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Florida PSC Commission Conference on Thursday

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a Commission Conference on Thursday, September 7, 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.
The Commission Conference is scheduled for the following time and location:

Thursday, September 7, 2017
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 listings) and is available online at http://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 Recognizes Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day

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Electric lineworkers have a dangerous and very important job. All hours of the day, 365 days a year, they risk a lot to make sure our lights stay on.  Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day is August 26, and the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) honors the brave men and women who work tirelessly to construct, operate, and maintain the electric system that keeps Florida running.
“When the power goes out, we rely on utility lineworkers to quickly get things back to normal,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.  “They are among the first responders when storms and natural disasters strike, working to make our communities safe for other public safety heroes.”
Florida’s lineworkers are highly skilled professionals, trained to work safely and efficiently during high winds, rain, and even ice storms. They are prepared when Florida utilities send lineworkers to other parts of the country, when needed, to help restore power to families and businesses struggling after a storm.
“Even when there is no storm or hurricane, lineworkers work daily with high voltage electric lines atop tall utility poles, risking their lives on our behalf. We owe them a huge gratitude,” Chairman Brown added.
In 2012, the Florida House of Representatives created Lineworker Appreciation Day, honoring the thousands of workers risking their lives daily to ensure reliable electric delivery throughout the state. Collectively, lineworkers maintain the nation’s more than 5 million miles of power lines, in all weather and other hazardous conditions.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Tampa’s Hakeem Investments Receives PSC’s Triple E Award

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Specializing in real estate investments, Hakeem Investments Florida, Lllp., is also investing in energy efficiency. The commercial property management company in Tampa is a good energy steward, and its energy efficiency efforts are being recognized with the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) August Triple E Award.
“Hakeem Investments took the initiative to implement energy conservation measures across its 150,000 square foot office and commercial lease complex,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.  “The company is also incorporating energy efficiencies as an integral part of its future business plan, and we are pleased to recognize these efforts.”
Company partner and CEO Asif Hakeem recently participated in Tampa Electric Company’s Commercial Cool Roof Rebate and Duct Repair Programs and received a rebate of more than $21,000.  As a result of the programs, the firm is projected to save 133,943 kWh annually, a bill savings of $14,733, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 81.7 tons of Co2, 265.2 lbs. of NOx, and 425.9 lbs. of SOx.
“After a recent Tampa Electric energy audit, we are also planning to retrofit our lighting and install occupancy sensors.  With the upgrades, we will be able to eliminate 150 fixtures, and the lights will only burn when necessary,” said Hakeem. “This additional Tampa Electric rebate will provide a good return on our energy efficiency investment—a smart energy and money saving strategy.”
“Helping our customers use energy wisely is one of our top priorities,” said Gordon Gillette, president of Tampa Electric. “Through July of this year, Tampa Electric’s energy experts have performed nearly 750 free commercial and industrial Energy Audits. Hakeem Investments proactively implemented several of Tampa Electric’s efficiency programs in its three office complex buildings, and we were happy to work with Mr. Hakeem to help achieve immediate and long-term energy savings.”
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 Hakeem Investments Florida, Lllp.
With a history spanning half a century, Hakeem Investments is a Tampa-based firm specializing in commercial and multi-use residential developments. Headed by Asif Hakeem, the company owns, leases, and manages commercial office plazas, multifamily apartments, and homes. Asif’s father, Dr. M.K. Hakeem, founded Hakeem Investments Florida, Lllp. in 1967. Dr. Hakeem was a cardiovascular thoracic surgeon and Chief of South Florida Baptist Hospital for over forty years. For more information, visit http://www.hakeeminvestments.com/about.html.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Florida PSC Nuclear Cost Recovery Hearing Set for Tuesday

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold its annual Nuclear Cost Recovery Clause (NCRC) hearing at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15, 2017.
During the hearing, the Commission will consider cost recovery related to nuclear construction projects filed by Duke Energy Florida, LLC (DEF) and Florida Power & Light Company.  Costs related to DEF’s Levy project termination will be considered by the Commission on October 25, 2017.
The NCRC hearing is scheduled for the following time and location:

Tuesday, August 15, 2017
1:30 p.m.
Betty Easley Conference Center
Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)
4075 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida

In addition, August 16-18, 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 NCRC hearing 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 Telecom Report Shows Competition Fuels Consumer Choice

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For the sixth year in a row, total wireline business access lines exceeded total residential lines, according to the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) annual Report on the Status of Competition in the Telecommunications Industry.  The report confirmed that Florida consumers continue to shift from wireline service to wireless and VoIP services; data also indicates that residential migration may be on the decline.
“The market consolidation trend continued last year with several telecom mergers and acquisitions, as the industry displays dynamic growth and innovation,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “The number and variety of competitive choices among all types of service providers suggest that competition is positively impacting Florida’s telecommunications market.”
AT&T, CenturyLink, and Frontier Florida—Florida’s largest incumbent local exchange carriers providing traditional wireline service—continued their access line losses in the national wireline market. During 2016, CenturyLink experienced a six percent decline in residential access lines, while AT&T declined 22 percent and Frontier declined 25 percent for the same period in the Florida market.
AT&T and Frontier’s mix of residential and business wire lines are slowly shifting toward business lines, which now comprises approximately 48 percent of their access lines.  Competitors have almost 98 percent of their accounts in the business sector.
As in past years, VoIP and broadband drove the telecommunications markets in 2016.  There are an estimated 21.1 million wireless handsets in Florida and an additional 4.2 million cable VoIP subscribers. Over 73 percent of Florida households have a broadband connection with download speeds of at least 3 megabits per second.
Delivered to the Florida Legislature by August 1 each year, the PSC report compiled data from Florida telecommunications companies for a 12-month period ending December 31, 2016.  Access the entire report here.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

Florida PSC Commission Conference, Special Conference on Thursday

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a Commission Conference on Thursday, August 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.
A Special Commission Conference for Utilities, Inc. of Florida’s (UIF) proposal to change its water and wastewater rates in 10 counties will commencefollowing the Commission Conference.
The Commission Conference is scheduled for the following time and location:

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

Both Conferences will be broadcast on the Florida Channel (check your local listing) and are available online at htpp://www.floridapsc.com (look for the Watch Live Broadcast” icon on the left side of the webpage).
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

PSC’s July Helping Hand is Lafayette County Senior Center in Mayo

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is pleased to award its July Helping Hand recognition to the Suwanee River Economic Council’s Lafayette County Senior Service Center. The Center, located in Mayo, offers a wide variety of educational programs, support groups, and special events and recently helped the PSC provide beneficial information to their clients.
“With Florida’s population continuing to age and more individuals reaching ‘senior status,’ the need for assistance, information, and advice increases. The Lafayette County Senior Center fosters active community participation and encourages partnerships, such as ours, that can help their clients,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.  “During our recent program there, we discussed how to lower monthly utility bills and to help those eligible for the federal Lifeline Assistance telephone discount program.”
Each month, the PSC highlights a partner agency or organization whose clients can benefit from learning how to reduce energy and water bills, how to protect themselves against utility-related scams, and how to apply for the federal Lifeline program, if they’re eligible.  Through these PSC Helping Hand partnerships, the Commission shares vital information to help consumers manage their resources to meet their monthly bills.
“We are pleased to be named a PSC Helping Hand partner,” said Janis Owen, Center Director.  “The Center’s aim is to help clients receive help from a number of assistance programs that specialize in meeting their needs. We appreciate the PSC’s educational forum to assist them and look forward to continuing our partnership.”
Look for this year’s PSC Helping Hand outreach partner recognitions on the PSC’s homepage, www.floridapsc.com, under Hot Topics.
About the Lafayette County Senior Center
The Suwanee River Economic Council, Inc., the area’s main community action agency, is also the Area Agency of Florida designated lead organization for seniors in the area, including the counties of Dixie, Gilchrist, and Lafayette.  The Lafayette County Senior Center, located at 114 SW Community Circle in Mayo, offers a wide variety of leisure and educational programs, support groups, special events, and trips. For more information, call 386-294-2202.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites Receives PSC’s Triple E Award

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Leading the way in innovative salon business models, Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites (Salonz) is also setting an example in saving energy and expenses. With locations in three Florida counties, Salonz’s energy efficiency efforts have earned them the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) July Triple E Award.
“As a salon suite rental chain in Florida, Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites is triple the size of a standard salon and, therefore, has unique energy demands,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “Salonz is making energy savings a priority by maximizing efficiencies when constructing new salons and renovating existing locations. We’re pleased to recognize these efforts.”
During four construction and renovation projects, Salonz successfully utilized Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) Business HVAC program, which encourages installation of high efficiency electric heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. Salonz purchased and installed highly efficient HVAC units and A/C and ERV units with high energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings for these locations. Together, the upgrades qualified for rebates of more than $2,300.
“With rising energy costs, energy efficiency makes more sense than ever, so we’re trying to do our share to increase efficiencies at both existing salons and new construction,” said Marc Finer with Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites. “Our salon/spa suite rental concept includes 250 independent salon specialists at eight locations in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, and we hope to work with FPL on future efficiency upgrades at our other locations.”
“At FPL, we believe all businesses, regardless of size, can improve their bottom line through investments in energy efficiency,” said Brad Gunter, Manager of FPL DSM Energy Efficiency Programs. “We were happy to work with Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites to help them make a smart investment that will help them reduce their energy use and provide immediate and long-term savings.”
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 PSC 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 Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites
Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites is a unique salon concept–an elegant beauty mall–made up of over 250 independent hair, nail, skin, massage, tanning, and other specialists. We offer what no other salon is able to offer–unparalleled privacy and the most personalized salon experience you can receive. Our health and beauty professionals operate from their very own, private salon suite, setting their own prices and hours and making their own appointments to ensure that you’ll always have a direct connection. The SALONZ environment allows you to satisfy all of your health and beauty needs under one roof for a total salon/spa experience. For more information, visit http://salonzbeautysuites.com/clients.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

PSC Again Reduces Monthly Surcharge for Florida Relay System

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For the second, consecutive fiscal year, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) reduced the monthly Florida Relay System (FRS) surcharge for telephone customers by one cent. Applied to landline customer bills, the reduced surcharge–from its current 11 cents to 10 cents–takes effect on September 1, 2017.
Today, the PSC also reduced Florida Telecommunications Relay Inc.’s (FTRI) proposed budget by more than $115,000, adjusting its legal and Regional Distribution Center expenses. The Commission ordered FTRI to supply further budget analyses on its legal billing and employee benefit expenses, with the results due by January 31, 2018.
“FRS provides a vital service to keep Florida’s deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired consumers connected to family, friends, and businesses,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “Today’s budget reductions reflect customers’ continuing transition from landline to other technologies, but keeps FTRI well positioned to maintain reliable services for those depending on them.”
Florida law requires the PSC to approve an annual FTRI budget.  FTRI administers the statewide FRS that provides access to basic telecommunications services for more than 2.5 million Florida citizens who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired. Sprint Communications Company, L.P., is the current FRS provider.
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, FRS facilitates telephone calls between people with hearing loss or speech disabilities and other individuals by using specialized equipment and a communications assistance operator to relay information.
FTRI is a non-profit organization which contracts with 24 Florida regional distribution centers to assist consumers with specialized phone needs. For information on how to obtain the special equipment, call FTRI at 1-800-222-3448 (Voice) or 1-888-447-5620 (Text Telephone/TTY) or visit www.ftri.org.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

PSC Customer Meeting for Four Lakes Golf Club, Ltd.

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The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) invites customers of Four Lakes Golf Club, Ltd. (Four Lakes) to a customer meeting on Thursday, June 29, 2017, to discuss the utility’s petition for a rate change. Customers can comment on Four Lakes’ proposed rates and any quality of service issues at the meeting.
Four Lakes’ current rates have been in effect since November 30, 1998. Four Lakes provides water service to approximately 825 customers and wastewater service to approximately 820 customers in Polk County.
The meeting is scheduled for the following time and location:

Thursday, June 29, 2017
6:00 P.M.
Chain O’ Lakes Clubhouse
Poolside Room
210 Cypress Gardens Blvd.
Winter Haven, FL 33880

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.