PENSACOLA, Fla. – May 1, 2008 - Gulf Power is looking for bidders who want to sell them electricity from renewable energy sources.

The electric utility is in the market for up to 600 megawatts – enough electricity to power more than 200,000 homes – by 2014. And they want as much of the 600 megawatts as possible to come from renewable sources -- biomass (burning agricultural waste products), landfill gas, solar, waste heat, geothermal, hydroelectric and wind.

“We want to take advantage of any and all cost effective renewable energy sources available because that’s good for the environment,” John Hutchinson, company spokesman said. “By issuing this call for proposals we are continuing our efforts toward a future of environmentally friendly energy sources.

Any proposed energy projects must be capable of interconnecting with Gulf Power’s grid and be cost effective. And, prospective bidders should have sound operational and financial backgrounds for consideration.

“We have had a number of renewable pilot programs in the past both at Gulf Power and within our parent company, The Southern Company,” Hutchinson said. “We have burned sawdust, switchgrass and various recycled material. We have installed and studied solar, wind and fuel cell technologies. Now we are ready to look for other major sources of ongoing renewable energy.

The energy source does not have to be in Northwest Florida, but the closer it is to Gulf Power’s power lines, the more efficient the energy production and delivery will be.     

 The deadline for bidding on this opportunity has passed.

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Media Contacts:

John Hutchinson: 850-444-6750, cell 850-324-0099

Lynn Erickson:  850-444-6249, cell 850-293-4614

Media Line: 800-621-6688