Florida PSC News Releases

Lisa Polak Edgar Begins Second Term on Florida's Public Service Commission

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Lisa Polak Edgar was sworn in Tuesday to a second four-year term on the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates the state’s investor-owned electric, gas, water, wastewater, and telecommunications companies.Originally appointed in January 2005, Edgar served as the Commission’s Chairman from January 2006 through 2007. Governor Crist appointed Edgar for a second term through January 1, 2013. “Reliable and affordable utility service that is also environmentally sound is important to every residential and business consumer, now and into the future,” said Commissioner Edgar. “As a regulator, consumer, wife, and mother, I am honored and humbled to work on these issues on behalf of Florida’s future.” During Commissioner Edgar’s chairmanship, the PSC adopted measures to strengthen the state’s electric grid to better withstand severe weather; implemented internal ethics training to reinforce the highest ethical standards; and diversified Florida’s energy mix, including the encouragement of renewable energy sources and conservation. During her chairmanship, the PSC worked with the Department of Children and Families to initiate automatic enrollment for the Link-Up Florida and Lifeline Assistance programs to help low-income Floridians afford telephone service. She serves on the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Board of Directors and Telecommunications Committee, the Federal Communications Commission Universal Service Joint Board, and the U.S. Department of Transportation Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee. Edgar also has served as a member of the Florida Energy Commission and the Governor's Action Team on Energy and Climate Change. Edgar received a juris doctorate from the College of Law at Florida State University, where she also received a bachelor’s degree in political science. She is a member of the Florida Bar.The PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitoring of safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Commissioner Edgar to Take Oath of Office Tuesday

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Lisa Polak Edgar, recently appointed to the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) by Governor Charlie Crist, will take her oath of office at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, with Judge Judith Hawkins presiding.Commissioner Edgar was initially appointed to the PSC by former Governor Jeb Bush in 2004 for a four-year term beginning in 2005. Her new term runs through January 1, 2013.She will join Chairman Matthew M. Carter II and Commissioners Katrina J. McMurrian, Nancy Argenziano, and Nathan A. Skop on the five-member commission panel.The regularly scheduled agenda conference items will begin at 11:00 a.m. The ceremony will be at the following location:Tuesday, January 6, 2009Beginning at 9:30 a.m.Betty Easley Conference CenterJoseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)4075 Esplanade WayTallahassee, FloridaThe PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitoring of safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Florida Public Service Commission Considers Items of Interest at Upcoming Agenda Conference

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The following items are among those scheduled for consideration by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) at the Tuesday, January 6, 2009 Agenda Conference. Preceding the Agenda Conference, Commissioner Lisa Polak Edgar will be sworn in for a second four-year term at 9:30 a.m.
ITEM 3:Docket No. 080641-TP - Initiation of rulemaking to amend and repeal rules in chapters 25-4 and 25-9, F.A.C., pertaining to telecommunications.Docket No. 080159-TP - Joint petition to initiate rulemaking to adopt new rule in Chapter 25-24, F.A.C., amend and repeal rules in Chapter 25-4, F.A.C., and amend rules in Chapter 25-9, F.A.C., by Verizon Florida LLC, BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. d/b/a AT&T Florida, Embarq Florida, Inc., Quincy Telephone Company d/b/a TDS Telecom, and Windstream Florida, Inc.The Commission will consider a staff recommendation on proposed rule changes to reduce telephone companies’ reporting requirements and streamline PSC regulations.ITEM 6: Docket No. 070293-SU - Application for increase in wastewater rates in Monroe County by K W Resort Utilities Corp. The Commission will consider a staff recommendation on the utility’s request for a rate increase. The Agenda Conference is scheduled for the following time and location: Tuesday, January 6, 200811:00 a.m.Betty Easley Conference CenterJoseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)4075 Esplanade WayTallahassee, FloridaThe Agenda Conference is broadcast on the Florida Channel (check your local listings) and is available online by going to www.floridapsc.com and selecting Commission Calendar on the top right of the Web page. The PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitoring of safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Lifeline Enrollment Jumps Nearly 12 Percent

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Participation in the Lifeline Assistance (Lifeline) program increased by nearly 12 percent, according to the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Annual Lifeline Report. The Lifeline program makes telephone service more affordable for low-income residents.
“Imagine being without a phone. The fact is that some Florida residents are phoneless year-round, and we want them to know help is available,” said Matthew M. Carter II, PSC Chairman. “Each year, through our outreach efforts, many eligible Floridians sign up for Lifeline and stay connected to family, as well as to vital community services.”As of June 2008, nearly 184,000 eligible customers participated in the Florida Lifeline program. In its 2008 report sent to the Governor and the Legislature, the PSC attributed increased Lifeline participation to the automatic enrollment process initiated in April 2007 by the PSC and Florida’s Department of Children and Families.Under the federal Lifeline program, telephone customers who participate in certain public assistance programs are entitled to receive a basic telephone service discount of at least $13.50 per month, a savings of $162 per year. Link-Up Florida (Link-Up) provides a 50 percent reduction in the telephone service installation charge, up to a maximum of $30, for qualifying households that do not currently have telephone service. “A telephone is no longer a luxury, but a necessity,” said Chairman Carter. “In difficult economic times, it’s important for residents to know about these benefits. A telephone offers safety and peace of mind in emergencies and in everyday living.”Chairman Carter added, “We’re working with telephone companies, the Office of Public Counsel, and many other groups to promote Link-Up and Lifeline, and we’re hoping the public will also spread the word about these beneficial programs.”Eligibility for Link-Up and Lifeline includes participation in at least one of these programs: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Medicaid, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), and National School Lunch Program’s free lunch program. A family whose income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level guidelines may also qualify. For a family of four, that requirement is a maximum monthly income of $2,385.Applying for Lifeline is easy. For assistance, Florida residents may call their local phone company, the PSC at 1-800-342-3552, or the Office of Public Counsel at 1-800-540-7039. Information is also available at www.floridapsc.com and www.floridaopc.gov/lifeline.cfm.The PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitoring safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

PSC Show Causes Verizon Florida for Rule Violations

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) today ordered Verizon Florida LLC (Verizon) to show cause why it should not be penalized $4.56 million for taking too long to restore customers’ landline phone service.
“PSC rules require companies to make all reasonable efforts to minimize the extent and duration of conditions that disrupt or affect residents’ telephone service,” said PSC Chairman Matthew M. Carter II. “Telecommunications companies must deliver the quality of service that people pay for and expect.”Verizon failed to restore service to customers within the time frame required by the PSC for more than 56,500 phone lines in 2007 and 2008. A PSC analysis of Verizon data revealed that the company failed to follow through on its repair commitments and appointments, and customers experienced extended phone service outages.Verizon will have 21 days from issuance of a PSC order to respond in writing why the company should not be penalized for its apparent rule violations. The Office of the Attorney General, the Office of Public Counsel, and the AARP asked the PSC to issue the order.The PSC is committed to making sure that Florida’s consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitors safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Florida Public Service Commission Highlights Utility Payment Assistance Programs

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The joy of the holiday season can be dampened for Floridians struggling to pay their utility bills. The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) wants Floridians to know that help may be available. “The holiday season can be stressful for those who are worried about paying bills,” Chairman Matthew M. Carter II said. “Many utility companies, as well as local charities, have programs available to assist residents. Florida recently received more than $100 million dollars from the federal government for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps low-income residents pay their utility bills.” The LIHEAP is a federal, statewide program that helps pay energy bills for households with incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level. To find out more about qualifications, contact your county's local LIHEAP agency, which can be found on the Department of Community Affairs Web site at http://www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org/liheap/index.cfm, or by calling the state's information line at 2-1-1. Utility customers experiencing financial hardship can also contact their electric company and local charities to inquire about financial assistance offered locally. Customers can call the PSC’s consumer assistance line at 800-342-3552 for information about programs in their area or for information on how to work out a utility payment plan. If you rely on power to run medical equipment at home, contact your power company and enroll in the company’s program for customers who must have electricity for medical reasons.Following are some of the assistance programs available from the five investor-owned utilities (IOUs) regulated by the PSC:Florida Power and Light’s program is called Care to Share. The program provides emergency assistance funds to customers who are in a crisis situation and unable to pay their electric bill. The funds are disbursed through local non-profit organizations.Progress Energy Florida provides assistance through the Energy Neighbor Fund. The monies collected are distributed to needy customers through local aid agencies.Tampa Electric Company offers a 62+ Plan. TECO’s program helps customers who are 62 years-of-age or older work out payment options.Gulf Power provides emergency assistance to customers who need help with energy bills, repairs to heating and air-conditioning equipment, and other energy-related needs. The programs assist the elderly, the disabled, the sick, and others who are experiencing financial hardship.Florida Public Utilities Company will, on a case-by-case basis, offer extended payment options. The company also refers customers to agencies that provide assistance.At least 18 municipal and cooperative systems throughout the state also have emergency assistance programs.Lastly, customers can reduce their electric bills by learning how to reduce their energy use. Energy conservation brochures are available on the PSC Web site at: http://www.psc.state.fl.us/publications/consumer/brochures.aspx or by calling the PSC’s toll free assistance line. The PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitoring of safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

Florida Public Service Commission Considers Items of Interest at Upcoming Agenda Conference

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The following items are among those scheduled for consideration by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) at the Tuesday, December 16, Agenda Conference:ITEM 4: Docket No. 080278-TL – Joint Petition for show cause proceedings against Verizon Florida LLC for apparent violation of Rule 25-4.070, F.A.C., Customer Trouble Reports, and impose fines, by the Office of the Attorney General, Citizens of the State of Florida, and AARP. The Commission will address a staff recommendation on the joint petition requesting the Commission to direct Verizon to show cause why it should not be fined for the apparent rule violation.ITEM 9: Docket No. 070432-EI – Petition for authority to use deferral accounting and for creation of a regulatory asset for prudently incurred preconstruction costs associated with development of a clean coal project, by Florida Power & Light Company. The Commission will consider a staff recommendation addressing FPL’s petition for recovery of a portion of the preconstruction costs associated with the Glades Power Park.ITEM 10: Docket No. 080001-EI – Fuel and purchased power cost recovery clause with generating performance incentive factor. The Commission will consider a staff recommendation which addresses recovery of the replacement fuel costs involved with a 2006 incident at Turkey Point Unit 3. ITEM 14: Docket No. 080006-WS – Water and wastewater industry annual reestablishment of authorized range of returns on common equity for water and wastewater utilities pursuant to Section 367.081(4) (f), F.S. The Commission will consider a staff recommendation addressing a leverage formula to be used in calculating a reasonable range of returns on equity for water and wastewater utilities. The Agenda Conference is scheduled for the following time and location: Tuesday, December 16, 20089:30 a.m.Betty Easley Conference CenterJoseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)4075 Esplanade WayTallahassee, FloridaThe Agenda Conference is broadcast on the Florida Channel (check your local listings) and is available online by going to www.floridapsc.com and selecting Commission Calendar on the top right of the Web page. The PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitoring of safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

PSC to Hold Second Workshop on Energy Conservation and Efficiency Goals

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Florida's Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a workshop on Monday, December 15, 2008, to discuss the development of conservation and efficiency goals for Florida’s electric utilities subject to the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (FEECA). At a November workshop, the utility companies reported on the status of the Technical Potential Study, which identifies all available demand-side management conservation measures. This workshop provides an opportunity for the Commissioners and stakeholders to review the results of the Study and to discuss plans for complying with the expanded 2008 statutory requirements on energy.The workshop is set for the following time and location:Monday, December 15, 20081:00 p.m.Betty Easley Conference CenterJoseph P. Cresse Hearing Room (Room 148)4075 Esplanade WayTallahassee, FloridaThe PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitoring of safety, reliability, and service.For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.