The Florida Energy Office (FEO) will be holding regional meetings throughout the state to get public input into development of an energy plan incorporating resources and conservation to provide for an increasing population, particularly in the most populated and fastest-growing southeast area of the state.

The plan, required by the legislature at least once every five years, will contain goals, objectives and a course of action for addressing energy needs and opportunities. It will also serve as a tool for implementing the state’s energy policies.

“The future economic vitality and well being of Southeast Floridians depend on a well thought-out and all-inclusive renewable/non-renewable energy sources, and conservation energy plan for Florida,” according to an announcement by the Florida Energy Office (FEO). Southeast Florida, encompassing Miami-Dade and Broward Counties and the Florida Keys, is home to close to four million people and is the fastest-growing area in the state. “Continued population growth, demand for housing, jobs and schools, health care, and transportation in Southeast Florida will inevitably lead to higher energy demand. The availability of energy resources, their cost and reliability continue to be a challenge as Floridians look to the future.”

“Energy choices are an everyday part of our residents and visitors’ lives,” said Alexander Mack, energy office director. “Homeowners, business managers, government officials and others make decisions daily on purchases, transportation, utility and other uses that determine how much energy Florida consumes each day and its impacts.”

Public meetings will be held in each of the state’s 11 regions during August and September. The state also has established a website, floridaenergyplan.net, and published an e-mail address, floridaenergyplan@earthlink.net, where citizens can address their concerns. In addition to the meetings for the general public the FEO will hold stakeholder forums for businesses and organizations. The team directing the process includes a variety of consultants and interest groups which will have a draft plan completed by Sept. 30.

The public will have an opportunity to review the draft online and to offer further suggestions. The plan will be submitted to the legislature in January.

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