Florida Power and Light Desoto

As Florida Power and Light consumers struggledue to a provision in a 2008 state energy bill that
for green jobs and a healthier environment,allowed FPL to recoup all of its expenses for this
nuclear power and politics have eliminated theand 2 other solar test projects totaling 110
residential and commercial photovoltaic solarmegawatts (MW).
industry in Florida as of January 2010.THE SAME BILL is funding Florida Power and Light
Florida Power and Light consumers want to beupgrades to 4 existing nuclear reactors in 2013
energy efficient and leaders in renewable energy.and 2014. In addition, the bill funds 2 new nuclear
President Obama's October 2009 visit to Floridapower plants starting in 2018.
Power and Light DeSoto Next Generation SolarThough Florida Power and Light can regain all of
Energy Center in Arcadia, FL was supposed to bethe $150 million Desoto Next Generation Solar
a landmark for the growing renewable energyEnergy Center investment, homeowners will still
economy in Florida. The goal of thispay $.13-$.15/kWh. Business rates as low as
investor-owned solar facility is:$.06-$.08/kWh are subsidized by homeowners
· Produce 42,000 megawatt-hours (MWh)and do not encourage energy efficiency and
from 90,500 solar panelsrenewable energy upgrades.
· Power 3,000 homes for 7,000 residentsUnemployment is at an all-time high for Florida.
· Provide electricity for 20% of DesotoProspects for green jobs supporting energy
Countyefficiency and renewable energy in Florida will
THE FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT DESOTOrequire consumer action.
NEXT GENERATION SOLAR ENERGY CENTERFlorida's politicians have fallen behind most of the
WAS A CONCESSION TO BRING MOREcountry in their commitment to support
NUCLEAR POWER TO FLORIDA.renewable energy goals. The Florida legislature and
The Florida Solar Energy Incentives Program isGovernor Charlie Crist are stalling on their
dead. This program received $14.4 million inresponsibilities to enact green policies to improve
federal funding from the American Recovery andthe environment.
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). This fundingUnder 4% of Florida's energy comes from
was used to award rebates to systems in therenewable energy sources- only 1% coming from
application queue. No new applications are beingphotovoltaic solar. Florida's energy efficiency goals
accepted.are ten times less than 17 other states and are
Florida sun hours make it ideal for photovoltaicstill being considered by the Public Service
solar systems. Florida also needs to create greenCommission. Plans to create a reduction rule for
jobs from deploying distributed solar energygreenhouse gas emissions have been postponed
systems on residential and commercial property.indefinitely by Governor Charlie Crist.
The Florida Power and Light Desoto NextWhat can you do?
Generation Solar Energy Center became a reality