GOVERNOR CRIST OPENS SUMMIT GREEN TECHNOLOGY EXPO WITH MAJOR BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENTS

~~ ~Two Florida companies serve as leaders, ~ ~~

June 25, 2008

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MIAMI – Following his keynote address this morning, Governor Charlie Crist celebrated the grand opening of the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change Green Technology Expo with a ribbon-cutting, inviting more than 700 summit attendees to explore information and technologies by more than 50 expo participants. Businesses and other organizations presented information and demonstrated projects that stimulate investment in renewable and alternative energy technologies and help increase energy efficiency. Prior to opening the business expo, Governor Crist signed House Bill 7135, a comprehensive energy and economic development package aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as encouraging investment in alternative and renewable energy technologies.

“This year’s summit is truly reaffirming my belief that there is gold in green, and innovative energy technologies here in the Sunshine State can propel us as a leader in the industry,” said Governor Crist. “I applaud both Gulf Power and Florida Power & Light for being energy and industry leaders. With innovative thinking and a commitment to excellence, these companies have created initiatives that save money, and conserve and promote the use of renewable energy.”

Governor Crist and Gulf Power Company, a Southern Company subsidiary operating in Northwest Florida, announced an innovative program that will result in energy and money savings for consumers. Gulf Power’s EarthCents Initiative includes energy saving programs such as geothermal heating and cooling and EnergySelect, a customer-controlled energy management program that includes interactive thermostats and smart meters to reduce power use during high demand times, saving customers money and reducing energy use. EarthCents also includes giving customers free compact fluorescent bulbs for completing an energy audit.

The Governor highlighted a portion of the EarthCents initiative that provides incentives to customers for installing solar thermal water heaters, including a financing program through SunTrust Bank as well as state and company rebates. Participating customers are eligible for a federal income tax credit of $1,200 as well as save an average of $240 per year on energy costs.

“Gulf Power applauds Governor’s Crist’s leadership in protecting the environment while at the same time helping Floridians reduce their energy costs,” Susan Story, Gulf Power president and CEO said. “Our EarthCents program, which combines numerous energy saving programs using leading edge technology, is truly a win-win for everyone. Customers could save up to 50 percent on their energy bills by participating in several of the EarthCents programs.”

Governor Crist also celebrated Florida Power & Light’s announcement of three major solar energy projects throughout central and South Florida, positioning Florida as the second leading state in the nation for solar energy production. Florida Power & Light will install a total of 110 megawatts of solar energy, including a 25 megawatt solar photovoltaic facility in DeSoto County, one of the world’s largest, and a 10 megawatt solar photovoltaic installation in conjunction with NASA, near the Kennedy Space Station at Cape Canaveral. Additionally, the company is installing a 75 megawatt solar thermal facility at the existing Martin Power Station near Indiantown, the largest single solar thermal facility outside of California and the world’s first solar project connected to a natural gas-fired plant. Together, the three projects will prevent the release of nearly 3.5 million tons of greenhouses gases over the life of the projects, which is the equivalent of removing 25,000 cars from the road.

“We heard Governor Crist’s call for Florida companies to lead the world into a clean energy future, and we are taking a meaningful step toward answering that call today,” said Lewis Hay, III, Chairman and CEO of FPL Group, Inc. “With the three solar projects we are announcing, we will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance our energy security, and establish Florida as a hub of renewable energy technology.”

The ribbon-cutting and announcements are part of the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate begins this week, June 25-26, 2008, at the Intercontinental Miami. Building on the foundation for Florida’s energy future that began at last year’s summit, the 2008 summit will focus on stimulating economic development in clean technologies as well as “greening” Florida’s business community.

The 2008 summit will bring together industry leaders, international policy makers, academics, scientists, environmentalists and the business community to explore opportunities for expanding Florida’s renewable and alternative energy marketplace and greening our business community. By encouraging companies to invest in our state’s energy future, Florida will transform its energy marketplace to enhance fuel diversity, lessen dependence on foreign sources of oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This year’s summit furthers the policy framework established during the 2007 summit. On July 13, 2007, Governor Charlie Crist signed three executive orders to reduce Florida’s greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and remove market barriers for renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind energy. Since the executive orders were signed, Florida has stepped onto the world stage as a major marketplace for advanced energy technologies.

For more information on the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, visit www.myfloridaclimate.com or www.myflorida.com.