Balance Energy Florida
Balance Energy Florida is coalition of concerned consumers, energy companies, vendors, families, and Hispanic-owned businesses throughout Florida that are committed to supporting rational policies that preserve and promote our leading role in affordable energy and economic development. Balance Energy merges the interests of the public and the private sector to ensure that energy is reliable, affordable, environmentally compatible, and derived from a balanced fuel mix. We strongly believe these fundamental objectives will make Florida a truly attractive and much more viable state for persons to live, work and play.
Supporting Affordable Energy & Economic Development in Florida
Balance Energy Florida (BEF) merges the energy interests of the public and the private sector to ensure that energy is reliable, affordable, environmentally compatible, and derived from a balanced fuel mix. BEF is coalition of concerned consumers throughout Florida, energy companies, vendors, families, and Hispanic-owned businesses that are committed to supporting rational policies that preserve and promote Florida’s leading role in affordable energy and economic development.
BEF was founded on the belief that a reliable, affordable, environmentally sensible and balanced energy supply is the lifeblood of the economy, and essential to the economic prosperity of our 21st Century. BEF strongly believes these fundamental objectives will make Florida a truly attractive and much more viable state for persons to live, work and play.
Clean Coal Technologies
Clean coal technologies is a low-cost provider of reliable base load electricity in America, and helps provide fuel diversity in a heavily reliant natural gas state like Florida. Since 1990, America’s coal-based electricity industry has invested more than $90 billion in the deployment of clean coal technologies to reduce air emissions. Another $6 billion is earmarked for clean coal technology projects under development or construction. Florida should pursue clean coal technologies to reduce emissions from traditional technology, and keep electric prices low for consumers and businesses. Additionally, the coal industry has reduced its emissions by 70% over the last 40 years (www.coalfacts.org), and continues to further reduce air emissions each decade through commercializing emission-reduction technologies that are made in America.
Nuclear
Concerns about rising electricity demand and clean air are among the factors driving interest in new nuclear plants. Nuclear, like clean coal, provides fuel diversity in a heavily reliant natural gas state like Florida, and is currently the only electricity source that can generate electricity 24/7 reliably, efficiently and with zero emissions. (http://www.nei.org/) To meet the rising demand of advanced new nuclear construction, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has established a new and more efficient process for licensing nuclear power plants that includes public opportunities for early participation and ensures that safety is foremost throughout the process.
Natural Gas
BEF supports the responsible use of natural gas in a utility’s balanced fuel mix, and supports the national push to certify LNG facilities for exporting of natural gas to international communities that pay five times the rate for natural gas than U.S. utilities. Natural gas will remain a valued resource in our society, and continue to play a large role in Florida’s commerce through direct use by consumers and utility-scale power plants. Natural gas is helping meet society’s needs in Florida, the United States and worldwide.
Smart Grid
BEF supports the deployment of smart grid technologies that enhance efficiency and reduce the time of restoration during electrical outages. In December 2007, Congress passed, and the President approved, Title XIII of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA). EISA provided the legislative support for US DOE’s smart grid activities, and reinforced its role in leading and coordinating national grid modernization efforts. The ‘smart grid’ enables communication between the utility and its customers using a two-way telecommunication system. Similar to the Internet, the Smart Grid consists of controls, computers, automation, and innovative technologies that all work together to enhance reliability and drive down the cost of energy. (http://energy.gov/oe/technology-development/smart-grid) BEF supports the deployment of smart grid technologies and data analytics programs that will empower smarter consumer choices while ensuring customers’ information remains private and protected in this new advanced power sector.