Sunshine State Weighing Solar Against Natural Gas

With the constant push for cleaner, more efficient energies, Florida and its energy providers are finally starting to focus on moving away from traditional electric and coal plants. But alternative energies are not all born equal. Part of what makes the clean energy initiative so great is that it redesigns the energy industry for a more progressive future, not just for cost-cutting. This is leading some wonder if Florida’s alternative energy focus needs to be refocused on solar initiatives rather than developing a natural gas dependency.

A recent report from the Union of Concerned Scientists called “The Natural Gas Gamble” outlines Florida’s increasing use of natural gas plants and how more solar could be the key to a more balanced energy industry. The report shows that 62% of all energy utilized in the Sunshine State is produced by natural gas already, nearly a 20% increase from 2007.

Yet, Florida’s main focus is now on replacing outdating and inefficient coal plants with natural gas plants. Florida Light & Power is even promising a $3 per month decrease in energy costs for customers starting in May because of the change, but the Union of Concerned Scientists seems to think the utility companies and the state could be moving in the wrong direction, in spite of the minor savings.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan may be forcing some Florida officials to look for a quick fix, but a vast number of groups, including the Union of Concerned Scientists, are asking the state to instead prioritize renewable energy investments and energy efficiency. Renewable energies are the key to a successful future in energy, and Florida has long been resistant to that. While natural gas may be a step in the right direction, building an industry where 90% of energy production comes from one resource is just setting up the industry to make the same mistake it made with fossil fuels and coal. Solar, instead, is the key to a perfect balance.