GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE PREHEARING: The purpose of this prehearing conference is: (1) to define and limit, if possible, the issues; (2) to identify the positions of the parties on the issues; (3) to determine what facts, if ...

 

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

The Florida Public Service Commission announces a prehearing conference and a hearing in the following docket to which all persons are invited.

DOCKET NO. AND TITLE: 150196-EI- Petition for determination of need for Okeechobee Clean Energy Center Unit 1, by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL).

DATE AND TIME, Prehearing Conference: Tuesday, November 17, 2015, 2:00 p.m.

PLACE: Room 148, Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, Florida.

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED at the prehearing: The purpose of this prehearing conference is: (1) to define and limit, if possible, the issues; (2) to identify the positions of the parties on the issues; (3) to determine what facts, if any, may be stipulated; (4) to dispose of any motions or other matters that may be pending; (5) to identify any exhibits that may be offered at the hearing; (6) to establish the order of any witnesses testifying at the hearing; and (7) to consider such other matters that may aid in the disposition of this proceeding.

DATE AND TIME, Hearing: Tuesday, December 1, 2015, through Wednesday, December 2, 2015, 9:30 a.m.

The starting time on December 2, 2015, will be announced at the conclusion of the hearing on the previous day. The hearing may be adjourned early if all testimony is concluded.

PLACE: Room 148, Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, Florida.

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED at the hearing: the purpose of this hearing will be for the Commission to take final action to determine the need, pursuant to Section 403.519, Florida Statutes (F.S.), for FPL’s proposed Okeechobee Clean Energy Center Unit 1. FPL proposes to construct a natural gas, combined cycle power plant, with an expected summer peak rating of about 1,622 megawatts (MW), at a greenfield site in northeast Okeechobee County owned by FPL. According to FPL’s petition, the Okeechobee Clean Energy Center Unit 1 will enable FPL to meet a projected need for additional generation resources that begins in 2019, continues into 2020, and increases each year thereafter. The Commission may rule on any such motions from the bench or may take the matters under advisement. This proceeding shall: (1) allow FPL to present evidence and testimony in support of its petition; (2) permit intervenors to present testimony and exhibits concerning FPL’s petition; (3) permit members of the public, who are not parties to this need determination proceeding, the opportunity to present testimony concerning this matter; and (4) allow for such other purposes as the Commission may deem appropriate. All witnesses shall be subject to cross-examination at the conclusion of their testimony on the issues identified by the parties at the prehearing conference held on November 17, 2015.

PUBLIC TESTIMONY: Any member of the public who wishes to offer testimony should be present at the beginning of the hearing on December 1, 2015. By providing public testimony, a person does not become a party to the proceeding. To become an official party of record, you must file a Petition for Intervention at least 5 days before the final hearing, pursuant to the requirements contained in Rule 25-22.039, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). All witnesses shall be subject to cross-examination at the conclusion of their testimony.

The hearing will be governed by the provisions of Chapter 120, F.S., Section 403.519, F.S., and Chapters 25-22 and 28-106, F.A.C. Only issues relating to the need for the proposed Okeechobee Clean Energy Center Unit 1, by FPL will be heard at the hearing. Separate public hearings may be held before the Division of Administrative Hearings to consider environmental and other impacts of the proposed Okeechobee Clean Energy Center Unit 1 by FPL, as required by the “Power Plant Siting Act,” Sections 403.501–403.519, F.S.

EMERGENCY CANCELLATION OF HEARING & ADA NOTICE:

If settlement of the case or a named storm or other disaster requires cancellation of the proceedings, Commission staff will attempt to give timely direct notice to the parties. Notice of cancellation will also be provided on the Commission’s website (http://www.psc.state.fl.us/) under the Hot Topics link found on the home page. Cancellation can also be confirmed by calling the Office of the General Counsel at [phone].

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Office of Commission Clerk no later than 5 days prior to the hearing at 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850, via 1(800)955-8770 (Voice) or 1(800)955-8771 (TDD), Florida Relay Service.