The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved Gulf Power Company’s (Gulf) rates from the Commission’s previously approved settlement agreement. Customers will be noticed about their final rates, effective July 1, 2017.
The impact of the settlement agreement on a 1,000 kilowatt-hour monthly residential bill is a $6.20 difference, with the bill increasing from $131.43 to $137.63. The bill impact on commercial and industrial customers will vary depending on usage; however, on average, commercial/industrial bills will increase by about three to six percent.
On April 4, 2017, the PSC approved a settlement agreement on the utility’s rate petition. The agreement was signed by Gulf; the Office of Public Counsel, who represents all ratepayers; the Florida Industrial Power Users Group; and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. No other party to the case objected.
Gulf originally requested additional revenues of $106 million and a return on equity of 11 percent. The agreement provides Gulf with recovery of an additional $62 million in revenues and maintains its return on equity at the current 10.25 percent.
Gulf filed its petition for a base rate increase with the PSC on October 12, 2016. The PSC held customer service hearings on January 26, 2017 in Pensacola and on January 27, 2017 in Panama City. Gulf currently provides electric service to more than 450,000 retail customers in eight Florida counties.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Florida Supreme Court: New Posting, 5/4/2017, 8:20 a.m. ET
New material has been posted to the Supreme Court website in:
- Aramis Ayala v. Rick Scott (amicus brief of Florida House of Representatives, filed late last night)
Follow the links at: http://www.floridasupremecourt.org.
Mast Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation
Mast Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Award Congressional Gold
Medal to Americans Killed During Attack on Diplomatic Mission in Benghazi
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) introduced legislation this week with Congressmen Stephen Lynch (MA-8), Duncan Hunter (CA-52) and Susan Davis (CA-53) to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, Glen A. Doherty, Tyrone Woods, and Sean Smith in recognition of their contributions to our nation. These four Americans honorably served the United States and were killed during the September 2012 terrorist attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress to express public gratitude for distinguished patriotism and heroism.
“These four Americans worked daily to advance the ideals our nation was founded on and lost their lives in the service of our country during the attack on our diplomatic mission in Libya,” Rep. Mast said. “Our bipartisan legislation recognizes their bravery and sacrifice with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor that Congress has to bestow.”
“Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, and Sean Smith served our nation with bravery and distinction,” Rep. Lynch, who is the lead sponsor of the bill, said. “We owe it to their families to honor their legacy, courage, and selfless sacrifice with the Congressional Gold Medal. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to honor true American heroes.”
Ambassador Stevens, a native of Grass Valley, California, served in the United States Foreign Service for 21 years as a leading American diplomat renowned for his commitment to advancing democracy and partnership with nations around the world. Mr. Doherty, a native of Winchester, Massachusetts, and Mr. Woods, a native of Portland, Oregon, were security contractors who previously served as combat-decorated Navy SEALS for a combined 32 years protecting American diplomats, their fellow servicemen and women, as well as the American people. Mr. Smith, a native of San Diego, California, served in the United States Air Force for six years and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal prior to joining the State Department with posts in Baghdad, Iraq, Brussels, Belgium, and The Hague.
In particular, H.R. 2315 authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the posthumous award, on behalf of the Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design in commemoration of Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, J. Christopher Stevens, and Sean Smith in recognition of their contributions to the Nation. The full text of the legislation is available here.
Gov. Scott Directs DCF to Immediately Draw Down $27 Million Federal Grant to Fight Opioid Epidemic
Governor Rick Scott signed executive order 17-146 directing the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to immediately begin drawing down federal grant funds totaling more than $27 million to fund opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery support services across the state.
In 2015, opioids were responsible for more than 33,000 deaths nationwide; and nearly 3,900 deaths in Florida. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant will provide Florida with $27,150,403 in federal funding annually for two years for a total of more than $54 million.
“I have had the opportunity to travel the state and hear directly from recovering addicts, parents who have lost their children and professionals on the front lines of this epidemic who have been working tirelessly to help those struggling in their own communities,” Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Mike Carroll said. “I am grateful for Governor Scott’s leadership, allowing the department to immediately begin drawing down on these funds which will provide much needed resources to communities across the state.”
Florida was awarded this grant through the 21st Century Cures Act’s State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grants, by selecting evidence-based strategies proven to reduce fatal overdoses and aid in individual recovery. The grant will fund four major components to help communities fight the opioid epidemic, including medication-assisted treatment, overdose prevention through Naloxone distribution, hospital-based and child welfare projects, and school-based prevention services in rural counties.
Of the $27 million awarded for this year of the grant, more than $17 million will be allocated directly to communities through the Managing Entities to fund medication-assisted treatment, specifically methadone and buprenorphine, coupled with counseling for indigent, uninsured, and underinsured individuals with opioid use disorders. These funds will be regionally distributed based on the number of opioid-caused deaths and the estimated number of nonmedical prescription opioid and heroin users.
Nearly $3.8 million will be provided to the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association to enhance their statewide medication-assisted treatment program using Vivitrol®. The grant will also fund Naloxone kits and overdose recognition and response training, behavioral health consultants to support child protection staff, hospital-based care coordination pilots, peer mentoring programs, and training opportunities for child welfare, court, and peer support staff.
DCF is working with the Managing Entities and behavioral health community partners to implement the services outlined in the grant as soon as possible. Community providers must be available and ready to begin providing services within 120 days of the grant award.
Gov. Scott Visits RGF Environmental Group During “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Tour
Recognizes Company’s Recent Creation of More Than 50 New Jobs
Governor Rick Scott today visited RGF Environmental Group, a global manufacturer headquartered in Riviera Beach, during his “Fighting for Florida’s Future” tour. RGF has created more than 50 new jobs over the past four years and currently employs nearly 130 Floridians, with plans to expand the near future. The company exports to 33 countries and has received numerous one-on-one trade consultations from Enterprise Florida over the years. RGF has also participated in EFI trade missions to China, India, Mexico, South America, South Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia. EFI is the only international trade and development program in Florida, and this partnership has allowed RGF to connect with growing business opportunities on a global scale.
Governor Scott said, “I was proud to recognize RGF today for their creation of more than 50 jobs and their success doing business with international markets. RGF has partnered with Enterprise Florida for many years on trade consultations and international trade missions, and this company is one of the many Florida job creators across the state that receive important support from EFI. We are fighting for the future of our great state, and I urge Floridians and business owners to call their legislators today to tell them to support economic development programs like EFI.”
RGF manufactures and produces air, food and water purification and sanitation systems for homes, schools, office buildings, hotels, cruise ships, food processors, hospitals and industrial water treatment systems. RGF has also saved more than $65,000 in taxes since the permanent elimination of the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment that Governor Scott championed. These savings have instead been used by RGF to hire and train new employees.
Ron Fink, President, Founder and CEO of RGF Environmental Group, said, “RGF was proud to welcome Governor Scott to our facility today. Our mission is to provide the world with the safest air, water and food, and Florida has proven to be an excellent location for us to work on meeting that important goal. We appreciate Governor Scott’s focus on supporting tax cuts and economic development programs like Enterprise Florida that make it easier for Florida businesses like RGF to succeed and we look forward to continuing to grow.”
Florida Supreme Court: New Posting, 5/3/2017, 3:55 p.m. ET
New material has been posted to the Supreme Court website in:
- Aramis D. Ayala v. Rick Scott (new amicus briefs & related documents)
Follow the links at: http://www.floridasupremecourt.org.
Amendment 4 to become law in the Sunshine State
Final passage of implementation bill to reduce taxes on solar imminent
The Florida House of Representatives today joined the Florida Senate in passing implementing legislation for the pro-solar Amendment 4, which voters overwhelmingly approved with 73% of the vote on the August 2016 primary ballot.
SB 90 is now in returning messages in the Senate and final passage is expected shortly. Once the Senate takes up the House version, the bill goes to the Governor. If the Governor receives the bill while the Legislature is in session, the constitution allows a 7-day period within which to sign or veto the bill. If the Legislature adjourns before the bill is presented, then the Governor has 15 days in which to take action.
Thanks to the leadership of Senator Jeff Brandes and Representative Ray Rodrigues, the support of hundreds of businesses, solar advocates and thousands of volunteers, Floridians will enjoy lower energy costs as burdensome taxes on solar energy systems are reduced beginning January 1, 2018.
“We applaud Florida lawmakers for implementing this important constitutional amendment in the closing days of the legislative session,” said Stephen Smith, Executive Director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and board member of Floridians for Solar Choice. “The importance of moving this forward cannot be overstated: with lower taxes for homeowners and businesses, solar energy development will increase allowing Floridians to lock in energy savings, create jobs, spur economic development, and bring much-needed diversity to the state’s energy mix.”
“The implementation of Amendment 4 is a win for the solar industry in Florida,” said Patrick Altier, President of Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FlaSEIA). “Our membership of Florida solar companies has been working tirelessly in the Legislature, with solar advocates, and many other coalition partners over the past several years, fighting for good policy. Reducing burdensome taxes will lead to more solar, more local jobs, and a brighter future for our state.”
“Last year Florida voters overwhelming supported Amendment 4, and now Florida’s House and Senate have unanimously passed an implementation bill to enact that constitutional amendment expanding the economic freedom to choose solar,” said Tory Perfetti, Chair of Floridians for Solar Choice and Florida Director of Conservatives for Energy Freedom. “Supported by a historic coalition which spanned the political spectrum, reducing taxes is smart energy policy for Florida families and businesses.”
“The voices of Florida voters have been heard,” said Pamela Goodman, President of the League of Women Voters of Florida. “With the implementation of Amendment 4, approved by 73% of voters last August, voters have helped to shape our energy policy in a way that the Sunshine State can be proud of.”
About Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Founded in 1985, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that work to address the impacts of global climate change and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at www.cleanenergy.org.
Gov. Scott Visits CWU Inc. During “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Tour
Governor Rick Scott today visited CWU Inc. during his “Fighting for Florida’s Future” tour. CWU helps support military members and U.S. national security by providing administrative, translation, and training services to the U.S. Defense Industry. The company is headquartered in Tampa and will be creating up to 20 new jobs by next year.
Student Loan Debt Bill Passes Legislature
Senator Hukill’s Bill Addressing Student Loan Debt Now Goes to the Governor
Senator Dorothy L. Hukill’s (R-Port Orange), Senate Bill 396 Student Loan Debt bill has passed the Florida legislature with unanimous support today.
The bill requires public and private post-secondary education institutions (colleges & universities) to provide information regarding student loans to students on an annual basis. The institutions will provide up-to-date information to each student receiving student loans. The knowledge provided will allow students to better prepare their finances and goals post-graduation.
In the U.S., student loan debt is over $1.3 trillion and growing by approximately $2,667.20 every second. Senator Hukill’s legislation allows students to be given their loan information annually by their college or university as they are working on their degree to be knowledgeable of their financial situation. This bill as well as Senator Hukill’s SB 392, which addresses teaching high school students’ financial literacy, will help students make better decisions about their financial futures as they join the work force and enter adulthood.
“Student loan debt is growing every second and every second a student is putting themselves further into debt for their education,” said Senator Hukill. “Our students need to be as informed about this debt and what it will cost over the life of the loan as they would be when they buy a car or a house.”
“With total student loan debt recently surpassing one trillion dollars, something must be done to make students aware of the debt they are accruing,” stated Senator Bean. “This bill will give students the information they need to make informed, fiscally-responsible decisions when it comes to student loans.”
Senator Aaron Bean (R-Jacksonville) is the co-introducer of Senate Bill 396.
Representative Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach) is the sponsor of the companion House Bill 867.
Gov. Scott Kicks Off “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Tour
Governor Rick Scott today visited Power Grid Engineering during his “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Tour. Governor Scott is traveling the state to encourage Floridians to contact members of the Florida Legislature and urge them to invest in key priorities- funding for tourism and economic development and the Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee.
