen Electric Grid and Help Communities Prepare for Hurricane Season

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“FPL takes hurricane season very seriously and we prepare for it year-round,” says Keith Hardy, FPL’s vice president of Distribution.

Juno Beach, FL (June 22, 2012) — From Sarasota to Stuart, Miami to Merritt Island, drivers may not think much about the orange signs seen along Florida roadways warning of utility work ahead. However, if a hurricane strikes in the coming months, this seemingly insignificant work could help Florida Power & Light Company better serve its customers in these communities.

“FPL takes hurricane season very seriously and we prepare for it year-round,” says Keith Hardy, FPL’s vice president of Distribution. “We are investing $200 million this year to strengthen our electric grid, replace poles and improve reliable service. This is one of the ways we help prepare the communities we serve.”

Following the unprecedented hurricane seasons of 2004-2005, FPL, under the guidance of the Florida Public Service Commission, embarked on a long-term infrastructure strengthening effort to help communities better respond to severe weather. The work improves FPL’s service reliability throughout the year, but Hardy says its greatest value lies in its potential to help the utility restore power to customers faster after a storm strikes.

“We work closely with the governments, customers and first responders in the 35 counties we serve to identify critical infrastructure – facilities like hospitals, 911 centers, police and fire stations – places that provide for the health and safety of the public,” says Hardy. “We worked to improve the infrastructure around these facilities first, as we know they provide essential services to our communities.”

Since 2006, FPL has strengthened the electric grid serving many of the top critical facilities in the state, and is now expanding its efforts to include important thoroughfares – along with grocery stores, pharmacies and service stations – that can help communities return to “normalcy” faster. In these areas, FPL reinforces existing utility poles with stronger wood or concrete poles, some of which stand 55-feet tall and weigh more than 8,000 pounds. Stronger poles are expected to improve restoration time as setting new poles takes much more time than replacing downed wires.

”We have 280 residents and patients – and that’s a lot of lives to be responsible for,” says Carmen Shell, director of the Morse Geriatric Center in West Palm Beach, one of the critical care facilities FPL services. “Restoring power rapidly is the best thing that can happen because not everything works on a generator.”

Hardy reminds customers that hurricanes are devastating forces of nature, and that in a serious storm there will be power outages, which could be lengthy. He encourages customers to develop plans accordingly.

“While no utility can be storm-proof,” says Hardy, “FPL’s ongoing investments in line strengthening and storm readiness are designed to help limit the impact of storms on the electric system and enable the utility to restore service to customers faster when outages do occur.”

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
http://www.fpl.com