CS for SB 2078 - Energy

• Requires electric utilities to purchase excess electrical output from rooftop solar equipment installed by property owners within their service areas.

• Mandates all public utilities offer free energy audits to commercial customers by December 31, 2016, with requirement deemed satisfied if customer was audited in prior 5 years.

• Creates a state energy resources plan developed by the Public Service Commission to forecast electricity demand, evaluate energy supply alternatives including renewable resources, and determine optimal fuel mix for the next 10-year period.

• Allows regulated utilities to recover costs for renewable energy projects through petition to the commission by July 1, 2016, with at least 25 percent of capacity from non-solar renewable sources and 5 percent of solar costs directed to demand-side renewable projects.

• Transfers the Florida Energy and Climate Commission to a new independent Florida Energy Office within the Department of Environmental Protection, headed by a Governor-appointed director subject to Senate confirmation.