November 8, 2004
FPL studies microturbine technology at Tomoka Correctional Institution

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Florida Power & Light Co. announced today that it is working in cooperation with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the state’s Tomoka Correctional Institution to study microturbine energy technology. The project places a microturbine at the Tomoka Correctional Institution in Daytona Beach.

“FPL believes that technology -- combined with energy conservation -- is needed to meet the electric needs of customers and support environmental initiatives now and in the future,” said Paul Hamilton, vice president of state legislative affairs for FPL. “The microturbine project at Tomoka Correctional Institution clearly supports this effort.”

Microturbines are small combustion generators that efficiently create heat and electricity on-site, conserving grid power. About the size of a refrigerator, the natural gas fueled microturbine at Tomoka has extremely low emissions of smog-forming NOx and other pollutants compared to other energy sources. The Tomoka project is grid-connected to FPL’s electric system. It will heat water for the laundry area at the correctional facility.

FPL and EPRI partnered to purchase the $50,000 microturbine and fund the research and development for a total cost of about $360,000. The 60 kW Capstone microturbine will be studied during an experimental period lasting approximately one year. The study will determine how the microturbine might be used as back-up energy generation, as a stand-alone power source, and as a device to be deployed to reduce energy peaks. Additionally, the test project will evaluate the viability of the technology by measuring the performance of the system compared to its technical specifications. The project team will test the unit’s reliability, assess the equipment’s readiness for commercial service, identify technical obstacles, ease of maintenance and operation cost.

“We are looking forward to participating in microturbine technology and we’re delighted to be a partner with energy leaders such as FPL and EPRI in an effort to find better ways to manage energy use and cost and to protect our natural environment,” said Secretary James V. Crosby, Jr., for Tomoka Correctional Institution.

“There are about 3,000 Capstone microturbines worldwide, but very few in Florida,” said Capstone spokesman Keith Field. “We’re proud that the forward-thinking experts at FPL and EPRI are taking this leadership role in creating cleaner energy with less fossil fuel use.”

Florida Power & Light Company is the principal subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE: FPL), nationally known as a high quality, efficient and customer-driven organization focused on energy-related products and services. With annual revenues of more than $9 billion and a growing presence in 26 states, FPL Group is widely recognized as one of the country's premier power companies. Florida Power & Light Company serves more than 4.2 million customer accounts in Florida. FPL Energy, LLC, FPL Group's wholesale electricity generating subsidiary, is a leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable fuels. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.FPL.com, www.FPLGroup.com and www.FPLEnergy.com.