Energy Companies in Florida Combine

- A group of independent energy companies -- including a pair possibly bound for Manatee County -- has formed Florida Partnership for Affordable Competitive Energy to represent its collective interests in Tallahassee.

Competitive Power Ventures Inc. and Duke Energy North America are among six companies seeking to challenge existing utilities in Florida for a share of the wholesale electric generation market.

Competitive Power subsidiary CPV Gulfcoast Ltd. is scheduled to begin construction of a 250-megawatt power plant near Port Manatee by the end of the year, and Duke Energy has an option to purchase 280 acres for a potential 640-megawatt power plant along Moccasin Wallow Road.

Sean Finnerty, vice president of development for Competitive Power, said the goal of Florida PACE is to provide a unified front as the companies seek a more open market to compete with utilities. Historically, utilities responsible for providing energy to their respective service areas have been mainly responsible for the generation of the electricity as well. The regulated monopoly also has left the utilities essentially immune for full-scale competition.

At this point, the group's efforts don't include retail sales, which would open the door to full deregulation similar to what has occurred in the long-distance industry.

"It's like all trade associations in that it's making sure there is unity among the members on issues and bringing the important issues forward in a unified way rather than an individual basis," Finnerty said.

Michael Green, general manager of Duke Energy's regional operation and its efforts to locate in Manatee County, was selected as chairman of Florida PACE.

"It is important for citizens to understand that through a wholesale electricity marketplace opened up for competition, enhanced services will be delivered at lower costs to Florida's citizens," he said.