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Sunshine Energy FAQs
Here’s what’s happening:
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) voted to terminate the Sunshine Energy program, effective July 29, 2008.
Why is this happening?
There were questions raised about the effectiveness of the program. Here are the facts:
- Questions have been raised about the amount of money spent on marketing costs by the vendor hired to manage this program. But programs of this type need a large number of participants to generate funds that will make a difference. The only way to achieve this is to tell people about the new program. That’s exactly what happened.
- Although the beginning costs were high, as the program grew, the marketing costs went down significantly. In fact, of the top five programs for 2007 as ranked by the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Sunshine Energy’s costs for 2007 were comparable or lower than those of the other four.
- Sunshine Energy helped to avoid the emission of about 500,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is the equivalent of removing 83,000 cars from the road, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
What does this mean for me? / For customers on the Sunshine Energy program?
- This means that Sunshine Energy participants will no longer pay additional funds to participate in a voluntary program.
- We appreciate your participation, and you can be proud of what you helped to accomplish.
Why isn’t my Sunshine Energy charge amount appearing on my bill and how will my billing be handled?
- The Florida Public Service Commission voted to terminate the Sunshine Energy program, effective July 29, 2008. ·
- As a result of the program cancellation we are in the process of removing the charge from your bill. If you receive a bill for a service date from July 30 through August 14, you will receive a separate statement soon after receiving your regular bill that will not include the Sunshine Energy charge. If you are billed after August 14, you will no longer be charged for the Sunshine Energy program.
I have participated in the program for a long time. What did the program accomplish?
- Our customers can be proud of the track record of the Sunshine Energy program.
- Customers like you showed your commitment to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and expanding the use of solar energy, and that is exactly what the program accomplished.
- Sunshine Energy helped to avoid the emission of about 500,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is the equivalent of removing 83,000 cars from the road, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Did Sunshine Energy deliver what was promised?
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Yes. First, for a voluntary contribution of $9.75 per block of renewable energy credits per month, Sunshine Energy promised to purchase enough renewable energy credits to offset the carbon emissions generated by 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity consumption. That promise was kept.
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Second, for every 10,000 residential customers who signed up for the program, Sunshine Energy promised that 150 kilowatt hours of solar power would be built within FPL’s service territory. The program has kept that promise as well, with 494 kilowatts installed, more than the 450 kilowatts required.
Was the Sunshine Energy Program properly managed?
Yes. The Sunshine Energy program delivered what it promised and grew to become the fourth largest program of its kind by 2007.
Can I get a refund?
Refunds are not available under the program because the terms of the program as approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC) were met. The program commitment was to purchase 1,000 kilowatt hours of renewable energy credits for every $9.75 contributed, and that has been done. As subscriptions increased, the purchase of renewable energy credits significantly increased, growing from 51,538 in 2004 to 373,596 in 2007 or more than 952,000 since inception, making this the fourth largest program in the U.S. in 2007. The program also helped build over 494 kW of renewable energy in Florida, including Rothenbach Park in Sarasota County, meeting the other aspect of the program.
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