PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES AWARD TODAY FOR FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

Washington, Oct 27, 2009 - “The Smart Grid program will help Floridians save money on their energy bills, reduce their carbon emissions, and provide more reliable electrical service,” stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth). In July, Stearns joined in writing to President Obama seeking $200 million from the Smart Grid Investment Grant Program for Florida Power & Light, Florida’s largest utility. “Explained Stearns, “This award will cover about one-third of the $600 million needed to provide smart meters to residents of Florida and to enhance the distribution and transmission system. Although the program is based in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, it will eventually benefit the entire state and nation.”

Today, President Obama announced the award of $200 million for Florida Power & Light as part of Energy Smart Florida. The award will help in the deployment of smart meters to about 4.5 million customers, providing consumers with the information they need to better control their energy consumption. The President announced the award during a tour of a solar energy facility in Florida.