Florida OKs Gulf Power Pilot Program

November 14, 2008

McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Thomas J. Monigan

Participants can receive a $1,000 rebate for installing solar water-heating system.One day after announcing it had approved this year's second rate hike
for Gulf Power, the Florida Public Service Commission made it easier for its
customers to save some money by using solar power.

The PSC approved solar thermal water heating as part of Gulf Power's
demand-side management program. In turn, the company will offer $1,000
rebates to customers who install the systems and are willing to meet other
criteria of the program. A limited number of solar thermal water-heating
systems also will be installed for free in low income, multi-family
apartments.

Rebates will be available starting in January, said Gulf Power
spokesman Jeff Rogers.

"It's a really great way for the customer to be green and do good
things for environment while also helping to reduce their bills," Rogers
said. "And it will help reduce demand, so we don't have to build new
plants."

All of Gulf Power's residential customers are eligible for the Solar
Thermal Water Heating pilot program, according to the company's Web site.

Participants are required to have Gulf Power perform a free home
energy checkup. In exchange, they will get a $1,000 rebate after a
qualifying system has been installed and verified by Gulf Power
representatives.

In addition to Gulf Power's rebate, customers may be eligible for a
$500 rebate from the state and a 30-percent federal tax credit, up to
$2,000, available through the 2008 tax year.

The thermal heating systems must be installed by a contractor with a
solar or plumbing license and meet applicable building codes. They must also
be made of new equipment and be used for domestic purposes. Solar pool
heaters do not qualify.

The systems also must be certified by the Solar Rating and
Certification Corp. or the Florida Solar Energy Center.