The Florida Public Service Commission
(PSC) today denied a determination of need for two proposed coal power plants in
Glades County. Florida Power & Light (FPL) filed the petition with the PSC
in February requesting permission to move forward with the siting and
construction of the two 980-megawatt plants.
Continuing a process that included significant public input,
expert testimony, and a thorough analysis of the record of evidence, the PSC
ruled that the proposed plants are not the most cost-effective alternative
available. Commissioners cited the large fixed costs that would be added to base
rates for the construction of the plants and the uncertainty associated with
future natural gas and coal prices.
“Based on an exhaustive analysis of
the record and a thorough discussion of the issues, the Commission ruled that
FPL’s proposal is not the most cost-effective alternative,” said PSC Chairman
Lisa Polak Edgar. “The Commission’s decision recognizes the need for fuel
diversity and additional generation while determining that potential benefits
did not mitigate the additional costs and risks of the project.”
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 .
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