March 2, 2012–Scott Ranck, an ENERGY STAR Rating Partner, has accepted a “Leadership in Housing” award on behalf of Florida Public Utilities ENERGY STAR program. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy, developed to save the citizens money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. The Environmental Protection Agency has elected to recognize Florida Public Utilities for its continued partnership with ENERGY STAR.

As a champion for ENERGY STAR qualified homes in Florida, our Company is doing its part to help protect the environment while promoting the construction of new homes that are more energy efficient, comfortable, and save consumers money on their utility bills.

All residential sales personnel who maintain relationships with builders play a part in the process. When appropriate, the sales staff introduces Scott, who instructs them in the construction of new homes to meet the ENERGY STAR criteria. The process ensures that home will be 15 to 30 percent more efficient than a home built to code. Scott has been involved in the program since 2008, during which time residential sales personnel have enlisted eight builders, some of whom remain active in the program. Initially, Pat Spalding, of CFG, played a critical part in the recruitment process; currently, each member of the team is actively involved in the program’s progression. Within the last two months, our first ENERGY STAR home in the Central Florida East division was certified. Our team is leading the way in lowering energy costs for consumers.

In our state, the Florida Solar Energy Center provides a label which is affixed to the electrical power panel that boasts of the home’s ENERGY STAR rating. Nationally, the ENERGY STAR brand name has become so well-respected that it is second only to the “Good Housekeeping” seal, which has retained its first place position continually for many, many years.

The Environmental Protection Agency kicked off the celebration of ENERGY STAR’s 20th anniversary by recognizing the 2012 ENERGY STAR award winners for their outstanding leadership and commitment to protecting America’s environment through superior energy efficiency. Over the past 20 years, with help from ENERGY STAR partners, American families and businesses have saved about $230-billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.7-billion metric tons of carbon pollution.

As the ENERGY STAR program enters its 20th year, the label remains well poised to influence future consumer decision-making. The majority of purchasers report they are likely to recommend ENERGY STAR products to others.

We are honored to have Scott and our residential sales team representing Florida Public Utilities as it receives acclamation and takes its place among others who have served as pioneers in the initiative to prevent greenhouse gas emissions. In Florida, we are the ONLY natural gas utility actively involved in the ENERGY STAR program. All other participants are electric utilities.

We take pride in the team as they tirelessly lead the crusade in support of a more energy efficient tomorrow.