PSC Approves Gulf Power Plan To Reduce Electric Demand

January 26, 2011

The Florida Public Service Commission Tuesday approved a conservation plan by Gulf Power Company that is predicted to save 183 megawatts of electricity over 10 years — enough to power about 50,000 homes.

After directing Gulf Power to develop more conservation savings, the Florida PSC approved the company’s revised plan that now meets the PSC’s conservation goals, set according to the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.

Gulf Power’s plan uses a conservation strategy known as Demand Side Management (DSM) to reduce demand for electricity. DSM methods can include rebates for energy efficient appliances or devices, energy audits to show customers how to save energy, and peak load programs that curtail or shift usage from high cost, peak demand periods.

As part of its DSM measures, Gulf Power will offer several new programs inviting participation by a wide variety of customer groups, including low-income, renters and landlords, residential, and commercial customers.

The Commission previously approved Gulf Power’s four solar pilot programs, which offer incentives for customers who install either solar photovoltaic or solar thermal technologies. For schools or low-income customers, Gulf Power may install the solar technologies free of charge.

Comments

3 Responses to “PSC Approves Gulf Power Plan To Reduce Electric Demand”

  1. Jeff Rogers on January 27th, 2011 8:21 am

    Here’s the info on the solar programs:

    Solar Thermal Water Heating – This program is available to residential and small commercial customers. Gulf Power will offer a $1000 rebate for the installation of a qualifying solar thermal water heater.

    Solar PV – Gulf Power’s Solar PV Program will provide the company’s residential and commercial customers an incentive to encourage the installation of a solar energy system on their home or business. Gulf Power will offer an incentive of $2 per watt up to a maximum of $10,000 per installation of a qualified photovoltaic (PV) system.

    The incentives for these two programs are limited and will be made available through a reservation process.

    Solar Thermal Water Heating for Low-Income – Under this program, Gulf Power will facilitate the installation of solar thermal water heating systems in select qualifying low-income housing. The utility anticipates funding up to 15 low-income residential installations per year.

    Solar for Schools – Gulf Power’s Solar for Schools program will provide capital funding to supplement deployment of PV or photovoltaic systems up to 10 kW in select qualifying public schools served by the utility. The program also will offer educational benefits — the data collected from the installed systems can be used in the schools’ energy curriculum.

    Call us for more info; 1-877-655-4001
    Jeff Rogers
    Gulf Power

  2. Joe Bloe on January 26th, 2011 8:30 pm

    k

  3. bama54 on January 26th, 2011 7:22 am

    Where are the rebates for the solar devices? If GP is to install these technologies free of charge where do we get the devices? I read all the time about great suggestions, but never see anyone who has benefited from them.