What will be the role of the Florida Public Service Commission?
Progress Energy Florida is seeking a certificate of need from the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). The provision contained within the Florida Power Plant Siting Act requires that an applicant for a new plant file for a determination of need before the PSC. The applicant would also file a certification application with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The PSC would review the need for the proposed generation in relation to the energy needs of the region, and to the state as a whole. The PSC would examine criteria including whether the proposed facility would be the most cost-effective means of generation, balancing the region’s and state’s need for fuel diversity, and fuel security. After the PSC receives the petition filing, the process calls for it to set a hearing date for the applicant to present its case and allow testimony by all potential affected parties. The PSC and its staff review the testimony and the applicant’s reasoning why the plant is needed a
