Office of Energy

The Office of Energy is housed within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and is the primary organization for state energy and climate change programs and policies. The office holds a variety of responsibilities, including administering financial incentive programs; administering the provisions of the Florida Energy and Climate Protection Act; representing Florida in the Southern States Energy Compact; performing or coordinating the functions of any federal energy programs delegated to the state; and providing recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. The office will also work cooperatively with other state entities, including the Florida Public Service Commission and the Florida Energy Systems Consortium, to develop state energy and climate change policies and programs.

Rulemaking

Chapter 5O-3 - Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Infrastructure

The purpose of this new rule is to provide definitions, methods of sale, labeling requirements, and price-posting requirements for electric vehicle charging stations. The effect will be consistent standards for consumers and the industry.

Notice of Funding Availability

Compressed Natural Gas School Bus Grant Program

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is seeking grant applications from Florida school districts relating to the purchase of equipment for the conversion of or for the incremental cost difference of purchasing a new compressed natural gas (CNG) school bus as compared to the purchase of a new, regular diesel school bus. It is anticipated that approximately $1.2 million will be available for the CNG School Bus Grant Program. FDACS may have the option to allocate additional funds to the Program, subject to availability. For matching funds, the minimum allowable amount for an application to be eligible for consideration for award shall be 25% of the total project costs. In addition, matching funds must be expended in concurrence with grant funds. Grant applications must be received by Monday, July 1, 2013, at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time in order to be considered.

Local Government Energy Efficient Lighting Grant Program

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is seeking grant applications from local governments that were not directly funded by USDOE through the EECBG formula program to reduce their total energy use through the replacement of inefficient lighting with energy efficient lighting, and evaluate the actual energy savings received as a result of the project. Grant recipients will be required to track energy savings once improvements have been completed until the end of their grant agreement. It is anticipated that approximately $1 million will be available for the Local Government Energy Efficient Lighting Grant Program. The Department may have the option to allocate additional funds to the Program, subject to availability. Grant applications must be received by Friday, June 14, 2013, at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time in order to be considered.

Annual Report

History

Florida Energy and Climate Commission (2008 - 2011)

As outlined in the 2008 Energy and Economic Development Legislation, the Florida Energy & Climate Commission was led by nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Chief Financial Officer for three year terms. The Governor appointed seven commissioners, including the chair. The Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Chief Financial Officer appointed the remaining two. Commissioners were appointed with expertise in the fields of: energy, natural resource conservation, economics, engineering, finance, law, transportation and land use, consumer protection, state energy policy, or other related fields.

Florida Energy Commission (2006-2007)

In 2006, the Florida Legislature created the Florida Energy Commission (FEC) through Senate Bill 888 to make recommendations on renewable energy sources, conservation and climate change. Nine members were appointed by Florida Senate and House leaders to evaluate topics and issues and make recommendations for a well-rounded energy policy that Floridians can rely on and afford. Commission members were appointed with expertise in the areas of energy, natural resource conservation, economics, engineering, finance, law, consumer protection, and other specialty areas crucial to the FEC's mission. On December 31, 2007, the FEC submitted a report documenting its progress, including recommendations for consideration by the Florida Legislature.

The 2008 Energy and Economic Development Legislation, passed unanimously by the 2008 Florida Legislature and signed by Governor Crist, transferred the Florida Energy Commission staff and resources to the Executive Office of the Governor, within the Florida Energy & Climate Commission.

Recommendations Adopted by the FEC

Florida Energy Office

Prior to the formation of the Florida Energy & Climate Commission, the Florida Energy Office, housed within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, was the State's primary center for energy policy. In addition to developing and implementing Florida's energy plan, the Florida Energy Office coordinated all federal energy programs delegated to the state, including energy supply, demand, conservation and allocation. The Office also helped develop and implement the 2006 Florida Energy Act, focusing on advancing the development of clean energy sources, energy conservation and efficiency.

The 2008 Energy and Economic Development Legislation (House Bill 7135), passed unanimously by the 2008 Florida Legislature and signed by Governor Crist, transferred the Florida Energy Office staff, resources and responsibilities to the Executive Office of the Governor, within the Florida Energy & Climate Commission.