Florida Power & Light Company today announced it will work with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on implementing energy conservation measures for the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) located in Brevard County.

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"Through conservation programs, we've helped our customers reduce energy use enough to avoid having to build seven power plants. FPL continues to support conservation as a major part of our effort to provide customers with low-cost, reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity," said Paul Evanson, president of FPL.

FPL will embark on a $2.5-million design and construction project to replace lighting, install and improve lighting controls, replace compressed air systems, and improve heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment within the space shuttle area of KSC. The contract, the fourth in five years with NASA, is based on authority granted in the Energy Policy Act of 1992 that encourages federal agencies to contract directly with their local energy provider for any and all energy-related services.

The resulting reduction in electric use is expected to save KSC $375,000 annually in energy costs. In addition, as part of its business energy conservation incentive program, FPL will provide the government agency with $41,307 for qualifying lighting replacements. FPL estimates the energy conservation project will pay for itself in less than seven years. "Along with the reduction in energy, NASA will get an upgraded facility infrastructure providing reductions in maintenance costs associated with older equipment," said Manuel Cabrera, lead power systems engineer, NASA Ground Systems. FPL says the energy conservation measures should reduce electric use by more than 7-million kilowatt-hours-a-year, which is enough energy to power 580 Florida homes.

FPL's commitment to energy conservation remains strong, even while embarking on a period of expansion. The company's own 10-year capacity plan includes energy conservation as a responsible part of meeting Florida's future energy needs. By 2008, all of FPL's incentive-based energy management and conservation programs are expected to reduce peak demand by 2,800 megawatts. Peak demand refers to a specific time when the most electricity is required by customers. For example, the residential peak demand typically occurs between 5-7 p.m., weekdays during the summer season. Reducing peak demand delays the need for new power plants.

FPL has many programs specifically designed to assist large and small businesses, as well as government, conserve energy and keep bills down. Business customers are encouraged to visit the web site at http://www.fpl.com/ or call the business care center at 1-800-FPL-5566 ext. 6280 to find out how to conserve energy, lower the electric bill, and qualify for financial incentives related to energy conservation.

FPL Group, with annual revenues of more than $8 billion, is one of the nation's largest providers of electricity-related services. Its principal subsidiary, Florida Power & Light Company, serves 3.9 million customer accounts in Florida. FPL Energy, LLC, FPL Group's independent power production subsidiary, is a leader in generating electricity from clean and renewable fuels. More information is available at http://www.fplgroup.com/ .

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SOURCE: Florida Power & Light Company