Florida Power & Light Company today offered residents some energy-saving tips that can help keep electric bills down during the latest cold weather snap.

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FPL says both the heating system and the electric water heater are the major users of energy during cooler months. Home heating can be as much as three times more expensive than cooling.

Bill Hamilton, vice president of customer service for FPL said, "Customers' energy use will vary based on weather, thermostat settings, type of heating system, and the size of their home."

FPL understands the need to help customers' keep bills down. Residential customers can help lower their electric bills by conserving and making their homes more energy efficient. For example:

  * Keep the heating thermostat set at 68 degrees. Reduce the setting to
    65 degrees when leaving the home or while sleeping for even more energy
    efficiency.
  * Install a programmable thermostat to automate the task of raising and
    lowering the thermostat on central heating systems.
  * Ceiling fans in the "reverse" mode will circulate warm air downward.
    Turn the fan off when you leave the room for further economy.
  * Simple to install low-flow showerheads reduce hot water used during
    long, cool-weather showers and can pay for themselves in as little as a
    few weeks.
  * Drafts around exterior doors waste energy. Eliminate these by installing
    vinyl weather-stripping.
  * Add rubber door sweeps to the bottom of doors and thresholds to keep
    cool air outside.

FPL says space heaters are a safe and efficient source of heat, when used properly. The company suggests, when practical, rely on them to heat a single room, instead of using the central heater to warm the entire house. Customers are encouraged to follow these safety tips when using space heaters:

  * Keep combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, draperies, rugs
    and furniture at least three feet away from the heater.
  * Keep space heaters away from water to avoid electric shock.
  * Turn-off the space heater and unplug it when leaving a room or the home
    for an extended period of time.

Customers with Internet access can visit http://www.fpl.com/ for an online version of the home energy survey. This free, easy-to-use tool available anytime on the company's secure web site offers customers a way to find out how much they spend to heat their homes. They can also test different thermostat settings online to see immediately how much can be saved with even minor adjustments. A personalized and printable report to save or share with the household is part of the online survey. Customers may also call 1-800-DIALFPL for energy information and advice.

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 $8 billion. The company serves 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 about the company is available on the Internet at www.fpl.com.

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SOURCE: Florida Power & Light Company