FPL warns of possible shortages

April 6, 1999

Florida's Electricity Supplies Limited; FPL Urges Customers To Use Energy Wisely

JUNO BEACH, Fla.  Florida Power and Light Company said today that Peninsular Florida is experiencing a temporary electricity capacity alert, and the tight energy situations may last the remainder of this week. The limited supply of electricity is based on a combination of unseasonably warm weather and a number of planned power plant shutdowns for spring maintenance in preparation for the hot summer months.

FPL, along with many other Florida utilities, is encouraging customers to use energy wisely, but the company is not requesting customers to take extraordinary measures at this time.

The states interconnecting electric system is designed with backup energy reserves to help ensure a reliable supply of power during unexpected situations such as the unusual warm weather the state is experiencing this week.

Utilities share extra electricity supplies and, when possible, purchase electricity from outside the state. FPL can also operate its available power plants at maximum output for brief periods and use backup "jet engine" generators that are turned on when energy reserves are low.

FPL also uses voluntary customer partnership programs to reduce energy usage. This week it has occasionally implemented its residential "On-Call" program that periodically turn off and on selected appliances such as air conditioners, pool pumps and hot water heaters. And today, it implemented voluntary business customer programs to limit energy use on selected equipment based on pre-arranged contracts.

FPL expects these measures to be sufficient to meet its customers energy needs; however, if electricity usage exceeds the available supply or the state loses additional generating capability, FPLs primary goal would be to limit the inconvenience customers experience. Typically this involves rotating power outages for brief periods throughout its service territory to maintain the stability of the electric system.

FPL offers this advice for conserving energy this week:

* Raise thermostat settings for air conditioning 5 to 10 degrees, if health permits; keep temperature readings constant until notified that energy supplies have improved.
* Close curtains and blinds to help insulate homes and building against cooling loss.
* Reduce use of all non-essential electric appliances, such as dishwashers and clothes dryers, especially during the late afternoon and early evening.



-- Online2Much (ready_for_y2k@mindspring.com), April 07, 1999

Answers

It's always a good idea to reduce electric use, but I've becoming more frugal since learning of y2k, and the deregulation of utility companies. When my 30 year old dishwasher gave up last year, we did not replace it. But we left it in place and I use it for pot and pan storage.

I dread this summer. I can stand cold better than heat, and last summer was the hottest on record here, and all over, I think. It could be very miserable.

-- gilda jessie (jess@listbot.com), April 07, 1999.

Sorry, I just can't hold back . . .

Sounds to me like they're "paving the way" for possible problems on Friday, April 9 (or trying to keep power usage low in case problems cause utility companies to start pulling off the main grid).

Sorry, sorry, sorry! I just don't trust them and I know there are at least 2000 of you who disagree with me. (Please be gentle--don't hurt me!) I still think NERC's 4/9 and 9/9 plans "stink". I truly don't know why I'm so mistrusting, but I hope I'm wrong! I need some solid visible proof to help restore my faith in man-kind!!!

Just my opinion. But I couldn't help voicing it. :~)

-- JA (JA4you@aol.com), April 07, 1999.

The same thought crossed my mind, but only for a second. The part that concerns me, is that it's NOT particularly abnormal for the temp to be in the upper 80's this time of year in South Florida. And, ummm, duh... people turn on their air conditioners. FPL regularly purchases power from other providers (although they don't say from who specifically) and if they are living that close to the edge already, what will happen if there are problems due to y2k?

-- Online2Much (ready_for_y2k@mindspring.com), April 07, 1999.

I'm baffled about why there should be any problem (if not about 4/9)!?!?!

I'm in south FLA, still don't have my AC on and I know lots of others who don't either. AND, most of the "snow birds" went back north at Easter!

Stay tuned . . .

Have water? Have food?

-- JA (JA4you@aol.com), April 07, 1999.

Time for the Milne line. If you live within 5 miles of Forida your toast! (Humor, hot, toast, get it?) Oh well.

-- SCOTTY (BLehman202@aol.com), April 07, 1999.