Energy efficiency is a sound business practice for HDG Hotels by lowering operating costs to benefit their bottom line and their guests’ wallets, too. HDG’s commitment and outstanding results earned them the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) October Triple E Award for energy efficiency efforts.
“We commend HDG Hotels for lowering both their energy consumption and their environmental impact,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “They have balanced the need to cut energy costs with ever-increasing guests’ expectations, and we applaud them for their results.”
Over the past few years, HDG worked with Duke Energy Florida’s Commercial Assessment Team to implement energy efficiency measures that are projected to save over 275,000 kWh annually. Implemented at HDG’s multiple locations, efficiency upgrades include: replacing all lighting with LED fixtures, installing about 66,000 square feet of Cool Roof material, and cleaning the coils of over 350 Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners, as well as others.
“Like many in the hospitality industry, we are investing in energy efficiency to cut utility costs, enhance the guest experience, and help our properties compete,” said Navroz Saju, President and CEO of HDG Hotels. “Competition is more than amenities and services. Guests are now more aware of energy usage, eco-friendliness, and competitive rates. Duke Energy’s better business efficiency program helped us qualify for more than $30,000 in incentives.”
“Energy costs for hotels typically run about 6 percent of their budgets, so we know how important it is for this industry to focus on energy efficient practices, to better serve their guests through reduced costs,” said Harry Sideris, Duke Energy Florida president. “Duke Energy efficiency experts worked with HDG Hotels on their plans resulting in less energy usage and lower operating costs.”
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. 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.
Florida Public Service Commission
Sarasota’s Friendship Center Named PSC Helping Hand
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is recognizing Sarasota’s Friendship Center as October’s Helping Hand for helping raise public awareness about the Lifeline Assistance telephone and broadband discount program, energy and water conservation, and scams affecting seniors.
“We appreciate the Sarasota County Friendship Center’s willingness to share the PSC’s beneficial information with their clients,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “It’s helpful, through our ongoing outreach partnership, for us to visit and distribute our Lifeline, scam protection, and conservation materials to those individuals who will find the information most useful.”
Each month, the PSC highlights a partner agency or organization whose clients are eligible for the federal Lifeline Program and/or need help reducing energy and water bills. Through these PSC Helping Hand partnerships, the Commission shares vital information to help consumers better manage their resources to meet their monthly bills and avoid falling for utility-related scams.
“We are honored to be named a PSC Helping Hand partner,” said Paige Giasson, Center Manager. “Every day at our Friendship Center, our clients are learning new ways to improve their lives and those of others. We appreciate the PSC’s educational forum to assist us, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.”
Look for all the PSC Helping Hand outreach partner recognitions on the PSC’s homepage, under Hot Topics.
About the Sarasota County Friendship Center, Inc.
Friendship Centers is a nonprofit organization serving older adults in five Southwest Florida counties. Sarasota County’s Friendship Center, Inc. is a bustling campus hub of senior center activities and learning opportunities, and also features the Friendship Café. For an activities schedule or for more information, call 941-556-2122 or visit friendshipcenters.org.
PSC Customer Meeting for Pluris Wedgefield, Inc.
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) invites customers of Pluris Wedgefield, Inc. (Pluris) to a customer meeting on Thursday, November 2, 2017, to discuss the utility’s petition for a rate change. Customers can comment on Pluris’ proposed rates and any quality of service issues at the meeting.
Pluris’ last PSC rate case occurred in 2013. Pluris provides water service to approximately 1,600 customers and wastewater service to approximately 1,570 customers in Orange County.
The meeting is scheduled for the following time and location:
Thursday, November 2, 2017
9:00 A.M.
Wedgefield Country Club
20550 Maxim Parkway
Orlando, FL 32833
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
PSC Encourages Conservation at Home for Energy Awareness Month
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the United States consumes 18% of the world’s energy. October is National Energy Awareness Month, and the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is encouraging Florida consumers to lower their energy usage.
“Energy conservation begins at home,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “The energy savings impact from even small habit changes, such as turning off lights and ceiling fans, is surprising. Having a do-it-yourself home energy audit will show you problems that, when corrected, can really have an impact on reducing heating and cooling costs.”
Call your local utility for how-to information, or use some of our tips to get started.
Inspect cooling and heating equipment – Heating and cooling is the largest energy expense for most homes, accounting for about 48 percent of energy use. Make sure the systems’ filters are clean. Install a programmable thermostat to maximize efficiency, and if your system is old, consider investing in a new, more efficient system.
Locate air leaks – Inspect doors and windows and any openings that connect to outdoor or unheated and uncooled spaces. Fill leaks with caulking or weather-stripping.
Check insulation – Upgrade insulation if you live in an older home. The attic, walls, and floor may need new insulation to meet current standards.
Consider lighting needs – Install lower wattage lights and use LEDs where possible.
Examine appliance age – Consider replacing older appliances, since newer appliances are much more efficient.
More tips on cutting energy consumption can be found on the PSC website. Look for Publications at the top of the home page, and then click on Brochures. Consumer tips from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website can be found at here.
Florida PSC Approves Settlement Agreement for Duke Energy
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today approved a wide-ranging Settlement Agreement for Duke Energy Florida, LLC (DEF) that eliminates constructing nuclear reactors in Levy County and boosts large scale solar, electric vehicles, and battery storage programs.
Reached with the Office of Public Counsel, representing consumers, the Settlement Agreement was also signed by the Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, White Springs Agricultural Chemicals, Inc. d/b/a PCS Phosphate, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
Following are some terms included in the approved Settlement Agreement:
Levy Nuclear Project: DEF will not continue the project and will not recover about $150 million in remaining customer costs.
Fuel Costs in 2018: DEF recently filed a request to recover about $196 million in unanticipated power-plant fuel costs. Under the agreement, DEF will reduce this customer charge by recovering the costs over two years, instead of one.
Solar Projects: DEF will build about 175 megawatts of solar-generation each year for four years and can seek base rate increases to pay for the projects starting in 2019.
Base Rates: DEF’s proposed 2018 bill increases are reduced and annual incremental increases are limited to 1 to 3 percent from 2019 to 2021. DEF is prevented from seeking additional base rate increases until at least 2021.
The agreement is effective upon Commission approval, and changes to customer bills will occur in January 2018.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Duke Energy Settlement, Cost Recovery Hearings Set for Wednesday
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a hearing Wednesday, October 25, 2017, on Duke Energy Florida, LLC’s (DEF) petition to approve its revised and restated stipulation and settlement agreement.
Following this, the PSC will begin its Cost Recovery Clause hearings to determine 2018 cost recovery charges for customers of Florida’s five investor-owned utilities.
The hearings are scheduled for the following times and location:
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
DEF Limited Proceeding
9:30 a.m.
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida
The Cost Recovery Clause hearings will begin after the DEF hearing concludes. In addition, October 26-27, 2017, are reserved to continue the hearing, if needed. The starting time of the next day’s session will be announced at the conclusion of each day.
The hearings 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).
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
PSC Special Commission Conference on Nuclear Cost Recovery Set for Tuesday
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a Special Commission Conference at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, to address nuclear cost recovery clause petitions filed by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and Duke Energy Florida, LLC (DEF).
FPL is requesting recovery for continued development of new nuclear units Turkey Point 6 and 7. DEF’s requested nuclear cost recovery will be addressed when the PSC considers the utility’s proposed Settlement Agreement on Wednesday, October 25, 2017.
The Special Commission Conference is set for the following time and location:
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
9:30 a.m.
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida
The Special 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).
PSC Invites Utility Customer Comment about Hurricane Response
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) invites utility customers to provide comments on Florida electric utilities’ hurricane preparedness and restoration actions. Beginning today, customers can click on a link easily located on the PSC’s homepage, www.floridapsc.com, and submit their comments.
“We want to hear from customers about their power restoration time and how utility information was provided to them before, during, and after the storm,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “Your comments will be extremely valuable as part of the Commission’s review of utility hurricane preparedness and restoration actions.”
The PSC recently set its action plan to review utilities hurricane preparedness and restoration actions. The review will explore the potential to further minimize infrastructure damage that results in outages. A generic docket was established to collect and analyze forensic data on the utilities’ transmission and distribution facilities to discern the type and cause of damage.
This extensive data collection and detailed analysis will include a workshop on hurricane preparedness with input from all electric utilities and stakeholders, including comments submitted by customers. Upon the conclusion of data collection and analysis, and consideration of public comment, the Commission will consider options for immediate action.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Florida PSC Urges Panhandle Residents to Be Prepared
As Tropical Storm Nate heads into the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) urges panhandle residents to prepare now.
According to the Weather Channel, the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season is now among the top 10 all-time most active seasons on record. The PSC wants Floridians to continue to be prepared for active weather through the end of hurricane season on November 30.
“As the PSC and Florida’s utilities continue to monitor Tropical Storm Nate, we advise residents to be prepared,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “This active storm season has reminded us that we cannot be complacent; it’s never too early to implement your storm plan.”
Visit the PSC’s website to see the latest storm information and other helpful materials, including a storm preparation consumer tip.
For more information on storm safety and storm-hardening tips, visit the Division of Emergency Management’s website.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Florida PSC Plans Hurricane Preparedness and Restoration Review
The Florida Public Service Commission today set its plan to review electric utility hurricane preparedness and restoration actions during the 2017 hurricane season. The review will explore the potential to further minimize infrastructure damage that results in outages.
A generic docket will be established to collect and analyze forensic data on the utilities’ transmission and distribution facilities to discern the type and cause of damage. Tree trimming practices and pole inspection cycles will be reviewed to help identify additional damage mitigation options. The Commission will also examine the effectiveness of communications with customers and the utilities’ restoration practices for potential improvements.
This extensive data collection and detailed analysis will include a workshop on hurricane preparedness with input from all electric utilities and stakeholders, including customers. Upon the conclusion of data collection and analysis, and consideration of public comment, the Commission will consider options for immediate action.
In addition, as part of this process, the Commission will provide customers an opportunity to provide comments through its website, www.floridapsc.com.
