Adam Putnam: Manage Renewable Energy Expectations

Adam Putnam kicked off the 500-plus-participant Florida Energy Summit Wednesday with a promise that the state Energy Office "will not get lost as some people thought," now that it's been absorbed into the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

"Energy had ping-ponged around state departments for years," DACS Commissioner Putnam said. "It was a red-headed stepchild;now it's with a real head and we're going to make sure, starting with this summit, that we openly embrace the good work coming out of universities and from entrepreneurs and established businesses ..."

"Today marks a new beginning," he said.

Putam issued a warning, though. "We have to do a better job of managing expecations for renewable energy. Without that, we undermine confidence in new technologies."

The Florida Energy Summit continues through midday Friday.