Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act: State of Florida
The act includes an Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program for conusmers.
Florida operates in an electricity production deficit forcing the purchase of kilowatt hours from neighboring states. This, together with its experiences during the unprecedented storm seasons of 2004 and 2005, underscore the state’s vulnerability to interruptions in energy production, supply and delivery. This will only be compounded with the anticipated increases in energy demand and consumption the state faces. In response, the Florida Renewable Energy Technologies & Energy Efficiency Act was proposed and adopted. This $100 million plan to advance the development of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency will reduce regulatory barriers and provide economic incentives. The Act takes the first steps toward providing a diverse, reliable and secure energy future while also protecting public health and the environment.
The act includes measures designed to:
- Streamline regulations
- Stabilize energy costs and ensure reliability
- Encourage diversity in new electric generation capacity
- Expedite new electric generation capacity
- Improving the reliability of electric utility generation
- Reduce consumer costs and increase energy efficiency
A $5 million dollar investment will fund two rebate programs the first year. The Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program will provide consumer rebates for purchases of energy efficient ENERGY STAR® appliances. In just their first year alone consumers are expected to conserve more than 10 million kilowatt hours through the use of energy efficient appliances. There is also a Solar Energy Equipment Rebate Program designed to reduce the initial costs for installations of photovoltaic and solar thermal technology on residential and commercial buildings.
The act also includes Renewable Energy Technologies Tax Incentives which provide sale tax exemptions and corporate income tax credits for the production of cleaner fuels, including biodiesel, ethanol and hydrogen; and provides $10 million in new grants to fund research projects testing the commercial viability of these “next generation” technologies.
A derivative of oils or fats that is used as transportation fuel. It is biodegradable and can be used as a replacement for or as a component of diesel fuel. See also BIOFUELS.Energy that comes from sources that are not depleted by use. Examples include energy from the sun, wind, and small (low-impact) hydropower, plus geothermal energy and wave and tidal systems.A measure of a building's or product's energy performance compared with that of similar buildings or products, as determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency / U.S. Department of Energy's ENERGY STARŪ Portfolio Manager. A liquid produced from the chemical fermentation of sugars in plant materials. The liquid is consumed in alcoholic drinks, used as fuel, and added to gasoline as a fuel enhancer.Energy efficiency is the process of using less energy to produce the same or increased functions. Often used mistakenly as a synonym for ENERGY CONSERVATION. The ability or potential of a physical body to do work. The most common forms of energy are heat, light, mechanical (moving parts), and electrical.
