The new energy giant in Florida is claiming civic pride and investments in sound leaders for its political contributions that have made the Charlotte, N.C.-based company a major sponsor of the upcoming Democratic National Convention.
Duke Energy Chief Executive Officer James E. Rogers defended the companys DNC contributions by noting that money has been given to both parties' national presidential-ticket coronation events, which because of the recent $18 billion merger with Progress Energy has put the two political showcases in their coverage area.
In North Carolina were supporting the Democratic Convention and in Florida were supporting the Republican Convention because theyre in our states and in our service territory, Rogers said after appearing before the Florida Public Services Commission in Tallahassee to discuss the merger that made the company the nations largest electric provider.
Whether its to Florida for the Republican convention or North Carolina for the Democratic convention, it puts the spotlight on the state.Its good for economic development. Its good because youre going to have media from all over the United States and around the world here.
His comments preceded a New York Times report that claimed some conservative investors in Duke Energy have grown weary of the cozy relationship the company has shown with the Obama administration.
Duke Energy has a lot riding on administration policy, the Times reported.
The company was awarded $204 million in stimulus money in 2010 to modernize its power grids and a $22 million grant in 2009 to develop wind energy technologies, following similar incentives from the Bush administration. Far more important would be any aggressive move to address concerns about global warming by changing the way emissions are regulated.
While the Republican Party of Florida has received more than $600,000 from Progress Energy this year, in North Carolina, Duke has provided convention organizers with office space and a $10 million credit line.
Rogers said Monday that the aim of company donations is to create a better business environment rather than a political ideology.
We have a history of making contributions through our PACs and our corporations to both Republicans and Democrats, he said.
Its really all about good government. Its about having informed people lead our country, lead our state, lead our counties so we can have a prosperous community moving forward. Its about jobs its about investment.
According to Florida Division of Elections records, the majority of the contributions made in Florida during the current election cycle came from Raleigh, N.C.-based Progress Energy -- its state headquarters is based in St. Petersburg -- prior to the merger being announced in July.
Progress has given $883,033.78 this year in contributions and in-kind donations, with the majority, $604,204 ($575,000 in cash) going to the Republican Party of Florida.
Rep. Pat Rooney, R-West Palm Beach, and former Rep. Aaron Bean, a Republican state Senate candidate from Fernandina Beach, each received individual $500 contributions from Progress.
The Florida Democratic Party has received $61,000 in cash and $5,280 through an in-kind donation from Progress Energy, with another $500 going to state Senate candidate Mack Bernard, a Democrat from West Palm Beach.
Progress has also given $100,000 to both the electioneering committee behind Gov. Rick Scotts 2014 re-election effort Lets Get to Work, and the Florida Conservative Majority, an effort supported by Senate President-designate Don Gaetz, R-Niceville.
The Florida Leadership Fund, backed by Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, also received $10,000 from Progress.
Duke Energy has been more conservative, spreading out $5,000 this year to candidates in both parties, including Sen.-elect John Legg, R-Port Richey, former Senate President Tom Lee of Brandon, and GOP House District 82 primary winner MaryLynn Magar of Martin County.
Such contributions are not unique.
The states largest energy provider, Florida Power & Light and its parent company NextEra Energy out of Juno Beach, have made $801,044 in contributions this year, of which $250,000 has gone to Lets Get to Work, and $252,260 to the RPOF in cash and an in-kind donation.
The Florida Democratic Party received $145,000 in cash and another $8,159 through in-kind donations from FPL.
Among individual candidates receiving contributions from FPL are Republicans Legg and Bill Galvano of Bradenton, while Democrats getting the juice from the Palm Beach County utility included Bernard, Sen. Oscar Braynon of Miami Gardens and Joe Saunders of Orlando.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
