Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for Featured

Featured

Tampa Electric Embraces 21st Century Technologies

Posted on

Commits to 600 MW of New Solar in Settlement Agreement

Energy Advocates Applaud Efforts to Grow Solar and Work Proactively with Stakeholders

Late Wednesday, Tampa Electric Company filed a rate settlement agreement with the Florida Public Service Commission that’s intended to significantly increase its use of solar power and provide rate certainty to customers.
The agreement will ensure more investment in large-scale solar facilities by providing for the construction of up 600 MW of additional solar facilities over the next 4 years. Tampa Electric’s commitment to solar power, relative to is size, would place it among the leading utilities in the Southeast region on solar power.
“The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) applauds Tampa Electric’s leadership on expanding solar power in the Sunshine State,” said Dr. Stephen A. Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. “We strongly feel that solar power is good for customers by diversifying the energy portfolio and for the environment by providing low-cost, zero-emissions energy for Florida’s families and businesses. We look forward to working with Tampa Electric as they offer more clean energy options and embrace new technologies that will make Tampa a more resilient community.”
“SACE is pleased to see Florida utilities responding to customer demand, market forces and the need for more corporate responsibility to proactivity address climate change with solar technology,” continued Dr. Smith. “SACE supports and advocates for all segments of the solar power market, residential, commercial, and utility scale to be fully functional and competitive in the Sunshine State.”

Integrity Florida to Publish New Report on Florida's PSC

Posted on

MEDIA ADVISORY

The large utilities regulated by Florida’s Public Service Commission have a high degree of influence on the Governor and the legislature through political contributions and lobbying and have used that influence to pursue favorable regulatory decisions. The result is an agency that has been “captured” by the industries it regulates, often leading to decisions that are not in the best economic interest of Florida’s families and businesses.
This research report examines the structure of the PSC and controversial ratemaking decisions. It also proposes policy reform options to ensure fair ratemaking that would allow the PSC to better serve the people of Florida.
What: Press conference to release research report and findings.
 
Who: Ben Wilcox, Research Director, Alan Stonecipher, Researcher, and Brad Ashwell, Researcher
 
Where: The Florida Press Center, 336 East College Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32301
 
When: 11:00 A.M. Monday, October 2nd, 2017

Gov. Scott proposing 10% pay raise for juvenile detention probation officers

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose a 10 percent pay raise for juvenile detention and juvenile probation officers in his 2018-2019 recommended budget. The Governor will recommend $8 million in pay raises to support officer recruitment and retention and to reward these officers for their life changing work in the juvenile justice system. The State of Florida has more than 2,000 juvenile detention and juvenile probation officers who work around the clock to protect Florida’s at-risk youth and keep families and communities safe.
Governor Scott said, “Over the past six and a half years, we have taken aggressive steps to reform Florida’s juvenile justice system. Today, I’m proud to announce that as part of my upcoming recommended budget, I will be proposing an $8 million investment for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice to use as a 10 percent pay raise for the recruitment and retention of detention and probation officers.
“Florida’s juvenile detention and probation officers have the important responsibility of working with youth in DJJ care, but they also have the unique opportunity to help change lives and redirect our youth to a successful path. I look forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming session to pass this 10 percent pay raise, which will ensure DJJ can hire highly qualified and dedicated detention and probation officers to help our youth and keep our communities safe for years to come.”
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Christina K. Daly said, “I am extremely proud of the thousands of staff who come to work every day to change the lives of the youth and families we serve and the dedication they put forth in ensuring our communities are safer places to live, work and play. Governor Scott’s commitment to making Florida a leader in juvenile justice began on the first day of his administration and continues today, and I cannot thank him enough for his recognition of the importance of dedicating resources for the recruitment and retention of committed, high-quality employees.”
Today’s proposal builds on the Governor’s proposed $30 million investment in pay raises for our state law enforcement agencies to use for officer recruitment and retention, and the pay raises for state law enforcement and correctional officers included in the current year’s budget. The Governor’s entire 2018-2019 recommended budget will be released prior to the beginning of the upcoming legislative session.

Commission Conference, Ten-Year Site Plan Workshop Set for Tuesday

Posted on

The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a Commission Conference on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. Items scheduled for consideration can be found here.  Public comment may be taken on any item noticed for public participation.
Following the Commission Conference, the PSC will hold a workshop to discuss Florida’s electric utilities’ ten-year site plans, identifying system upgrades and modifications needed to maintain adequate reliability over the next 10 years.
The Commission is required by Florida Statute to perform an annual review of the utilities’ plans and classify them as “suitable” or “unsuitable.”  Commission findings are provided to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for consideration at power plant and transmission line siting certification proceedings.
The Commission Conference is scheduled for the following time and location:

Tuesday, October 3, 2017
9:30 a.m.
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida

The Ten-Year Site Plan Workshop will begin after the Commission Conference concludes.
The Commission Conference will be broadcast on the Florida Channel (check your local listings) and is available online at www.floridapsc.com. (look for the “Watch Live Broadcast” icon on the left side of the web page).

FMEA Celebrates Public Power Week, Oct. 1 – 7

Posted on

The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), along with its 34 municipal electric utility members, will celebrate Public Power Week next week (Oct. 1 – 7). Public Power Week is celebrated the first full week of October every year to help customers and stakeholders understand how they can better engage with their community-owned utility and benefit from all its offerings.
Public Power Week is especially meaningful to Florida communities this year as it comes on the heels of devastating Hurricane Irma, which caused unprecedented damage and power outages in nearly every part of the state. More than 800,000 public power customers in more than 20 counties lost power following Hurricane Irma. All 34 of Florida’s public power utilities were affected by Hurricane Irma. Public power crews from across the state and nation worked tirelessly to restore power as quickly as possible. Two days after the storm, power had been restored to more than half a million public power customers, approximately 75 percent of the state’s total public power customers.
“Public Power Week is all about recognizing the reliable, affordable electricity our members and public power utilities across the nation provide the people of their communities,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “Public Power Week gives us a chance to emphasize the benefits of having a locally-owned and locally-controlled electric utility that is maintained by family, friends and neighbors.”
Public Power Week is an annual national event coordinated by the American Public Power Association, which represents 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that serve 49 million customers nationwide. In Florida, public power utilities serve more than 3 million Floridians.
Use the hashtag #PublicPowerWeek on social media to recognize the public power personnel and lineworkers who were instrumental in restoring power to Florida communities following Hurricane Irma.

Governor Scott Visits Puerto Rico to Help Coordinate Hurricane Maria Response and Recovery Efforts

Posted on


At the request of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló, Governor Rick Scott today visited San Juan, Puerto Rico to help coordinate response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria.
Governor Scott and the State of Florida have been in constant contact with Governor Ricardo Rosselló and the Puerto Rican government to offer support as they respond and recover from Hurricane Maria. This week, Governor Scott directed the Florida National Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to stand ready to assist Puerto Rico as soon as the government identifies their specific needs.

FDLE to Host “Coffee With a Cop” Community Outreach Event

Posted on

Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Tallahassee Regional Operations Center will be hosting an event in honor of National Coffee with a Cop Day October 4, 2017. The Coffee with a Cop movement is aimed at breaking down barriers between law enforcement and the residents of a community, fostered by an open conversation shared over coffee.
FDLE Tallahassee’s inaugural event will be held on the front lawn of FDLE’s headquarters at 2331 Phillips Road in Tallahassee from 8:00am to 9:30am. The event is open to members of the public, and coffee will be provided by FDLE members free of charge.
National Coffee with a Cop Day, promoted by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), was launched last year in partnership with a number of agencies across the U.S. and Canada. The movement has since grown to include more than 2000 participating agencies.

Greg McCray Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend

Posted on

The 7th Annual Greg McCray Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, October 20 to raise money for after-school services for hundreds of the community’s most vulnerable kids. The golf outing will support the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend (BGCBB), which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary of serving youth and saving lives.
The event will be held at the Capital City Country Club and will kick-off with a shotgun start at 8:30 am. During the tournament, golfers will have the opportunity to compete for longest drive, closest to the pin and a hole in one for a new car. A luncheon and award ceremony will be held following the tournament. Legacy Toyota, a longtime supporter of BGCBB is this year’s tournament presenting sponsor.
At $550 per foursome, or $150 per golfer, the tournament will offer a fun-filled day for a worthwhile cause.  “Thanks to the generosity of the community, proceeds from the event will ensure no child is ever turned away from the program because of a family’s inability to pay,” said BGCBB CEO, Lee Wagner. “The charity event makes it possible for our kids to have a fun, safe place to learn and grow with hope and opportunity for their future.”  For more information about the golf tournament or to become a sponsor or register to play, please go online at bgcbb.org or contact the BGCBB Office of Development at (850) 656-8100.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.  The organization currently operates 7 Club sites in Leon and Gadsden counties and serves approximately 330 kids daily and impacts over 1,700 youngsters annually after school and during the summer. The BGCBB offers programs in character and leadership development, health and life skills, education and career development, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation.

Valencia College in Orlando Receives PSC’s Triple E Award

Posted on

Applying its innovative academic reputation to innovative efficiency strategies helped Valencia College cut its energy consumption in half since 2008. These outstanding results earned the Orlando-based college the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) September Triple E Award – for energy efficiency efforts.
“The PSC applauds Valencia College’s Facilities and Sustainability Department for their energy-saving initiatives,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.  “The college implemented LEED building standards, installed high efficiency mechanical systems, and built energy conservation into its culture, and it’s really translated into savings.”
Even with a growing campus over the past eight years, Valencia College continues to reduce its energy consumption by introducing high efficiency chillers, building automation upgrades, and high performance buildings. In 2005-2006, before its efficiency efforts, Valencia’s average energy use was 27.94 kWh per square foot.  Ten years later, the college’s energy use is averaging 14.39 kWh per square foot—an energy savings of almost 50 percent.
“Change in energy use begins with individual habits,” said Robert Hickman, Valencia College Operations Manager, Energy Efficiency.  “We were striving to accomplish more, so the College employed a behavioral change vendor.  Their focus on equipment audits, utility studies, temperature set-points, and shut-down optimization helped change the attitude of faculty, staff, and students toward energy waste.”
In 2008, the College also began efforts to reduced water consumption by using low flow faucets, dual flush closets, xeriscaping, and a new HVAC water treatment technology. During a five-year study, the new treatment system helped reduce water consumption by 9.5 million gallons each year, from an annual average of 25.9 million gallons to 16.5 million gallons. “The system saves water by using high cycles and saves energy by helping to maintain the design performance of our chillers,” Hickman added.
Covering the state’s five major geographic areas, each month the PSC presents its Triple E Award to a local business that has accomplished superior energy efficiency.  Look for past Triple E Award recipients under Hot Topics on the PSC’s homepage, www.floridapsc.com. The PSC encourages cost-effective conservation and renewable energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels and defer the need for new generating capacity through the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.
About Valencia College
Valencia College is one of 28 colleges in the Florida College System. VC has 6 different campuses and serves approximately 70,000 students in the Orlando Area. Founded in 1967 as a Junior College, the Board changed the name to Valencia College in 2010 because the academic scope changed to include bachelor degrees. In 2011, Valencia College was named “The Best Community College in the Nation” by the Aspen Institute. VC has also garnered recognition from its “DirectConnect to UCF.” Since 2006, more than 45,000 students have been guaranteed acceptance to the University of Central Florida.  For more information, visit www.ValenciaCollege.edu.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Florida Department of State Announces Upcoming Launch of New Online Voter Registration Website

Posted on

RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov is secure, convenient and easy-to-use 

The Florida Department of State today announced the upcoming launch of RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov, the state’s new online voter registration website that offers Florida residents another way to register to vote or update an existing registration that is convenient, secure and easy-to-use. The website will go live on Sunday, October 1, 2017 as directed by the Florida Legislature in Section 97.0525 Florida Statutes.
“At the direction of the Florida Legislature, the department has been hard at work the last two years spearheading the effort to create and implement an online voter registration website that provides Floridians with a secure and more easily accessible way to register to vote,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “I want to thank our key partners, Florida’s 67 county Supervisors of Elections, for their important role in ensuring the success of online voter registration. The right to vote is sacred in our country and I hope that with this new and convenient method, more Floridians will register to vote and engage in the electoral process.”
In 2015, the Florida Legislature passed and Governor Rick Scott signed into law a bill directing the department to implement online voter registration on October 1, 2017. Florida joins 35 other states and the District of Columbia that have online voter registration available to their residents.
“In today’s digital age, it is important to offer Florida voters a way to complete and submit a voter registration application electronically,” said Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections (FSASE) President and Taylor County Supervisor of Elections Dana Southerland. “Florida Supervisors of Elections worked closely with the Department of State on the development and implementation of RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov to help ensure the website meets the needs of our constituents while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the registration process.”
Any Florida resident who is eligible to vote or is already registered to vote in Florida can use RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov to submit an application, update an existing registration or prefill an application form to print and deliver to a Supervisor of Elections office. Users will need a Florida driver license or state identification (ID) card and the last four digits of their social security number to complete and submit the voter registration application electronically. Once an individual’s identity is verified and the application is deemed complete, a voter information card is issued by the local Supervisor of Elections office.
RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov has multiple safeguards in place to verify and protect a person’s identity and personal information, including a state-of-the-art firewall, data encryption, captcha boxes, session time-out after inactivity and the use of multi-screens. The website requires information that only the person seeking to register or change an existing registration should know, such as the issued date of their Florida driver license or state ID card, their Florida driver license or state ID card number and the last four digits of their social security number. All of this information is verified in real-time in order for a person to complete the application process online. If the information cannot be verified, a person is not able to move forward with submitting the application electronically. Additionally, there is no retention of data within the RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov website because it is securely transmitted to an internal system. It is important to note that Florida public records laws still apply to voter registration information that is submitted electronically.
“In addition to offering Florida voters a more convenient voter registration application method, RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov will enhance government efficiency, reduce the use of paper applications and generate cost savings for tax payers,” said FSASE immediate Past President and Clay County Supervisor of Elections Chris Chambless. “The new online voter registration system is a win for voters, state and local government and all tax-paying citizens of Florida.”
RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is offered in English and Spanish, is accessible for persons with disabilities and is mobile-friendly.
About the Division of Elections
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Elections supports the Secretary of State, Florida’s Chief Elections Officer, in ensuring that Florida has fair and accurate elections. The Division’s three bureaus; the Bureau of Election Records, Bureau of Voter Registration Services, and Bureau of Voting Systems Certification, have several responsibilities in the areas of legal compliance and elections administration to ensure that Florida’s election laws are uniformly interpreted and implemented. The Division also assists local Supervisors of Elections in their duties, and promotes enhanced public awareness and participation in the electoral process. For more information about Florida’s elections, visit dos.myflorida.com/elections.