FPL proposes to add Palm Beach unit

JUNO BEACH —Florida Power & Light Co. said Thursday that it plans either to build a gas-powered generating plant in western Palm Beach County or buy electricity from other companies in order to meet growing demand statewide.

 The company said it will issue a request for proposals to meet its projected demands for power by 2011. FPL said it would select “whichever is the best and most cost-effective way to meet customers’ needs.”

One option would be for FPL to add a third generating unit at its West County Energy Center in Palm Beach County, which would provide a nominal 1,250 megawatts of generating capacity, enough to provide power to 250,000 customers.

The company is building two units at the Palm Beach County site and expects these units to begin producing electricity in 2009 and 2010.

“FPL remains committed to continuing and expanding our energy conservation programs, but energy conservation alone will not meet the growing needs of Florida,” said FPL President Armando Olivera.
“Our plans included eventually building a third unit at our West County Energy Center, but we need to build it sooner than anticipated.”

Building a third unit at the West County Energy Center requires a variety of regulatory and environmental approvals, including a Public Service Commission hearing. The governor and Cabinet provide final approval.