The Florida Public Service Commission sanctioned the Tampa Electric Companys energy conservation plan, which could save 175 megawatts of electricity over 10 years, or enough to power about 52,000 homes.
Were happy that they approved it, not just for us but for the savings for our customers, said Will Rogers, TECO communications manager.
Commissioners had panned an earlier plan by TECO that did not meet conservation goals. But they approved the company's plan Tuesday over the objections of a nonprofit group that promotes responsible energy policies.
The Tennessee-based Southern Alliance for Clean Energy disputed the cost-effectiveness of TECOs plan, known as the demand side management, or DSM plan, stating that it is not sufficiently contrasted with its utility company peers.
TECO doesnt compare itself to anybody, and we compare TECO to TECO, said George Cavros, attorney for SACE.
PSC officials countered that due diligence was conducted and the new plan meets PSC energy conservation goals.
Our staff, they did compare them to other plans, said PSC communications director Cynthia Muir.
TECOs conservation plan includes measures to reduce demand during peak times and locations, $1.5 million in rebates for energy efficient devices like solar panels (with some schools and low-income customers getting free installation) and audits to educate customers on saving energy.
After the PSC rejected parts of its original plan in October, TECO adjusted eight of its efficiency programs to meet the commissions standards.
The PSC asked us to go back and refile and we did, Rogers said.
The DSM plan becomes effective Dec. 30 and is valid for five years, but not all electricity providers have received approval from the PSC for their energy efficiency plans. The PSC staff did not recommend Florida Power and Light Co.s plan for approval Tuesday.
State documents show that PSC staffers do not think FPLs plan meets energy conservation or cost-saving goals set by the state. But the state's largest electric utility has a bigger hurdle than just the approval of staffers and commissioners to overcome. It is currently involved in a legal battle over whether PSC Commissioner Nathan Skop should recuse himself from issues involving FPL. The PSC cannot take up any FPL business until the matter is resolved.
TECO provides electricity to more than 667,000 customers, covering 2,000 acres around Tampa Bay with 4,400 megawatts of generating capacity.
Reach Gray Rohrer at grohrer@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
