Florida’s municipal utilities unveil green energy proposal

With an underlying goal of protecting consumers from the monetary impacts of climate change initiatives, Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) today presented a Green Energy Portfolio Standard to the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC).

The proposal is a response to Governor Charlie Crist’s executive orders mandating cuts in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The executive orders, signed during the recent Florida Climate Change Summit, require electric utilities to reduce GHG emissions to 2000 levels by the year 2017 and 1990 levels by 2025 with an additional 80 percent reduction of 1990 levels by 2050. Executive Order 127 directed the PSC to develop a renewable portfolio standard of 20 percent.

The Green Energy Portfolio Standard is the next logical step in the development of renewable and clean energy. “We believe that a kilowatt generated by a solar panel is the same as a kilowatt saved by efficiency,” stated FMEA Executive Director Barry Moline. “In addition, achieving a 20 percent goal just from renewables will be tough, because Florida doesn’t have as many renewable energy resources as other regions. Including efficiency and conservation makes it possible.”

FMEA’s Green Energy Portfolio Standard focuses on measures that incorporate renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation while managing electricity costs for consumers. The proposal would limit consumers’ utility bill increase to 1 percent, raising $200 million statewide for green energy programs. “I think everyone can agree that spending 1 percent of our electric bills is reasonable,” said Moline. “How far and how fast down the road we’ll meet the governor’s goals is impossible to say at this point, but the only way to find out is to take the first step."

Currently, 23 states have clean energy policies similar to FMEA’s proposal. Of those 23, only three have consumer cost controls in place and none have an evaluation process to monitor progress. “Our strategy is to develop green projects in Florida, get more energy from renewables and efficiency, learn what works best, then expand over time,” said Moline. “As Ghandi said, ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.'"

Press Release: Florida’s Municipal Utilities Unveil Green Energy Portfolio

FMEA's Green Energy Portfolio Standard

PowerPoint Presentation on Green Energy Portfolio Standard
(Posted 07.26.07)