St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Isabelle Renault welcomed members and guests to the Aug. 16 Economic Development Council quarterly breakfast in Shell Hall at the World Golf Village.
The keynote speaker was Eric Silagy, president and CEO of Florida Power & Light. Silagy cited Florida’s $1 trillion economy and lack of state income tax as two driving forces that attract an average of 1,000 new residents to the state daily. Increased population increases the demand for energy.
To meet that demand, FPL has experienced a paradigm shift and is no longer the power company of yesteryear.
“We are a technology company that delivers energy,” Silagy said.
FPL’s dependence on oil to produce energy is almost nil. Instead, FPL continues to develop clean energy sources including solar, natural gas and nuclear energy products. Silagy said one option in the works is to install 40 acres of batteries to provide power, which removes emissions and requires no water, is efficient and enhances reliability.
“When it comes down to energy, it’s a national security issue,” Silagy said. He said FPL’s focus is to help make the country energy independent.
FPL has invested $4 billion in storm hardening.
“After Irma, power was back on to 50% of customers in 24 hours,” he said. “This is about being predictive instead of reactive.”
