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PSC Declaratory Statement Allows Residential Solar Equipment Leases

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today issued a declaratory statement that affirms Sunrun, Inc. can offer residential solar equipment leases in Florida. After reviewing Sunrun’s draft lease agreement, Commissioners determined that Sunrun’s 20-year solar equipment lease is not a retail sale of electricity.

PSC rules have long allowed leasing of renewable energy equipment, but the lease terms cannot be structured to, in effect, sell electricity to the customer. Commissioners originally considered Sunrun’s petition at the March 1 Commission Conference, but requested to evaluate its lease agreement before making a decision. Sunrun filed its draft lease on March 20.

Today, Commissioners agreed that Sunrun’s lease conforms to its petition by offering customers fixed payments independent of electric production. As a result, Sunrun will be allowed to lease rooftop solar equipment to homeowners without being considered a public utility under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Homeowners can lease equipment to generate electricity for personal use and also benefit from interconnection and net metering with their local utility.

“Residential equipment leasing makes solar more attractive for some customers, and today’s decision confirms that Florida’s ratepayers have that option,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham.

In its declaratory statement, the PSC found today that:

  • Sunrun’s residential solar equipment lease does not constitute a sale of electricity;
  • Offering its solar equipment lease to customers in Florida will not cause Sunrun to be a public utility under Florida law; and
  • The residential solar equipment lease will not subject Sunrun or its customer-lessees to Commission regulation.

Located in Tampa, Sunrun is the nation’s largest dedicated residential solar storage and energy services company.

Florida PSC Commission Conference on Friday

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a Commission Conference on Friday, April 20, 2018, 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.

The Commission Conference is scheduled for the following time and location:

Friday, April 20, 2018
9:30 a.m.
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida

The Commission Conference will be broadcast on the Florida Channel (check your local listing) and is available online at floridapsc.com (look for the “Watch Live Broadcast” icon on the left side of the webpage).

Florida PSC Recognizes April as Water Conservation Month

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April is Water Conservation Month, and the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) urges Floridians to curb their water use to save and protect one of Florida’s most precious resources.

“Water conservation is critical. Floridians use about 6.4 billion gallons of fresh water daily, which translates into billions of gallons of wastewater through showers, laundry, dishwashing, and other activities,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “And, as temperatures rise this spring, so will water use. Begin conserving now to lower your water usage and your water bill.”

Implement these simple strategies to help save one of our greatest resources and, as a result, save money, too:

Outdoors

  • Follow local water restrictions and only irrigate lawns when needed.
  • Choose landscaping suited to your location.
  • Use a hose nozzle to prevent water waste.
  • Use a rain barrel to store rainwater for watering your yard or plants.

Indoors

  • Replace old showerheads with new low-flow models that work just as well, but use less water.
  • Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when full.
  • Fix water leaks and drippy faucets.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and many local governments participate in statewide water conservation efforts through the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association’s Water Use Efficiency Division (WUED).  The WUED works with the Governor and Cabinet each year to officially proclaim April as Water Conservation Month.

Need more tips on how to save water during Water Conservation Month? The PSC’s Drop by Drop brochure offers water saving tips for both inside and outside your home. The PSC’s consumer tip on xeriscaping can help you get started on a drought tolerant, worry-free landscape.

Florida PSC Urges Residents to Call 811 Before You Dig

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With spring comes the start of home improvement projects for many Floridians. Whether that includes building a backyard fire pit or installing a garden fountain, before grabbing that shovel, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) urges you to “call 811 before you dig!”

“April is National Safe Digging Month. Safety is a top priority at the PSC, and we support this campaign and urge safe digging year-round,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “Calling 811 before any construction or outdoor project can save lives and prevent damage. If underground utilities or infrastructure are hit by digging, service outages can result and time and money are wasted.”

An 811 call, which is the federally designated call-before-you-dig number, notifies affected utility companies to dispatch crews to mark the location of underground utility lines.  Utility markings show those who dig the approximate location of underground lines to help prevent damage to utility lines.

In Florida, 811 accepts calls from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and is managed by the Sunshine State One Call Center, a nonprofit corporation. It’s recommended that residents call 811 two full business days before beginning their digging project.

For more information on the “call 811 before you dig” campaign, visit call811.com or access the PSC’s Consumer Tip, 8-1-1 Know What’s Below.  The annual campaign, which runs each April, is supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.

Lifestyle Enrichment Center of Fort White Named PSC Helping Hand

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The Lifestyle Enrichment Center of Fort White’s mission—Where Life is Celebrated Every Day—is helping many Columbia County senior adults take charge of their lives with year-round educational programs. As a recent program participant, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is recognizing the Center as its first 2018 Helping Hand.

“Helping seniors remain independent and engaged with their community is very important for continued quality of life,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham.  “The PSC applauds the Lifestyle Enrichment Center for its partnership in helping its clientele better understand how the Commission can help them.”

Each quarter, the PSC highlights a partner agency or organization whose clients are eligible for the federal Lifeline telephone/broadband discount program or need help reducing energy and water bills. Through these PSC Helping Hand partnerships, the Commission shares information to help consumers stretch their resources to meet their monthly bills.

“We surround our seniors with daily activities because it’s a good investment for them and for the community.  The PSC’s assistance supports our ongoing programs,” said Deborah Rhoades, Site Manager, Lifestyle Enrichment Center. “Our seniors benefit from information on Lifeline, scam alerts, energy and water conservation, and utility bill payment assistance. We plan on another PSC visit soon.”

Look for this year’s PSC Helping Hand outreach partner recognitions on the PSC’s homepage, under Hot Topics.

About Lifestyle Enrichment Center of Fort White
The mission of the Lifestyle Enrichment Center of Columbia County Senior Services is “to assist adults (60+) in maintaining their mental, physical, nutritional, and emotional health for as long as possible, with the intent of seeing older people remain independent and in charge of their own lives.” Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, the Lifestyle Enrichment Center is located at 18829 Hwy. 47 South in Fort White.  For more information, call 386-497-1504.

 

PSC Cuts Back Rate Increase Requested by Florida City Gas

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Florida City Gas (FCG) customer rates and system reliability will benefit from the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) approval today of a negotiated Settlement Agreement (Settlement) in the company’s pending rate case.

FCG’s Settlement term runs for four years, from June 2018 to May 2022, and includes an annual revenue increase of $11.5 million, instead of the $15.8 million FCG requested in its original October 23, 2017 petition. The Settlement also saves customers $4.5 million in projected tax reductions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

“We require FCG to provide reliable service and keep rates reasonable,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “By providing additional revenues for an LNG facility, the PSC increased service reliability for FCG customers, and we are also providing stable rates for four years that are lower than those originally proposed.”

When completed, FCG’s new LNG facility will add 10,000 dekatherms of capacity per day. This increased reliability will be financed through two revenue increases: $2.5 million in June 2019 and $1.3 million in December 2019. In total, FCG’s allowed revenue increase per the Settlement is $15.3 million.

The Settlement sets a return on equity of 10.19 percent, instead of the 11.25 percent FCG requested. It also authorizes FCG to establish a storm reserve with an annual accrual of $57,500 and a target reserve level of $800,000.

Beginning in June, FCG’s typical residential customer using 14 therms will see a monthly bill increase of $1.34, from the present $26.97 (includes the cost of gas) to $28.32. Signatories to the Settlement Agreement include the Office of Public Counsel—representing consumers—and the Federal Executive Agencies.

The PSC held customer service hearings on FCG’s rate request on January 23 in Coral Gables and on January 24 in Port St. Lucie and Melbourne.

FCG currently provides service to more than 108,000 customers throughout south and central Florida.

For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.

PSC Reduces Gulf Power Customer Bills

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today lowered Gulf Power Company (Gulf) customers’ bills, approving a negotiated plan to apply the 2017 federal tax law to lower the rates consumers pay. As a result of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, corporate tax rates were reduced from 35 percent to 21 percent.

“Gulf customers will realize base rate, as well as environmental and fuel cost recovery savings in their monthly bills beginning in April,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “Addressing possible tax law changes was part of our approval of Gulf’s 2017 rate agreement, and this plan allows customers to benefit early.”

Combined, the Commission approved $103.2 million in tax savings for Gulf customers. The plan includes reductions of $18.2 million to Gulf’s base rates, $15.6 million to its 2018 environmental cost recovery rate, and $69.4 million to its 2018 fuel cost recovery rate. Beginning in April, these savings will reduce a 1,000 kWh monthly residential bill by $12.72.

The Office of Public Counsel, which represents customers, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy supported Gulf’s tax-savings plan.

Gulf serves 460,000 customers in Florida’s Panhandle.

For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.

PSC Hearings for Gulf Power Settlement and Florida City Gas Settlement Begin Monday

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold two hearings on Monday, March 26. At 1:30 p.m., the Commission will consider a Settlement Agreement (Settlement) on Gulf Power Company’s (Gulf) treatment of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Office of Public Counsel (OPC), the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy are signatories to Gulf’s Settlement.

Following the conclusion of Gulf’s hearing, the Commission will begin a hearing on Florida City Gas’ (FCG) Settlement Agreement (Settlement) for its rate increase request. OPC and Federal Executive Agencies are signatories to FCG’s Settlement. FCG filed its rate request with the PSC on August 23, 2017. The PSC held customer service hearings on January 23 in Coral Gables and on January 24 in Port St. Lucie and Melbourne. FCG currently provides natural gas service to approximately 108,000 retail customers across South Florida.

The hearings are set for the following times and location:

Monday, March 26, 2018
1:30 p.m., Gulf Power Company Settlement
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida

and

Following the conclusion of Gulf’s hearing
Florida City Gas Settlement
Hearing will be held at the same location

In addition, March 27-30 are reserved to continue the hearing on FCG’s Settlement, if needed.  The starting time of the next day’s session will be announced at the conclusion of each day.

The hearings will be available online at floridapsc.com. Access the “Watch Live Broadcasts” camera icon on the left side of the homepage.

Perdido Key’s Palacio Condominiums Receives PSC’s Triple E Award

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Emerald-green waters and sugar-sand beaches abound at Palacio at Perdido Condominiums. Sustaining the area’s beauty for future residents and guests is one reason property managers at ResortQuest by Wyndym Vacation Rentals are implementing new ways to use less energy. Their successful energy efficiency efforts have earned them the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) 2018 first quarter Triple E Award.

“As a peninsular state, Florida’s beautiful coastline draws visitors from near and far,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “We applaud businesses like Palacio Condominiums that actively limit their energy footprint, which in turn lowers their operating costs and helps sustain Florida’s tourist economy.”

Working with their local utility–Gulf Power Company–Palacio Condominiums installed several energy efficiency upgrades over two years, from June 2013 to December 2015. Projects to reduce their energy use included LED interior lighting, ceiling insulation, reflective roofing, geothermal heating/cooling, and geothermal pool/spa heating systems.

“Our commitment to an energy efficiency business approach paid off, since we have saved $43,000 in energy costs each year since 2013,” said Roger Feldman, ResortQuest Association Manager, Perdido Key. “Working with Gulf Power to implement energy efficient operating strategies helped us conserve without compromising the comfort of our residents and guests.”

“We work very closely with business customers to provide recommendations that will save them energy and money,” said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power spokesperson. “Palacio Condominiums implemented many of the measures we recommended and are saving significantly on their energy costs.”

Covering the state’s five major geographic areas, each quarter 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, 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 Palacio Condominiums
Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, Palacio Condominiums feature a hot tub, gazebo with beach walkover, fitness center, and tennis courts. ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals offers resort condo, townhome, and private vacation home rentals in Northwest Florida, including gulf-front condos and full-service resorts. For more information, please call (850) 261-3938, or visit wyndhamvacationrentals.com.

PSC Begins Need Determination Hearing for Seminole Electric Facilities

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a hearing beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 21 for two determination of need requests: from Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Seminole) and a joint petition from Seminole and Shady Hills Energy Center, LLC (Shady Hills).

Seminole is proposing to build a new 1,050 MW natural gas combined cycle facility in Putnam County to begin service in December 2022.  Seminole and Shady Hills are proposing to build a new 573 MW natural gas combined cycle facility in Pasco County to begin service in December 2021.

During the hearing, the Commission will consider testimony and evidence from parties to the cases about the proposed facilities.

The hearing is scheduled for the following time and location:

Wednesday, March 21, 2018
9:30 a.m.
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida

In addition, Thursday, March 22, 2018, is reserved to continue the hearing, if needed. The starting time for the next day’s session will be announced at the conclusion of day one.

The hearing will be available online at floridapsc.com (look for the “Watch Live Broadcast” icon on the left side of the webpage).