Tag Archives: fpl

Energy

FPL Helps Customers Save On Their Energy Bills with Seven Summer Tips

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Easy savings are just a click away with Florida Power & Light’s free Online Home Energy Survey.

JUNO BEACH, Fla. (August 5, 2014) — Summer is synonymous with higher temperatures, and that may also mean higher than normal energy bills. As the days get longer and hotter, your air conditioner needs to run longer to keep you cool and can account for half or more of your bill.

“In hotter months, your A/C can run up to twice as long as it does in cooler months to keep your home at the same temperature. So when it’s running longer, your bill will be higher,” said FPL Energy Expert, Tiffany Spence.

To help customers make summer savings a breeze, FPL offers “Seven Summer Saving Tips”:

1. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home, and 82 while you’re away. Make sure the fan switch is on “auto”
2. Use fans to keep cool but remember to turn them off when leaving the room
3. Close blinds and shades to keep heat out
4. Seal windows and doors with weather stripping to avoid air escapes and save even more
5. Grill outside instead of using the oven or stove to help keep your kitchen cool
6. Clean or replace your air filter regularly so your air conditioner runs efficiently
7. Just click to take FPL’s free Online Home Energy Survey at FPL.com/easytosave

The Online Home Energy Survey makes it easier than ever to fast-forward to savings. It provides customers with a personalized energy-savings plan, tips and recommendations to save up to $250 a year in energy costs. In addition, the survey is integrated with each home’s Energy Dashboard so customers can see just how much they are spending on cooling, heating and appliances. The survey’s report is updated automatically every month with customers’ hourly, daily and monthly energy usage, monthly bill amount and temperature fluctuations, so tracking where their energy dollars are being spent is a breeze.

“FPL customers have the lowest bill in the state and we’re always looking for ways to help them make it even lower,” added Spence. “Whether it’s adjusting our thermostats, remembering to turn off a fan when leaving the room or enjoying a nice evening grilling with family and friends, we’re all just a click away from changing the current way we use energy to make our bills even lower.”

Visit FPL.com/easytosave to take FPL’s Online Home Energy Survey today.

About Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the third-largest electric utility in the United States, serving approximately 4.7 million customer accounts across nearly half of the state of Florida. As of year-end 2013, FPL’s typical 1,000-kWh residential customer bill is approximately 25 percent lower than the national average and the lowest in Florida among reporting utilities. FPL’s service reliability is better than 99.98 percent, and its highly fuel-efficient power plant fleet is one of the cleanest among utilities nationwide. The company was recognized in 2014 as the most trusted U.S. electric utility by Cogent Reports, and has earned the national ServiceOne Award for outstanding customer service for an unprecedented 10 consecutive years. A leading Florida employer with approximately 8,900 employees, FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla.-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit http://www.FPL.com.

Media Contact:
Sasha Blaney
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-567-0821
sasha.blaney@rbbpr.com
http://www.fpl.com/easytosave

Business

FPL launches PoweringFlorida.com – a new online resource to help strengthen Florida’s competitive business advantage and grow the state’s economy

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FPL President Eric Silagy said, “as the largest electric utility and one of the largest companies in Florida, we believe we have a responsibility to help grow our state’s economy and create jobs for our fellow Floridians. When Florida’s economy grows, everyone wins.”

JUNO BEACH, Fla., Jan. 31, 2013 — Florida Power & Light Company’s Office of Economic Development today announced the launch of PoweringFlorida.com – a new online resource dedicated to helping businesses start up, expand or relocate their operations in Florida.

The initiative builds on FPL’s existing economic development efforts, which include special discounted electric rates to promote Florida to new and expanding businesses that create jobs for Floridians.

“As the largest electric utility and one of the largest companies in Florida, we believe we have a responsibility to help grow our state’s economy and create jobs for our fellow Floridians. When Florida’s economy grows, everyone wins,” said FPL President Eric Silagy. “A discount on FPL’s already-low rates can help businesses set up shop and expand in our service territory, which covers about half the state, but PoweringFlorida.com is designed to help expand the economy across the entire state.”

“PoweringFlorida.com showcases the diverse benefits that Florida has to offer and empowers all of our local communities with tools to help them to market the unique values that each corner of the state has to offer,” Silagy said.

“Economic development is a team sport. I am grateful to FPL for providing a product to enhance not only the competitiveness of the communities in their territory but also in the entire state. These strategic partnerships are critical to getting Floridians back to work,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s principal economic development organization.

PoweringFlorida.com offers two sets of services:

• One-Stop Shop for Site Selectors: PoweringFlorida.com provides thousands of site-selection experts across the globe with direct access to information about Florida’s workforce, available real estate, utility rate options and potential discounts and incentives – all information that is essential to selecting a location for new or expanding business operations.

• Market Resource Center for Local Economic Development Organizations: PoweringFlorida.com also provides local agencies in Florida tailored data about their communities that can help them better market their strengths and target businesses best-suited for their specific economic and workforce profiles.

“Never before has all this information existed in one place,” said Lynn Pitts, director of FPL’s Office of Economic Development. “It’s taken many months to build, but the benefits are limitless.”

For the first time together on one site, PoweringFlorida.com integrates independent third-party data from GIS Planning and Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI), specialists in location scouting and workforce evaluation, respectively. FPL is providing access free-of-charge for local economic development agencies in Florida that do not currently have these capabilities.

“Across the country, companies looking to expand are demanding reliable and accessible information to guide their decisions, and to maximize their investments,” said Del Boyette, president and CEO of Boyette Strategic Advisors, a leading site consulting firm. “PoweringFlorida.com has achieved a first: bringing the best planning and workforce data together in one click. What that means for companies and their site selectors is unfiltered and unparalleled insight – county by county and block by block. What that means for Florida is a competitive advantage for the right types of jobs and investment.”

“We greatly benefit from a strong partnership with FPL and its Office of Economic Development. FPL’s enhanced marketing efforts and resources provided to economic development organizations and the state are proving to be valuable assets for attracting and expanding business in Florida,” said Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County.

“FPL is a strong economic development partner in the Northeast Florida region. Beyond providing a discounted rate incentive, the FPL team is aggressively marketing the state to attract economic development projects. We appreciate the assistance and support that FPL provides to our partner counties to grow our region’s economy,” said Jerry Mallot, president of JAXUSA Partnership of the Greater Jacksonville Region.

PoweringFlorida.com is live now for site selectors worldwide and local economic development organizations in Florida. FPL plans to demonstrate the website’s functions to local economic development stakeholders at Enterprise Florida Inc.’s meeting in Tallahassee later this week.

Visit PoweringFlorida.com to learn more.

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 approximately 4.6 million customer accounts and is a leading Florida employer with approximately 10,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while its typical residential customer bills, based on data available in December 2011, are about 25 percent 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 more information, visit: http://www.poweringflorida.com

Energy, Environment

10 Ways to Have an Energy Fit Holiday

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The holidays can be an expensive time of year with plenty of gift giving, house guests and festive décor, making an impact on the wallet. While FPL customers already have the lowest energy bills in the state, the company is helping its customers make their bills even lower with 10 Ways to Have an Energy Fit Holiday.

Juno Beach, FL (November 28, 2012) — The holidays can be an expensive time of year with plenty of gift giving, house guests and festive décor, making an impact on the wallet. While FPL customers already have the lowest energy bills in the state, the company is helping its customers make their bills even lower with 10 Ways to Have an Energy Fit Holiday.

“Getting ready for the holidays can require a lot of energy, but most people probably aren’t thinking about the energy costs when it comes to entertaining, gift buying and decorating,” said Tim Fitzpatrick, vice president of Marketing & Communication for FPL. “The holidays are all about traditions, so by adding these energy-efficient changes FPL customers can be energy fit for years to come.”

1. Deck the halls with LEDs. When it comes to holiday lighting, LED lights are the bright choice to get you more for your money. The amount of power it takes to operate just one 7-watt incandescent holiday bulb could power two 24-foot LED strings – enough to light a six foot tree. Additionally, LED light strings last about 10 times longer.

2. Set time on your side. Set timers for your holiday displays to turn off before bedtime so there is no need to burn the lights all night long.

3. Switch your non-holiday lights. Before overnight guests arrive, switch out guest room and common area lighting to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Each CFL bulb you install will save you about $50 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.

4. Turn it off. Remind guests to turn off lights and fans when they leave the room. Stopping one ceiling fan from running all the time and turning at least one light off when you leave the room can save you more than $7 a month on your electric bill.

5. Stop peeking! Ovens lose a lot of heat when opened and require significant energy to heat back up to the appropriate temperature. Instead, when you have to sneak-a-peek, turn the oven light on and look through the interior window.

6. Choose glass or ceramic pans for the oven. These pans heat faster than metal ones and allow you to set the temperature 25 degrees lower than a recipe suggests for the same cooking time.

7. Don’t forget your crock-pot. Use smaller appliances such as crock-pots, microwaves and toaster ovens when possible. These can be much more energy-efficient for side dishes or small meals.

8. Select energy-efficient electronics. When it comes to buying gifts for your loved ones, opt for a laptop computer over a desktop computer. Laptop computers require 50 to 80 percent less power than a desktop computer.

9. Let the star be your guide. Look for the ENERGY STAR logo when purchasing larger electronics or appliances. Newer ENERGY STAR models meet stricter requirements and can save up to 40 percent on energy over standard models.

10. Give the gift of light. Use solar-powered pathway or security lights for your home or as a gift to the person who loves being outside in the evening.

For more ways to get energy fit year-round take an Online Home Energy Survey 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
kristy.kennedy@rbbpr.com
http://www.fpl.com/energyfit

Business, Energy, Environment

FPL Gives Thanks to 50 Sanford Families with Free Home Energy Makeovers

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“FPL customers have the lowest electric bills in the state, and these energy-efficiency tips will help them continue to save through the holidays,” said Larry Volenec, FPL’s external affairs manager.

Juno Beach, FL (November 21, 2012) — Sanford residents have something extra to be thankful for, just in time for Thanksgiving. In partnership with the City of Sanford, Florida Power & Light Company provided 50 local families with free Home Energy Makeovers. FPL experts installed energy-efficient upgrades to help residents save money on their electric bill.

Approximately 60 energy experts from FPL and employee volunteers from the City of Sanford traveled through neighborhoods to deliver the gift of energy-efficiency upgrades to residents, saving these FPL customers up to 25 percent monthly on their electric bills.

Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett, Commissioner Velma Williams and the Goldsboro Front Porch Council of Sanford joined the FPL volunteers and helped out with energy-efficient upgrades as part of the Home Energy Makeover team. “Our partnership with FPL gives residents of Sanford access to the tools and information they need to learn to conserve energy and to save money,” Mayor Jeff Triplett said. “The Home Energy Makeover is a great way for Sanford residents to kick-off the holiday season with savings.”

Upgrades performed included: installing lifetime air conditioning filters, compact fluorescent lights, weather stripping, and water-saving showerheads and faucets, as well as inserting refrigerator and freezer thermometers.

“FPL is proud to partner with the City of Sanford to educate residents on how to reduce their energy use and save on their monthly expenses,” said Larry Volenec, FPL’s external affairs manager. “Our energy-makeover team shared tips and advice on easy, low-cost improvements that can benefit all families throughout the service territory. FPL customers have the lowest electric bills in the state, and these tips will help them continue to save.”

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 during Home Energy Makeovers by visiting the Energy Savings Toolkit section at http://www.FPL.com/ohes and taking a free, online Home Energy Survey.

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 more information, visit: http://newsroom.fpl.com/SanfordHEMI

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

Nova Southeastern University Launches $50 Million Coral Reef Research Center in Hollywood, Fla.; saves thousands with FPL’s Economic Development Rate

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FPL offers discounts off its already-low business rates that are among the very lowest in the state and well below the national average as part of the company’s ongoing effort to support Florida’s future by helping businesses power economic growth.

Juno Beach, FL (September 28, 2012) — Nova Southeastern University (NSU) opened its new $50 million Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Ecosystems Research, the largest facility of its kind in the country, on Sept. 27 in Hollywood, Fla.

The Center qualified for Florida Power & Light Company’s specially discounted economic development rate new or expanding businesses that meet certain minimum requirements in terms of jobs created and added energy usage, which will save tens of thousands of dollars on electric bills over four years.

At a price tag of $50 million, the Center has created 22 new academic jobs and 300 construction jobs, and it will employ 50 graduate students as well as preserving 22 existing academic jobs.

“Reefs across the world are under extreme threat from both global and local stressors. Research is urgently needed for improved understanding, management, and conservation. Our research is funded by grants and contracts, and conducted in a state-of-the-art facility right here in South Florida,” said NSU President George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. “We are grateful for this discounted rate because savings in operational expenses translates into an increased ability to keep our tuition competitive for our students and conduct research activities that help benefit society.”

Protecting coral reefs also helps to protect the livelihoods of thousands of South Floridians. Florida is home to 84 percent of the nation’s reef ecosystems. These ecosystems contribute more than $6 billion annually to South Florida’s economy and contribute to a total of roughly 71,000 tourism, government, academic and research-related jobs, according to NSU.

“We are very pleased that our economic development rate was able to help support NSU’s efforts to grow their program and create jobs while also helping to protect the coral reefs that are crucial to the environment and Florida’s economy,” said Pam Rauch, FPL’s vice president of development and external affairs.

FPL offers discounts off its already-low business rates that are among the very lowest in the state and well below the national average as part of the company’s ongoing effort to support Florida’s future by helping businesses power economic growth. Businesses eligible for FPL’s economic development rate receive a discount on their standard base energy and demand charges over four to five years. Visit http://www.PoweringFlorida.com for more information.

For more information on the Center, visit http://www.nova.edu/ocean/excellence or contact Ken Ma, NSU associate director of public affairs, at ken.ma@nova.edu or 954-621-7961. For more information on how to support the Center, contact Wendy Wood-Derrer, NSU-OC assistant director of development, at wendyw@nova.edu or 954-262-3617.

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
Visit http://www.PoweringFlorida.com for more information.

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