PANAMA CITY, Fla. - June 25, 2008 - Florida Gov. Charlie Crist today praised plans by Gulf Power Company to roll out a comprehensive energy conservation program aimed at reducing greenhouse gases while saving customers money.

The electric utility has been working with the governor’s office to launch a new energy conservation initiative called EarthCents – a comprehensive menu of programs and educational efforts to reduce residential and commercial electricity purchases.

“Energy technologies here in the Sunshine State can propel us as a leader in the industry,” Crist said, speaking from his Serve to Preserve Global Climate Change Summit in Miami. “I applaud Gulf Power Company for being energy and industry leaders. With innovative thinking and a commitment to excellence, they have created initiatives that conserve energy, save money and promote the use of renewable energy.

The EarthCents effort – a combination of new and existing efficiency and conservation programs – will include a new pilot program providing customers a $1,000 incentive to install a solar water heating system and incentives for geothermal heating and cooling systems.

"Gulf Power applauds Governor Crist's leadership in protecting the environment while at the same time helping Floridians reduce their energy costs,” Susan Story, Gulf Power president and CEO said. “Our EarthCents program, which combines numerous energy saving programs using leading edge technology, is truly a win-win for everyone. Customers could save up to 50 percent on their energy bills by participating in several of the EarthCents programs."

The next step for the utility, which serves more than 425,000 customers in Northwest Florida, is to gain approval from the Florida Public Service Commission for the new programs and promotions which the company hopes to accomplish by the end of the year.

Other EarthCents programs will include home energy management systems with interactive thermostats and smart meters, free energy surveys, energy efficiency programs for homebuilders and a comprehensive public education program on energy conservation. 

“These EarthCents programs will encourage customers to learn more about energy conservation and give them the tools to make earth-friendly decisions every day,” Story said. “We have already reduced power plant emissions by more than 70 percent and this program will give customers the opportunity to further reduce their impact on the environment through these EarthCents programs.”

Gulf Power is also participating in several demonstration projects to help provide needed research into new energy technologies. Those projects include: 

• A solar water heating system for a low-income, multi-family housing complex
• The BEST house – a project at the University of West Florida to build a home with the most up to date sustainable “green” design techniques
• Commercial geothermal projects for several customers, including a hotel and a fast food restaurant.

Besides reducing greenhouse gases, Gulf Power expects the EarthCents programs will delay the need for building new peaking power plants in the future as Florida continues to grow.

“Meeting future energy demands, while reducing the total impact on the environment is our goal,” Story said. “We believe EarthCents gets more customers directly involved in improving the environment through their everyday actions.” 

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