May 19, 2005
FPL and Habitat for Humanity break ground in Port Charlotte

“BuildSmart for Humanity” makes local family’s wish come true

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – “BuildSmart for Humanity” -- a joint effort between Florida Power & Light Company and Habitat for Humanity to build energy-efficient homes across the state -- breaks ground on its newest home in Port Charlotte May 21. As part of FPL’s commitment to making a positive difference in the communities it serves, BuildSmart for Humanity brings together two programs: FPL’s BuildSmart program, which promotes construction of new energy-efficient homes; and Habitat for Humanity, building homes for families in need.

Working with Habitat affiliates in 32 counties across the state, BuildSmart for Humanity homes are more energy-efficient, making them more affordable to maintain. The BuildSmart for Humanity partnership will ensure the homes are upgraded with energy-efficient air conditioning and attic insulation, along with other features, which will keep homes cooler and energy bills lower for these first-time homeowners.

“Investing in the communities we serve is very important to FPL,” said Jeff Bartel, FPL vice president of corporate external affairs. “We appreciate the opportunity to help make dreams come true for local families, especially in areas like Charlotte County, where Hurricane Charley affected so many residents.”

FPL is investing more than half a million dollars into the program this year to build six complete homes in various communities in its service territory. The Port Charlotte home is now the third home under construction.

In addition to sponsoring six new homes this year, FPL will outfit 300 Habitat homes with BuildSmart features, such as energy-efficient equipment, making the new homes up to 30 percent more energy efficient when compared to similar homes not upgraded to BuildSmart standards. The new homeowners will also get support from energy advisors who will help guide them as they manage their home energy needs. And, FPL employees are committing hundreds of volunteer man-hours to help build the homes. The company plans to help build more homes in 2006 and 2007.

“We are so pleased that BuildSmart for Humanity will not only bring new homes for deserving families, but the program also helps these homeowners keep their energy bills as low as possible,” said Ron Thomas, executive director for Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity.

“Homeowners can reduce energy bills with the FPL BuildSmart construction, helping them manage their new homes easier and with less stress.”

FPL encourages all new home builders to put BuildSmart features into new homes. As more people move to Florida, the demand for energy increases. BuildSmart homes are energy efficient, which helps conserve Florida’s natural resources. Overall, FPL energy conservation programs, including BuildSmart, have saved enough electricity to postpone the need for 10 additional power plants in Florida.

For more information about BuildSmart or any of FPL’s energy conservation programs, visit www.FPL.com.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitat.org.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds houses together in partnership with volunteers and families in need. Each Habitat family is required to complete 500 hours of their own labor before being eligible for a 25-year, no-profit, no-interest loan.

Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Ga., is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. By the end of 2005, Habitat will have built its 200,000th house and more than one million people will be living in Habitat homes they helped build and are buying through no-profit, zero-interest mortgages.

About Florida Power & Light

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 $10 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.