Florida PSC News Releases

Customer Meeting Set for Pinecrest Ranches, Inc.

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will conduct a customer meeting on Thursday, March 18, 2010, for customers of Pinecrest Ranches, Inc. (Pinecrest Ranches). The utility provides water service to approximately 135 customers in Polk County and has applied for a rate increase. Pinecrest Ranches’ last rate case was in 2002.The meeting allows customers to comment on the proposed rates and any quality-of-service issues relevant to the utility. Customers are invited to attend the meeting at the following time and location:Thursday, March 18, 20106:00 p.m.Chain of Lakes Complex (Poolside Room)210 Cypress Gardens BoulevardWinter Haven, FloridaThe PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitoring of safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

FPL Fuel Cost Refund Hearing to Begin Wednesday

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will conduct a hearing to address how much Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) must repay and how that repayment will be refunded to customers for replacement power costs attributable to a February 26, 2008, outage. The hearing allows FPL and the intervenors to present testimony and exhibits regarding the appropriate amount of replacement power costs associated with the outage.In January, the PSC approved a Proposed Resolution of Issues, agreeing that FPL should refund replacement power costs attributable to the 2008 outage. The Resolution, filed with the Commission by FPL, was also signed by the Office of Public Counsel and the Attorney General.On February 26, 2008, a fault occurred at FPL's Flagami substation in Miami-Dade County that caused three of FPL’s fossil-fueled generating units and its Turkey Point Nuclear Units 3 and 4 to trip offline. As a result, FPL was required to operate several less efficient peaking units, replace nuclear-fueled generation, and purchase power, all at a higher cost.The hearing is set for the following time and location: Beginning Wednesday, March 17, 20109:30 a.m.Betty Easley Conference CenterJoseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)4075 Esplanade WayTallahassee, FloridaThursday, March 18, is reserved for continuation of the hearing if needed. The Commission is expected to vote on the matter at an upcoming Agenda Conference.The PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitoring of safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

PSC Promotes Fix a Leak Week

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Florida’s Public Service Commission (PSC) is partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program to promote Fix a Leak Week, March 15–21. Each year, more than one trillion gallons of water is wasted in U.S. homes, and Fix a Leak Week serves as a reminder to check for leaks in your plumbing and irrigation systems.
“We want to help consumers save money on their utility bills and save precious water supplies at the same time,” said PSC Chairman Nancy Argenziano. “Leaks at home can add up to more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year–that’s enough to fill a backyard swimming pool!” The PSC’s Drop by Drop brochure, available on line at http://www.floridapsc.com/publications/consumer/brochure/WaterHouse.pdf, provides helpful water conservation tips and an illustrated water house to help consumers identify areas both inside and outside the home where saving water is easy and effective. Common fixes include replacing or repairing dripping faucets, running toilets, and leaky showerheads, which quickly pay for themselves through lower water bills. Here are a few more water-saving tips:Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense labeled model.Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet flapper. Replacing the rubber flapper is a quick fix that could save a home with a constantly running toilet up to 200 gallons of water per day.For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.Landscape irrigation systems should be checked each spring before use to make sure they are not damaged by frost or freezing.Look for the WaterSense label when fixing or replacing plumbing fixtures. WaterSense products have been independently tested and certified to save water and perform as well as or better than standard models. WaterSense also partners with certified landscape irrigation auditors, designers, installers, and maintenance professionals. Visit www.epa.gov/watersense to find a WaterSense labeled product, or an irrigation partner in your area.For more information on Fix a Leak Week, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.The PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitors safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Florida Public Service Commission Considers Items of Interest at Upcoming Agenda Conference

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The following items are among those scheduled for consideration by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) at the Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Agenda Conference:
ITEM 12: Docket No. 090529-EI – Petition to include costs associated with the extended power uprate project in base rates, by Florida Power & Light Company. The Commission will address a staff recommendation on the company’s request for cost recovery.ITEM 18: Docket No. 080121-WS – Applications for increase in water and wastewater rates in Alachua, Brevard, DeSoto, Highlands, Lake, Lee, Marion, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Polk, Putnam, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia, and Washington Counties by Aqua Utilities Florida, Inc. The Commission will consider a staff recommendation on the results of Aqua’s service monitoring plan.ITEM 21:Docket No. 080407-EG – Commission review of numeric conservation goals (Florida Power & Light Company)Docket No, 080408-EG - Commission review of numeric conservation goals (Progress Energy Florida, Inc.)Docket No. 080409-EG - Commission review of numeric conservation goals (Tampa Electric Company)Docket. No. 080410-EG - Commission review of numeric conservation goals (Gulf Power Company)Docket No. 080411-EG - Commission review of numeric conservation goals (Florida Public Utilities Company)Docket No. 080412-EG - Commission review of numeric conservation goals (Orlando Utilities Commission)Docket No. 080413-EG - Commission review of numeric conservation goals (JEA)The Commission will consider a staff recommendation addressing JEA's motion for limited reopening of the record and Motions for Reconsideration of the Commission's final order filed by JEA, FPL, PEF, Gulf, and NRDC/SACE. The Agenda Conference is scheduled for the following time and location:Tuesday, March 16, 20109:30 a.m.Betty Easley Conference CenterJoseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)4075 Esplanade WayTallahassee, FloridaThe Agenda Conference is broadcast on the Florida Channel (check your local listings) and is available online at www.floridapsc.com (select Commission Calendar on the top right of the Web page).The PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitoring of safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

PSC Participates in National Consumer Protection Week

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is supporting National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 7-13, and will attend several consumer meetings during the week. NCPW’s 2010 theme, Dollars and Sense: Rated A for All Ages, highlights the importance of using good consumer sense at every stage of life—from grade school to retirement.The PSC, through its current outreach campaign, Trains, Planes, and Solar PVs, will help consumers learn more about the PSC’s history. Other relevant Commission topics include renewable energy, fuel diversity, energy efficiency, water conservation, a growing telecommunications network, and bundled billing.This year’s NCPW message is simple: it’s never too early or too late to become a more informed and empowered consumer. Regardless of age and financial situation, everyone can always learn more about spending and managing money wisely.During NCPW and throughout the month, the PSC will make presentations to various senior organizations, libraries, and at Ambassadors for Aging Day 2010, a day at the Capitol for elders and their advocates.The PSC encourages consumers to visit its Web site at www.floridapsc.com for more information on water and energy conservation and the NCPW Web site at www.consumer.gov/ncpw for more consumer tips about making smarter decisions in the marketplace.The PSC will take part in the following events: Wednesday, March 1010 a.m. – 2 p.m.Ambassadors for Aging Day 2010The Capitol Tallahassee, Florida Wednesday, March 1010 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Bradfordville Senior DayWildwood Presbyterian Church100 Ox Bottom RoadTallahassee, FloridaThursday, March 1110 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Woodville Senior Day8000 Old Woodville RoadTallahassee, FloridaThursday, March 112 p.m. – 4 p.m.Wakulla County Public Library4330 Crawfordville HighwayCrawfordville, FloridaThursday, March 1110:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Tallahassee Senior Center1400 North Monroe StreetTallahassee, FloridaTuesday, March 1610 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Ft. Braden Senior DayFt. Braden Community Center16387 Blountstown HighwayTallahassee, FloridaTuesday, March 2310 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Chaires Senior DayDorothy C. Spence Community Center4768 Chaires CrossroadTallahassee, FloridaThe PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitors safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

PSC Chairman Nancy Argenziano Takes Consumer Calls

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Nancy Argenziano was “on call” yesterday, answering consumer calls on the Commission’s toll-free complaint line.
Consumers calling the PSC’s 800 number talked to Chairman Argenziano and other PSC Commissioners fielding calls in the call center to kick off the PSC’s new consumer outreach campaign, “Trains, Planes, and Solar PVs.”“Our call center puts a compelling face on the service the PSC provides to Florida’s citizens, and I learned a lot by listening today,” Chairman Argenziano said. During 2009, 20,444 complaints were logged with the PSC against utility companies, with the majority of them against the electric industry.Chairman Argenziano also highlighted the upcoming National Consumer Protection Week, March 7-13, and recognized all those who are dedicated year-round to protecting consumers and assisting them with their utility concerns. She added, “We have many resources available to consumers and will continue to assist them by showing them how to save money on their utility bills by conserving energy and water.”To reach the PSC, consumers can use a toll-free number, 1-800-342-3552, a toll-free fax number, 1-800-511-0809, an e-mail address, contact@psc.state.fl.us, or a Web site complaint form (http://www.floridapsc.com/consumers/complaints/).Photo included for publication: Chairman Argenziano answers a consumer call.The PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitoring of safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Florida Public Service Commission Considers Items of Interest at Upcoming Agenda Conference

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The following items are among those scheduled for consideration by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) at the Tuesday, March 2, 2010 Agenda Conference:
ITEM 3: Docket No. 040763-TP – Request for submission of proposals for relay service for the hearing and speech impaired, and other implementation matters in compliance with the Florida Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991. The Commission will consider a staff recommendation addressing whether Florida’s CapTel service should be allowed roaming or guest options.ITEM 5: Docket No. 100039-TL – Petition to terminate service guarantee plan, by Windstream Florida, Inc. The Commission will address a staff recommendation on Windstream’s request to terminate its current Service Guarantee Program.ITEM 15: Docket No. 090182-SU – Application for increase in wastewater rates in Pasco County by Ni Florida, LLC. The Commission will address a staff recommendation about Ni Florida’s application for a permanent rate increase.ITEM 17: Undocketed – FPL suspension of Cape Canaveral and Riviera Beach conversion projects. The Commission will discuss a procedural matter related to the FPL suspension of its Cape Canaveral and Riviera Beach conversion projects. The Agenda Conference is scheduled for the following time and location:Tuesday, March 2, 20109:30 a.m.Betty Easley Conference CenterJoseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)4075 Esplanade WayTallahassee, FloridaJoin Chairman Argenziano and Commissioners as they field consumer calls in the PSC Call Center following the March 2nd Agenda Conference and Internal Affairs meeting to kick off the PSC’s new media campaign and highlight National Consumer Protection Week, March 7-13, 2010.The Agenda Conference is broadcast on the Florida Channel (check your local listings) and is available online at www.floridapsc.com (select Commission Calendar on the top right of the Web page).The PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitoring of safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

PSC Chairman Nancy Argenziano To Answer Consumer Calls

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Nancy Argenziano will be “on call” after the PSC’s scheduled Agenda Conference and Internal Affairs Meeting, Tuesday, March 2, answering consumer calls on the Commission’s toll-free complaint line.
Consumers calling the PSC’s 800 number may reach Chairman Argenziano or one of the other PSC Commissioners fielding calls in the call center to kick off the PSC’s new consumer outreach campaign.“The PSC provides excellent service to consumers, and I look forward to joining our staff as we listen to consumers and respond to their needs,” Chairman Argenziano said. “The upcoming week of March 7 is also National Consumer Protection Week, giving us the perfect opportunity to recognize all those who are dedicated year-round to protecting consumers and assisting them with their utility concerns.” To reach the PSC, consumers can use a toll-free number, 1-800-342-3552, a toll-free fax number, 1-800-511-0809, an e-mail address, contact@psc.state.fl.us, or a Web site complaint form (http://www.floridapsc.com/consumers/complaints/).The event is scheduled for the following time and location:Tuesday, March 2, 2010Following the PSC Agenda Conference and Internal Affairs MeetingBetty Easley Conference CenterPSC Call Center (Room 171)4075 Esplanade WayTallahassee, FloridaThe PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitoring of safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.