FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2003
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112
Ann Rowe, (850) 922-1600
Front Porch
Florida Goes Solar
-- Pensacola community feels the power
of the sun --
PENSACOLA –Governor Jeb Bush is putting Florida’s
sunshine to work to conserve energy and reduce electricity
bills. Florida is providing solar water heaters to seven
households in the Panhandle – the first of 150 that will be
delivered to residents in underserved communities throughout
the state. Named Front Porch Sunshine, the program is the
first in the nation to install solar energy technology in
weatherized,
low-income homes.
“Energy conservation protects the environment and saves
money,” said Governor Bush. “Extending the environmental and
economic benefits of conservation to Florida’s neediest
citizens improves our quality of life and strengthens our
communities.”
The reliable, low-maintenance solar systems use the sun’s
energy, instead of electricity, to heat water. A solar
collector installed on the roof holds water that is heated by
the sun. A traditional water heater serves as a backup supply
of hot water on overcast or rainy days.
“The Department of Community Affairs is proud to be a part
of this collaborative effort,” said Department of Community
Affairs Secretary Colleen Castille. “By providing
weatherization and energy-saving opportunities to our
residents, families that need it most are able to minimize
their energy bills and dedicate their financial resources to
other important items in their monthly budgets.”
“Pensacola enjoys over 340 days of sunshine each year,”
said Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary
Allan Bedwell. "Harnessing the power of the sun is clean,
free and expands energy savings to Florida’s underserved
communities."
The Florida Energy Office, Florida Solar Energy Center and
Florida Solar Energy Research & Education Foundation
established a partnership with Front Porch Florida, a program
launched by Governor Bush in 1999 to revitalize low-income
neighborhoods, to improve energy efficiency of homes in
designated communities throughout the State. State agencies
are assisting 20 designated neighborhoods with
community-driven initiatives for economic growth, education
and environmental preservation.
"I am thrilled the Pensacola Front Porch community is the
first to benefit from this groundbreaking program,” said
Patricia West, Director of Florida’s Office of Urban
Opportunity. “Bringing the power of solar energy to our
communities is a wonderful way for residents to take
advantage of the successful collaboration between the
Department of Community Affairs, Department of Environmental
Protection, Florida Solar Energy Research & Education
Foundation and community partners."
For more information about Front Porch Florida, visit
www.myflorida.com. For more about Front Porch Sunshine,
visit
www.fsec.ucf.edu/solar/projects/frontporch/frontporch.htm.
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Press Office
