Duke Energy Proposes Lower Rates
Siting improvements including solar investments and energy conservation, Duke Energy Florida recently requested to lower rates and decrease customer bills in January 2025. The request is part of an annual adjustment for the cost of fuel used to generate electricity at the company’s power plants.
If approved by the Public Service Commission, typical residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) will see a decrease of $9.77 on their January 2025 bill when compared to December 2024. Duke Energy Florida has already reduced rates twice this year – once in January and again in June. Residential customers pay roughly $17 per 1,000 kWh less today when compared to one year ago.
“Duke Energy is consistently looking for creative ways to reduce rates and provide financial relief to our customers,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We work to deliver real value, including a stronger, more reliable grid and cleaner energy.”
Duke proposes to decrease Florida residential rates by approximately 6 percent, while making grid improvements to enhance reliability, security and resilience in 2025 and beyond. Rates for 2025 reflect investments resulting in fewer outages and shorter restoration times, as well as solar investments. It also includes Duke Energy Florida’s annual capacity, energy conservation, storm protection plan and environmental compliance clause costs. Commercial and industrial customers will also see bill decreases ranging from 5.1 to 11.1 percent, depending on several variable factors.
The 2025 rates also reflect the comprehensive agreement reached between Duke Energy Florida and customer representatives. The agreement increases reliability and advances the clean energy vision for the state, while focusing on ways to assist and pass on savings to customers.
FPL’s Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant Authorized to Operate for Another 20 Years
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved the subsequent license renewal for Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) South Florida Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4, enabling the continued operation of these units through 2052 and 2053, respectively.
“This approval demonstrates our commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure that we can continue to deliver safe, reliable and clean energy to our customers for decades to come,” said Armando Pimentel, FPL president and chief executive officer. “Turkey Point is an integral part of the local economy and an essential part of FPL’s fuel mix.”
The Turkey Point Plant is located 25 miles south of Miami. The facility occupies 11,000 acres of land dominated by protected mangrove swamps and 168 linear miles of cooling canals. Unit 3 began commercial operation in 1972, followed by Unit 4 in 1973. The active units generate sufficient energy to power the equivalent of nearly 1 million homes and businesses and play a pivotal role in maintaining grid stability.
According to FPL, Nuclear power plants have one of the lowest impacts on the environment of any energy source as they produce zero carbon emissions. Nuclear power comprises 20 percent of the company’s fuel mix and is the second largest energy source in Florida. The facility preserves habitat supporting Florida’s threatened American crocodile and other native species.
“This approval is the culmination of rigorous efforts to meet and exceed regulatory expectations,” said Turkey Point Site Vice President Mike Strope. “Our team demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise throughout the reapplication process, ensuring that the safe and reliable operation of Turkey Point continues to play a critical role in supplying zero-emissions electricity to FPL customers.”
UF/IFAS:Fallen trees can reveal hidden termites
Thomas Chouvenc, associate professor of urban entomology at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, is warning homeowners to be vigilant about fallen trees now more than ever, some of which may have already been damaged by termites before the recent storms. Fallen trees with unusual damage can also reveal the presence of invasive subterranean termites within the surrounding areas of a home.
“This hurricane season in Florida has proven to be more challenging than in years past, with intense wind speed and floods. Unfortunately, Florida is also facing mounting termite pressure with the spread of major invasive pest species in many urban areas across the state,” he said. “While hurricanes pose a direct threat to trees and structures, the hidden damage caused by invasive termites can make the situation worse.”
Trees that have been compromised by termites may appear healthy, but their internal structure could be weakened, making them more vulnerable to storm damage. Two invasive species, the Formosan subterranean termite and the Asian subterranean termite, are highlighted as having become entrenched in some of Florida’s urban areas. Trees weakened by termites are more likely to fall during storms, even when wind speeds would normally not be enough to cause the damage.
“After a storm, we often see trees on roofs and cars, but many of these trees would have withstood the storm had they not been compromised by termites,” said Chouvenc “In areas where these two invasive termites have established for years, it is essential to inspect trees regularly for termite mud tubes. Regular tree inspections can help detect early termite infestations, allowing for treatment before the damage becomes extensive.
The UF/IFAS termite distribution map provides up-to-date information on where the primary invasive termite pest species are located across the state. Residents are encouraged to check the map to determine their risk and take necessary precautions, including inspecting and treating trees in their yards.
EPA issues Proposed Consent Agreement with Panhandle Rancher for Section 404 Violations
EPA Region 4 in September proposed to issue a Consent Agreement and Final Order, assessing an administrative penalty of $70,500 to AgReserves, Inc., operating as Deseret Cattle and Timber,
The order will settle the EPA’s allegations that Deseret discharged dredged and/or fill material into approximately 809 acres of jurisdictional wetlands and waters of the United States using earth moving machinery during unauthorized activities associated with the development of pine tree silviculture areas into cattle pastures and the construction of stock ponds generally located east of Callaway, north of East Bay, west of Sandy Creek, and south of State Route 22 in Bay County. The release is in violation of Section 301(a) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1311(a).
Miami-Dade County Removes 500th Derelict Vessel
The Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources’ Division of Environmental Resources Management (RER-DERM) recently removed its 500th derelict vessel from Biscayne Bay. The effort is part of the Marine Debris Removal and Prevention Program.
“Derelict vessels and marine debris pose a serious threat to the health of Biscayne Bay because they release pollutants into the water, damage marine life, threaten boater safety and cost Florida taxpayers millions of dollars each year in removal and disposal,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “By reaching this milestone, we are taking a significant step toward preserving the beauty and health of Biscayne Bay, which is not only a critical part of our ecosystem but also vital to our economy and quality of life.”
The 500 vessels were removed from a variety of coastal areas from Maule Lake to Manatee Bay, from the Oleta River to the Miami River, and throughout Biscayne Bay. If collected in a line, the vessels would stretch over 2.55 miles (approximately 13,490 feet) end-to-end, about the distance across the Bay from the mainland to Miami Beach.
“This accomplishment is a reflection of the extraordinary RER-DERM staff efforts, which include countless hours spent locating, inspecting, researching, and physically removing abandoned, derelict and at-risk vessels,” said RER-DERM Director Lisa M. Spadafina. “It is a big win for Biscayne Bay and for everyone who enjoys recreational activities on the Bay.”
RER-DERM partners with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other marine law enforcement agencies to document and remove derelict vessels. The program is funded by the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Biscayne Bay Environmental Enhancement Trust Fund.
Tampa’s City Center Achieves U.S. Green Building Council LEED Gold for Sustainability
The City of Tampa’s City Center at Hanna Avenue announced that the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has awarded City Center gold-level LEED certification. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building certification program used worldwide to help create more environmentally friendly spaces.
City Center was originally a brownfield site with a warehouse, the clean up ahead of City Center’s construction ultimately resulted in the site being removed from the brownfield list.
“Home of the first publicly available electric vehicle charging stations in East Tampa and the largest rooftop solar project in the entire city, City Center at Hanna Avenue proves our commitment to our environment and our people,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “Sustainability, resilience, and equity are deeply woven into this project, and many others we have in the pipeline, to ensure we are Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow in a sustainable way.”
LEED Principles at the City Center include, 27 electric vehicle charging stations and reserved spaces for green vehicles, bicycle storage, coupled with ADA-accessible shower and changing rooms to promote bicycle commuting, 30 percent (144,400 sq. ft.) of open space of which 75 percent is landscaped with native plants, a 35 percent reduction in indoor water use, using low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads and a 50 percent reduction in outdoor water use, using native plants and efficient irrigation techniques, and over 1 megawatt of on-site solar as well as other green achievements.
