(openPR) - Juno Beach, FL - September 19, 2011 -- Lew Hay, chairman and CEO of NextEra Energy, Florida Power & Light Company’s parent company, addresses a distinguished group of business leaders and elected officials today at the Future of Florida Forum in Orlando. His message is: “Electricity is the lifeblood of Florida’s economy.” Every business needs affordable, reliable power to grow and thrive. FPL is pleased to be able to partner with businesses at this crucial time in Florida’s economy, to help them meet their development needs, and create jobs for citizens who desperately need them.

Florida’s Public Service Commission recently approved a new discounted rate structure to help attract and grow businesses in the state. FPL business customers that add a minimum of 350 kW of new electric load and create at least 10 new jobs before June 1, 2013, qualify for the discounts, which are substantial: 20 percent savings in the first year, 15 percent in the second, 10 percent in the third and 5 percent in the fourth.

These incentives couldn't come at a better time for Florida’s economy.

For the first time in 20 years, FPL has established an office of economic development. Lynn Pitts is FPL’s new director of economic development. He is an economic development veteran with 30 years of experience and a proven track record of success. “We are all in this together and these discounts will help build the state’s economy and create jobs,” said Pitts. As Collier County’s Director of Economic Development, Tim Cartwright, said in an interview with Florida Weekly, the new FPL rates are “certainly a sweetener that every business owner must look at.”

“I have always thought of Florida as a place that is ripe with opportunity, and after looking at some of the changes going on in the state, I know I couldn't have arrived at a better time. We are poised to do great things in our state, and I am so pleased to lead this effort and to help get our economy and our citizens back to work,” said Pitts.

The rates are easy to understand and business owners are encouraged to apply. Visit www.poweringflorida.com for details.

Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Power & Light Company is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is a leading employer in the state with approximately 10,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while customer bills are below the national average. A clean energy leader, FPL has one of the lowest emissions profiles and one of the leading energy efficiency programs among utilities nationwide. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla.-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE).

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
kristy.kennedy@rbbpr.com
www.poweringflorida.com