Diocese of Venice Receives PSC’s Triple E Award

The Diocese of Venice (DOV) is a light to all who need its many services, but keeping the lights on costs money. By choosing to reduce their energy consumption, the DOV can put the savings toward important mission activities—earning them the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) April Triple E Award for Energy Efficiency Efforts.
“The PSC recognizes the Diocese of Venice for exploring energy efficiency with its utility and implementing their suggestions,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “By making a smart energy efficiency investment, the Diocese was able to reduce one of its highest expenses—its electric bill—and thereby expand services for parishioners.”
The Diocese contacted Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) to ensure its plans for more classrooms and a gymnasium at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota were energy efficient. Following FPL’s recommendations, the Diocese invested in a new high-efficiency Thermal Energy Storage system, allowing on-peak electricity use and lower energy bills. St. Martha is projected to reduce electric use by about 20 percent, saving an estimated $3,000 or more per month.
“Often when a Catholic School and/or Parish are considering energy efficient measures, the overriding concern can become economical,” said Susan Laielli, Director of Communication for the Diocese of Venice.  “The Diocese worked together with the two schools and the Parish to figure out the most efficient use of energy to ensure that any decision would fully benefit parishioners.  We hope the energy efficiency commitment is an example of how to be a good steward of our environmental and financial resources.”
“FPL applauds the Diocese of Venice for making a prudent investment that will help them reduce energy use and provide immediate and long-term savings,” said Brad Gunter, Manager of FPL DSM Energy Efficiency Programs.  “All FPL customers—business and residential—have the opportunity to benefit from FPL’s free energy evaluations and its Demand Side Management programs to help reduce their energy use and monthly bills.”
About Diocese of Venice in Florida
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Venice in Florida was founded on June 16, 1984 by Pope John Paul II and consists of about 60 parishes and 14 schools in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. Call 941-484-9543, or email [email protected] for more information.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.