Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) offers BuildSmart, a program designed to support the energy-efficient construction of new residences. FPL reminds home builders and buyers to take advantage of BuildSmart's energy-efficient ideas to lower electric use -- and electric bills.

"Rising energy costs are sending many new home buyers in search of ways to incorporate energy-efficient features into their dream homes," said Terry Yeager, BuildSmart representative for FPL. New home owners can expect to save between 10 and 30 percent, monthly, in energy costs by building BuildSmart features into a new home. FPL can make sure all program standards are met during inspections that include a leakage test of the home's air conditioning duct system.

"Especially in Florida where the style is to build an open floor plan, some new home builders and buyers are concerned they will have to give up windows and the open feel in order to build an energy-efficient home. However, that's not necessarily the case. Simply building your new home to include energy-saving equipment such as ceiling fans, energy efficient air conditioning systems and high levels of ceiling insulation can get a home qualified," Yeager said.

Wally Sanger, with Royal Professional Builders, is a participating BuildSmart homebuilder. Mr. Sanger, who has built more than 140 BuildSmart homes last year alone, said, "You can substantially reduce your electric energy bill by building a BuildSmart home. For the purpose of ease in construction, new home buyers should incorporate the BuildSmart standards right into their house plans from the start."

The value of a BuildSmart home may extend to the re-sale market, too. Anna Niehaus, a local real estate professional said, "A BuildSmart home is an advantage at re-sale time especially when two or more homes are equally desirable to the buyer."

New home buyers and builders are invited to contact a BuildSmart representative in their area by visiting http://www.fpl.com/ on the Internet or by calling 1-800-DIAL-FPL.

Florida Power & Light Company is the principal subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. , one of the nation's largest providers of electricity-related services with annual revenues of more than $7 billion. The company serves approximately 3.9 million customer accounts in Florida. FPL Energy, LLC, an FPL Group energy-generating subsidiary, is a leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable fuels. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.fpl.com.

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SOURCE: Florida Power & Light Company