Tallahassee, FL – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam released today an annual report of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Energy, providing a snapshot of the state’s energy industry and outlining policy that would guide the expansion of energy production. The annual report is released on the heels of the legislative session, during which the Florida Legislature, in coordination with Commissioner Putnam, developed and passed Florida’s first comprehensive energy bill since 2008.
“In the last six months, we have shifted the mission of the department’s Office of Energy from an office that administers grants and rebates to one focused on working with the Legislature to develop a balanced energy policy for the state of Florida,” said Commissioner Putnam. “This report not only provides a comprehensive view of the energy industry in our state, but also highlights areas of opportunity going forward.”
Commissioner Putnam delivered the annual report to the Governor, Senate President and Speaker of the House, as required by Florida Statute. This is the first annual report of the state’s Office of Energy since the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service assumed the responsibilities of the office on July 1, 2011.
The annual report summarizes the review of renewable energy and efficiency projects supported by $176 million in federal stimulus grants and highlights an audit that was initiated by Commissioner Putnam to ensure grantees are fulfilling their commitments to taxpayers.
The report also provides an overview of energy consumption in Florida, broken down by source type. Florida is the third highest in total energy consumption among states after California and Texas. However, Florida ranks seventh among all states in the consumption of energy per capita. Natural gas and coal are the leading fuels for electricity production in Florida, typically accounting for about 51 percent and 25 percent of net generation, respectively.
During the final week of the legislative session, both chambers of the Legislature voted overwhelmingly in support of Florida’s energy bill. The bill will now head to the Governor for signature.
“This bill is a modest step toward expanding energy production in Florida, increasing diversity in our state’s energy supply and creating much-needed jobs for Floridians,” said Commissioner Putnam. “We’re putting Florida’s energy policy back on the right track, positioning Florida to secure a stable, reliable and diverse supply of energy.”
The full text of the annual report can be found here: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/offices/energy/docs/Office_of_Energy_Annual_Report_2011.pdf.