Partners

Sustainable Florida - Collins Center relies upon the support of private contributions from individual and corporate partners and grants from foundations. An investment in Sustainable Florida is an investment in the future of Florida. Our partners provide the resources to

• Identify exemplary, sustainable practices of business, government and citizen groups;
• Disseminate these practices statewide through strategic communications, publications and conferences;
• Actively encourage others to adopt and build upon these best practices to sustain Florida’s resources; and
• Serve as a catalyst in higher education and supporting an agenda that makes sustainability a cornerstone of academic practice.

A program of the Collins Center for Public Policy – a not-for-profit organization incorporated in Florida and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization – donations to Sustainable Florida are tax deductible.

Please join our efforts by contributing a tax-deductible gift to the Sustainable Florida - Collins Center. Click here for a Sustainable Florida Partnership packet.

Partner Highlight

Progress Energy Florida

Sustainable Florida is always looking for innovative steps that regular folks can take to help help create a sustainable Florida. Progress Energy Florida (PEF) - a Sustainable Florida Partner - has just such a program. Progress Energy introduced an innovative renewable-energy program that will save customers money by harnessing solar power to heat water for household use. When used with the company’s Energy Management program, the typical customer is eligible for rebates and tax credits totaling nearly $2,000.

“We’re constantly looking for newer, cleaner ways to produce energy for our customers,” said Jeff Lyash, president and CEO of Progress Energy Florida.  “This state-of-the-art renewable technology, which utilizes solar energy, is a part of our balanced approach to meeting future energy needs.  Our energy-efficiency programs are some of the most innovative in the country. In the last 25 years, they have eliminated seven million tons of carbon dioxide from the environment and have also saved customers nearly $825 million.”

By using a solar water heater, customers can expect to save up to 85 percent of the hot water portion of their electric bill. That’s a savings of $200 to $300 yearly for a family of four.

Participants in the new Solar Water Heater with Energy Management program will receive an up-front rebate of $450 to offset the cost of a new system, and a monthly credit on their electric bill that can total up to $60 yearly. They may also be eligible for a $500 state rebate and a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the cost of a new system, up to a maximum of $2,000.

How a solar water heater works

A solar water heater harnesses the sun's energy to heat water, thus reducing electricity bills. The collector panel is the main component of the system. It collects solar radiation and heats the water. The panel is usually located on the roof of a home.

How the Energy Management program works

The Energy Management program allows PEF to manage energy usage during periods of peak community demand. This reduces the need to build more power plants and helps preserve environmental resources. When a customer enrolls in the program, PEF will install a special device in the customer’s home (usually in the garage or utility room.) If needed, the device is activated by a radio signal to temporarily suspend the power supply to the home’s heating, cooling or hot water system. No action is required by the customer.

The interruptions are limited to certain hours of the day, and each has a specified maximum duration. Customers get the credits just for participating, even if they never experience any interruptions.

To learn more about the Solar Water Heater with Energy Management program, customers may call 800-700-8744 or visit progress-energy.com/save. For more information about Progress Energy, visit the company's Web site at www.progress-energy.com.

Review past Partner Highlights

Let us know what your organization is doing to create a more sustainable Florida.