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FLORIDA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Commission Update April 2017 Julie I. Brown Chairman |
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Gas Safety and Water Conservation Should Top Spring Projects To-Do List
As the first full month of spring, April is packed with festivals, events, meetings, and a host of other activities. My spring calendar is overflowing with "busy," and it's no different at the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). In fact, April's calendar at the PSC includes some timely topics and tips for all of us. Spring marks the start of home improvement projects for many Floridians. Whether that includes building a deck in the backyard or planting a tree, before you get that shovel out, the PSC urges you to "call 811 before you dig!" April is National Safe Digging Month and since safety is a top PSC priority, we fully support the campaign. A free call to 811 before any digging project is a good thing. Failure to make the call can result in hitting underground utility lines, leading to possible injury, penalties, repair costs, and inconvenient utility service interruptions. For projects large and small, call 811 or go to sunshine811.com at least two full business days prior to digging to get underground utility lines marked at the dig site. Our consumer tip on 811 also offers safe digging advice for your next outside project. In Florida during the month of April, Water Conservation Month is observed. The PSC believes water conservation begins right at your tap and urges you to keep your water usage in check. Typically, March, April, and May have the lowest rainfall amounts in Florida. Since the highest water savings can occur during outdoor use, we recommend making conservation a natural habit when watering your yard. Nationwide, according to the EPA, landscape irrigation is estimated to account for nearly one-third (1/3) of all residential water use, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons per day. We offer these outdoor water saving tips for your use this spring:
April at the Capitol also has many planned activities. The Capitol is home to Florida's Executive and Legislative branches, and the PSC appreciates their work. We recently participated in Florida Senior Day at the Capitol to celebrate the state's seniors. This annual event spotlights seniors and senior advocates and showcases older adults' special contributions to the state. Participants enjoyed free health screenings, exhibits, artists, music, and a unique opportunity to meet their legislative and state officials. We regularly meet with seniors about scam protections and energy and water conservation, as well as to help those eligible apply for the federal Lifeline Assistance discounted telephone program. June 1 marks the beginning of Hurricane Season. Our annual PSC Hurricane Roundtable will be on April 20 to review the status of storm preparedness for the state's electric utilities. The CEOs of Florida's electric investor-owned utilities, electric municipal and cooperative associations, and the Department of Emergency Management will provide updates on efforts to strengthen the electric grid and distribution system from storm impacts and keep residents informed. It's an opportunity for them to highlight their communication efforts to address customer needs during and after storm-related events. As we prepare for storm season, we also encourage you to prepare. For tips, look for the Hurricane House and Florida Be Prepared checklist on our website under Publications! I hope you are enjoying many spring activities. Summer will be here before we know it, and I encourage you to practice energy-saving tips now, before our hot weather arrives. Visit the PSC's website and browse the energy and water conservation brochures for more information. Also, if you've never been to Florida's Capitol-which has a rich heritage in downtown Tallahassee-I invite you to come, especially during Legislative Session, and experience Springtime in Tallahassee.
CONTACT THE PSC: On-line: www.FloridaPSC.com E-mail contact@psc.state.fl.us Call toll-free number: 800-342-3552 Fax toll-free: 800-511-0809 Send a letter to: The Florida Public Service Commission 2540 Shumard Oak Blvd., Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850
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May Commission Calendar
April News Releases
Florida PSC Approves Rate Case Settlement for Gulf Power Company
March / April Notable FPSC Dockets
Electric and Gas Industry March / April Notable FPSC Orders
Electric and Gas Industry |
