Tag Archives: Energy

Energy, Environment

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

Leave a comment

“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

Leave a comment

“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

Business

FPL Gives Hope and Help to those in need through FPL Care To Share

Leave a comment

The program has raised more than $15.7 million, and it has provided energy assistance to almost 68,000 Florida families in need.

Juno Beach, FL (June 8, 2012) — Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) developed the FPL Care To Share program in 1994. The program has raised more than $15.7 million, and it has provided energy assistance to almost 68,000 Florida families in need. One hundred percent of contributions raised from FPL customers, shareholders and employees go to help those in need – no contributions are used for fundraising or administrative purposes. More than 1,700 employees of FPL and its parent company, NextEra Energy, Inc. currently donate to the program.

No one should have to choose between food or medicine and electricity. Sadly, there are many elderly, disabled, and other individuals who are simply finding themselves in a financial crisis and facing these choices every day.

That is why Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) developed the FPL Care To Share program in 1994. The program has raised more than $15.7 million, and it has provided energy assistance to almost 68,000 Florida families in need.

FPL customer Ana Cisneros found herself in a financial crisis when the economy was slowing. Her business’ revenue wasn’t enough to pay for all of her bills. Recently divorced, she also needed to rethink how she could provide for her and her daughter and herself on just one income.

Fortunately, there was help. Not knowing what to do, Ana found herself at the Palm Beach County Human Services office in Riviera Beach, Fla. – one of more than 800 governmental, social service and faith-based agencies throughout Florida that administer FPL Care To Share funds.

Kate Cole, case worker at Palm Beach County Human Services said, “People are at their lowest and they feel so ashamed when they come in. And our job is to help them to see that we’re a team: the family or individual, the case worker and FPL.” She adds, “I think it’s important for people to know that the money they donate makes a tremendous impact on this community with people that are working hard and struggling.”

Ana was able to qualify for financial assistance through FPL’s Care To Share program, keep her lights on and her business going. “Now I am able to put one foot in front of the other and have a better tomorrow to look forward to,” she explains. “Sometimes that little bit of help makes a big difference.”

One hundred percent of contributions raised from FPL customers, shareholders and employees go to help those in need – no contributions are used for fundraising or administrative purposes. More than 1,700 employees of FPL and its parent company, NextEra Energy, Inc. currently donate to the program. FPL employee and FPL Care To Share donor Vicki Backus explains, “I know that when I donate to Care To Share, my funds are going to help someone and are being spent wisely.”

Visit http://www.FPL.com/caretoshare to hear Ana’s story, make a contribution and help make a difference. FPL customers can also donate by checking the Care To Share box on their bill.

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

TCG Receives Prestigious Awards at the Fourth Annual Florida Communities of Excellence Ceremony

Leave a comment

MIAMI – Apr. 12, 2012 – The Continental Group (TCG), a FirstService Residential Management company, received numerous recognitions at the Fourth Annual Florida Communities of Excellence Awards hosted on Friday, March 30, 2012 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Conference Center in Hollywood, Florida.

 

Sponsored by the Florida Community Association Journal, the awards recognize communities from across the state that are setting the standards in meeting today’s communities’ challenges and for outstanding achievements that benefit residents, enhance property values and contribute to the quality of life in Florida. A panel of independent experts, including representatives of leading state and local government departments and agencies, judged the awards. With 10 award categories, winners were chosen from both smaller communities (fewer than 400 units) as well as larger communities.

 

The 2012 “Managers of Excellence” Award included TCG Community Association Managers, Kathy Jean Pinchuk of Valencia Shores in Lake Worth and Kristoffer Schaeffer of Solaire at the Plaza in Orlando, who were inducted during the Florida Communities of Excellence Conference & Awards Ceremony, which honored a total of seven of the state’s outstanding Community Association Managers. The managers were chosen based on the cumulative performance of their associations.

The Carbonell Condominium in Brickell Key won in the small communities’ category for “Energy & Water Conservation (Non-Landscaping)” for its sustainable practices and resource conversation programs. Other TCG managed properties recognized were Edgewater Condominium of Broward County in Coral Springs and Anclote Point Town Home in Tarpon Springs, which both won in the small communities’ category “The Comeback Kid.” This award presented by BB&T Association Services recognizes communities whose boards and managers have developed and implemented successful turnaround programs by revitalizing distressed properties.

 

“The Continental Group strives to bring the industry’s top professionals and finest resources together to deliver exactly what our associations and residents need to thrive,” said Tim O’Keefe, President of TCG.  “We are proud of the TCG communities and professional staff that were recognized in the different categories of the Communities of Excellence Awards.”

 

The Continental Group was also a Diamond-level sponsor of the awards program joined by other sponsors who have business interests dedicated to the servicing the needs of residents of condominiums and homeowner associations.

About The Florida Communities of Excellence Awards

The Florida Communities of Excellence Awards is a unique recognition program that shines a spotlight on the positive and productive initiatives taking place in condominiums, homeowners associations and cooperatives across Florida. Now in its fourth year, the independently judged program enables the top communities in the state to promote their accomplishments and raise their profiles while documenting their success and enabling others to learn from their examples. For more information, please visit communitiesofexcellence.net

About The Continental Group, Inc.

Founded in 1990, The Continental Group’s corporate headquarters is located in Hollywood, FL.

It also has regional offices in Boca Raton, Miami, West Palm Beach, Wellington, Vero Beach, Orlando, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Jacksonville and Destin. The company is the largest manager of condominium and homeowner associations in the state, and one of South Florida’s leading private sector employers.

 

Today, The Continental Group manages and maintains 1,500 Associations and more than 310,000 residential units. As the leading community association management company in Florida, Continental pioneered many of the practices widely utilized throughout the industry today.

 

The Continental Group is a subsidiary of FirstService Residential Management (FSR). FSR is the largest manager of residential communities in North America, overseeing more than 5,600 properties and over 1.3 million residential units.  FSR is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ: FSRV, TSX: FSV), a global leader in the rapidly growing real estate services sector, providing a variety of services in commercial real estate, residential property management and property services. More information about FirstService is available at firstservice.com.

 

To learn more about The Continental Group, call (954) 925-8200, toll-free: (800) 215-2316 or visit tcgmgt.com.

Business, Energy, Environment, Human Resources

Jonathan Dollard, P.E. Joins Free Flow Power Corporation

Leave a comment

Free Flow Power Corporation, a developer of clean renewable energy, welcomes the addition of Mr.Jonathan Dollard, P.E.to the company as aVice President of Engineering.

Mr. Dollard has more than 20 years of experience in hydropower industry. Mr. Dollard was responsible for the operation and maintenance of over 65 hydroelectric and other renewable energy generating projects across the United States during his preceding 14-year employment with Enel Green Power North America, Inc. (formerly CHI Energy, Inc.) Mr. Dollard also worked with Rivers Engineering and has completed various civil, structural and water resources analyses and designs. He has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of New Hampshire.

Dan Irvin, CEO of Free Flow Power, commented, “We’re thrilled to have Jon leading our engineering team. We expect his experience in design, operation, and maintenance of utility-scale renewable energy facilities to enhance the value of our development pipeline.”

Mr. Dollard remarked, “ I look forward to working with FFP team who is clearly one of the leading hydropower development companies within the United States. It’s wonderful to join a team that has a common goal of economically developing renewable energy sites and I hope to share my past experiences with them to ensure success. ”

About Free Flow Power

Free Flow Power Corporation is a clean renewable energy company focusing on hydropower, hydrokinetic and hydro pumped storage projects as reliable, cost-effective sources of electricity and grid stability. Free Flow Power is developing a pipeline of over 150 projects representing potential capacity of more than 3,500 Megawatts in the US on behalf of investors, utilities, and electricity consumers.

###

Business

Local Middle Schoolers Power Radio Station with Wind Energy by FPL Grant

Leave a comment

“FPL began our teacher grant program to provide funds for creative, exciting classroom projects that spark curiosity and give our children exposure to real-world applications of the science behind everyday energy use,” said Maureen Wilt of FPL.

Juno Beach, FL (April 12, 2012) — Stroll onto the campus of the David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center School in North Miami, and one of the first things you’ll see is a waterfall powered by solar panels. Round a corner, and you’ll stumble upon a working wind turbine. A few steps further, a team of pre-teens is constructing a radio transmission tower under the direction of teacher Laurie Futterman.

This month, Ms. Futterman won her second grant from Florida Power & Light Company to implement student projects exploring renewable energy. The solar waterfall was the result of her first grant, and took about a year to complete. For her next project, she dreamed even bigger.

This year’s FPL grant will help Ms. Futterman and the school’s “Green Team” apply a wind turbine they built to provide power to a radio tower, which will broadcast student announcements of school events and programs to parents’ car radios as they pick up or drop off their children.

The Green Team started out as an afterschool environmental police force who audited classrooms for wasted energy. Thanks to the grants, the group has evolved into a green engineering club, taking on projects like building the solar powered waterfall, wind turbine, and now radio transmission tower.

In preparation for the project, Ms. Futterman had her students read “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” the story of a boy in Malawi who used tree limbs, a bike tire, and old junk parts to build a wind turbine that powered lights in his family’s house.

The Green Team’s project is just as hands-on. In constructing the wind turbine, the students prepped, primed, and riveted parts and hand-coiled copper wire. They’re nearly ready to run a wire underground to the radio tower and up the PVC pipes that form the legs of the tower, and mount the antenna. Next up: the students will work on the radio station and announcements.

“There’s only so much a teacher can do in the classroom, and we’re grateful to have the grants for an invaluable opportunity to actually put green energy into motion,” said Ms. Futterman. “I see our students truly inspired and energized by their mission. They work after school every Monday until about five o’clock – they even worked through their winter vacation!”

The radio tower project was made possible with a $1,600 grant from FPL to spur innovative and critical science, technology, engineering, and math education in the classroom. While so-called “STEM” education is seen as the key to job growth and global competitiveness, public funds to support it are scarce.

“There’s no doubt that STEM classes are one of the most important components in today’s education,” said Maureen Wilt of FPL. “That’s why FPL began our teacher grant program – to provide funds for creative, exciting classroom projects that spark curiosity and give our children exposure to real-world applications of the science behind everyday energy use. This is the third year of FPL’s grant program and so far, we’ve been able to support 84 amazing classroom projects across Florida. We can’t wait to see what our state’s teachers come up with next year.”

You can keep track of the Green Team’s progress on Facebook with videos, pictures, and status updates from “Ms. Futterman’s Science Page.” Or, learn more about FPL’s education initiatives at http://www.fpl.com/community/learning.

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

Energy, Environment

FPL offers Snowbirds ways to save Energy While Away

Leave a comment

FPL’s energy efficiency blogger, Danielle Mousseau, recognizes the opportunity to help seasonal residents. “We’ve noticed that seasonal residents have been very active on our blog, asking questions on ways they can save and how they can prevent mold while they’re away for the summer,” says Mousseau.

Juno Beach, FL (April 5, 2012) — Rising temperatures in Florida mark the time of year when seasonal residents begin preparing to close their homes for the summer. These snowbirds face unique challenges in preparing their homes, and Florida Power & Light (FPL) wants to help seasonal residents in its service territory face challenges like mold prevention and storm preparation, and help them save on their electric bills, too.

Although the number of seasonal residents varies, FPL estimates that there are about 400,000 seasonal residents its service territory.

FPL’s energy efficiency blogger, Danielle Mousseau, recognizes the opportunity to help seasonal residents. “We’ve noticed that seasonal residents have been very active on our blog, asking questions on ways they can save and how they can prevent mold while they’re away for the summer,” says Mousseau. “To help meet their needs, we developed a comprehensive checklist that they can use to help them save energy and money as well as prevent mold when their home is vacant.”

Like all FPL customers, seasonal residents benefit from the lowest electric bill out of the state’s 55 electric utilities, and a bill that is 25 percent below the national average, says Mousseau.

Here’s FPL’s checklist to prevent mold and save energy while your home is vacant:

Mold prevention
• For programmable thermostats: Set your A/C to run at 72 degrees for just two hours each morning before sunrise and at 88 degrees the rest of the time.
• For non-programmable thermostats: Set your A/C to run at 80 degrees while you are away. If you live in a condo or apartment set your A/C at 77 degrees.
• For maximum energy savings: Use dehumidifiers instead of air conditioning. Set dehumidifiers at 58 percent by sinks and showers, one for every 1,000 square feet. Be sure to place the dehumidifiers so the water runs into the drain.

Appliances

• Water heater: Unplug or turn off the circuit breaker to the hot water heater
• Unplug appliances and electronics. For security reasons, you may want to place timers on indoor lamps.
• Refrigerators: If you prefer to keep your refrigerator on, set it at its warmest setting. If your prefer to keep your refrigerator off, make sure to clean the interior with solution of 1 tbsp. of baking soda in 1 quart of water; dry thoroughly and leave doors open. Remove all food from the freezer and refrigerator and leave the refrigerator door propped open. If you have an automatic ice maker, switch it to the “off” position.

Pool
• Set your pool pump to run no more than six hours a day.
• Arrange for someone to check your pool’s chemical levels and water level while you’re away.

Billing and Payment Options
• For the easiest ways to receive and pay your FPL bill while you’re away, visit http://www.FPL.com/easy

Hurricane Preparedness
• Make arrangements for hurricane shutters to be installed prior to your departure if you will be gone for the duration of hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Other
• Make sure all smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries.
• Discard all perishable items.
• Ask someone to check on your property every two weeks while you’re away.
• Turn off the main water valve unless you have an automatic fire-sprinkler system. If you do, turn off the water valves to your washing machine, kitchen and bathroom sinks, dishwasher and toilets.

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
For more information, visit: http://on.fb.me/GTJshe

Business, Energy

CEO Armando Olivera Outlines FPL’s Commitment to Economic Development and Clean, Affordable Energy

Leave a comment

FPL’s Chief Executive Officer Armando Olivera described how FPL is promoting business and job creation in the state by offering some of the most affordable and reliable energy in the nation and a new rate program to encourage economic development.

Juno Beach, FL (March 8, 2012) — In a keynote speech to hundreds of business leaders at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Florida Power & Light Co. Chief Executive Officer Armando Olivera described how FPL is promoting business and job creation in the state by offering some of the most affordable and reliable energy in the nation and a new rate program to encourage economic development.

The average FPL residential customer has a bill that is the lowest among Florida’s 55 electric utilities, and about 25 percent lower than the national average, said Olivera. “In fact, over the course of an entire year, our typical customer saves an average of $357 compared to what they would pay in other parts of Florida. FPL’s business customers also have electric bills that are among the lowest in the state and well below the national average.”

The FPL chief executive told the audience at the Chamber’s Trustee Luncheon how his company is building on its commitment to help Florida businesses by offering an “Economic Development Rate.” With the approval of the state’s Public Service Commission, eligible commercial and industrial businesses can now receive reduced utility rates. The rate is available to new or expanding businesses that add at least 350 kilowatts of new demand on the grid and 10 new jobs per 350 kilowatts. According to Olivera, this economic growth initiative means an additional savings of up to $12,000 for the first year for a typical eligible customer

He told members FPL’s work on economic growth extends to the creation of its new Office of Economic Development, which offers a suite of professional services intended to assist businesses with planning, energy efficiency initiatives, and more. Information about the office is available at http://www.poweringflorida.com.

Olivera noted that the Chamber, like Miami itself, has evolved and grown dramatically over the course of its long history. “Forty years ago the population of Miami-Dade County was a little more than 1.2 million people; today, it has more than doubled to nearly 2.5 million,” Olivera told the Chamber members. “And just like the County and its economy, the Chamber has grown – and diversified.”

In the same 40 years, FPL has evolved as well, he said, and the audience was treated to highlights of the company’s pioneering role in the transformation of the energy industry. Vintage photography served as a backdrop to Olivera’s brief historical review. He explained that decades ago, Miami-Dade’s electrical power was generated primarily by burning fuel in a conventional boiler. Since that time, FPL has led the way in implementing new technologies for power generation that are designed to increase efficiency and save money for customers.

“We built Turkey Point, our state’s first nuclear power plant, in 1972, and we were one of the first utilities in the nation to build a power plant using a combustion turbine,” said Olivera. “We were also one of the first to build a combined-cycle power plant.” He told Chamber members that FPL’s focus on efficiency means lower bills for customers, and strides forward for the environment.

As further examples of the company’s focus on efficiency, the FPL chief executive discussed new power plant construction and new technology development. He pointed to Florida’s newest combined-cycle natural gas power plant – FPL’s West County Energy Center -which achieves a 50 percent increase in fuel efficiency compared to conventional boilers. Olivera also reviewed FPL’s Fleet Performance and Diagnostic Center, an industry-leading resource that continuously monitors more than one million data points in the company’s system, locating inefficiencies and potential operational problems.

FPL’s technology advances are paying big dividends for customers, according to Olivera. “The future of affordable and reliable energy in our service area is being built as we speak,” he said.

Before leaving, Olivera had one final message for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce – a message of thanks: “When I am at a Chamber event, I am not only spending time with leaders of the community, but also with great customers – and friends.”

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
kristy.kennedy@rbbpr.com
http://www.fpl.com

Real Estate

Metrolist to Provide Energy and ‘Green’ Data in Home Sales Listings

Leave a comment

State’s Largest MLS Adds Data To Align With Governor’s Green Initiative

Denver, CO, March 07, 2012 – Metrolist®, the largest real estate multiple listing service (MLS) serving Colorado real estate agents, today unveiled “Energy/Green fields,” a far-reaching initiative that integrates ‘energy/green’ data into the MLS search process.

By adding key attributes such as searchable fields, Colorado’s largest MLS will provide the industry with much-needed energy and ‘green’ data through home sales listings, a key component of quantifying market value and identifying comparison data for real estate professionals, homebuyers, and for appraisers that are valuating energy-efficient homes.

Metrolist’s new green-field initiative is the end result of work the company began with the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) in 2010.

“We identified two major reasons why we should move forward with searchable green fields,” said James T. Wanzeck, Metrolist Board Chairman. “The first is social responsibility. Buildings, after all, consume 39 percent of the nation’s energy use. The second is Realtor differentiation. Anything Realtors can do to differentiate themselves is good.”

Metrolist, which represents approximately 50 percent of Colorado’s Realtors and almost 70 percent of the state’s real estate transactions, designed its implementation of green fields to correlate with the recommendations of the GEO’s Appraisal Committee and has made available to its 15,000 members the state supplied Energy/Green Feature Addendum. An open and voluntary group, the Committee worked with key stakeholders in developing recommended searchable fields for integration into Colorado’s multiple listings services.

“Adding searchable green fields to Metrolist is very exciting” said Pete Rusin, a GEO residential program associate. “This effort will not only increase the coverage of energy efficiency fields in Colorado, it will help home owners and buyers find homes that can save them money on their utility costs.”

Consistent with the Appraisal Committee’s recommendations, Metrolist’s searchable fields are split into two categories, “Certifications” and “Features.” Sellers can also showcase additional common features of an energy-efficient/“green” home.

According to Mr. Wanzeck, compiling this data in Colorado is critical because green-building advocates say it will mirror what’s been happening in other parts of the country.

“We know that green homes sell faster and for more money than conventional, code-built comparables,” said Mr. Wanzeck. “I believe all of our re-tooling and data capture will help nearly everyone in Colorado see green.”

Contact:
Melissa Olson
Senior Manager,MarCom
(303) 850-9576
molson@metrolist.com

About Metrolist
Metrolist is the largest MLS in the state of Colorado, supporting the largest network of Realtors® with the most comprehensive database of real property listings throughout the Front Range. Realtor-owned since 1984, Metrolist provides leading technology solutions to real estate agents and brokers to better serve buyers and sellers. More information about Metrolist is available at www.metrolist.com. Metrolist provides a broad database of real property listings for real estate brokers to better serve buyers and sellers. Metrolist serves five Realtor associations: Aurora Association of Realtors, Douglas/Elbert Realtor Association, Mountain Metro Association of Realtors, South Metro Denver Realtor Association, and the Unified Association of Realtors (formerly Denver Board of Realtors, Jefferson County Association of Realtors, and North Metro Denver Realtor Association).

Contact:
Crystal Swan
CSG PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(303)847-3174
cswan@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Business, Energy

50 West Palm Beach Families received Free Home Energy Makeovers from FPL for Valentine’s Day

Leave a comment

“Our energy makeover teams are helping 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 customers even more money,” said FPL’s External Affairs Director Don Kiselewski.

Juno Beach, FL, February 15, 2012 — In partnership with the City of West Palm Beach, Florida Power & Light Company recently gave 50 families in the Poinciana and Vedado Park neighborhoods a special Valentine’s Day present. The families received free Home Energy Makeovers, where FPL experts installed energy-efficient upgrades to help residents save money and lessen their impact on the environment by reducing energy consumption. FPL’s Home Energy Makeovers also marked the kick-off for the City’s Fourth Annual e4 Sustainability Summit, a two week-long initiative designed to help residents learn how to incorporate green practices into their daily lives.

Approximately 60 energy experts from FPL and city employee volunteers traveled through neighborhoods to deliver the energy efficiency upgrades, which are expected to save these FPL customers, many of whom are senior citizens living on fixed incomes, as much as 25 percent on their utility bills.

Since 2006, FPL has installed extensive energy efficiency upgrades in 700 homes through the company’s Home Energy Makeover program. The program cumulatively is saving the participants an estimated $140,000 combined each year.

“FPL is proud to continue our partnership with the City of West Palm Beach, and help more residents in the area reduce their energy use and save on their monthly expenses,” said FPL’s External Affairs Director Don Kiselewski. “Our energy makeover teams are helping 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 customers even more money.”

City officials, including City of West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio and Commissioner William Moss, joined approximately 60 FPL volunteers and helped out with energy-efficient upgrades as part of the Home Energy Makeover team.

“Giving our residents the resources to be more energy-efficient in their daily lives is a big priority for us, and the makeovers are the perfect start to our e4 Sustainability Summit,” Mayor Muoio said. “Our partnership with FPL helps give the residents of West Palm Beach the tools and information they need to save money and make a positive impact on their daily lives.”

A total of 12 Home Energy Makeover teams visited homes of pre-qualified customers for up to two hours each to install upgrades and educate homeowners about ways to reduce their energy usage. Upgrades included:

• Repairing air conditioning ducts
• Checking and installing insulation
• Installing lifetime air conditioning filters
• Installing compact fluorescent lights
• Inserting refrigerator and freezer thermometers
• Installing weather stripping
• Installing water-saving showerheads and faucets

Most of these energy efficiency upgrades can be adopted by any FPL customer looking to make smarter, cleaner energy choices. Customers can learn about the improvements installed with Home Energy Makeovers by visiting the Energy Savings Toolkit section at http://www.FPL.com and taking a free, online Home Energy Survey.

Visit http://tinyurl.com/FPLvalentinesmakeover to see photos from the event.

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
kristy.kennedy@rbbpr.com
http://www.fpl.com