Commissioner Nikki Fried Encourages Proposal Submissions for Florida’s First-Ever Statewide Energy Equity Study Ahead of July 21 Deadline

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Energy are reminding researchers there is just one week left to submit proposals for the new statewide study on energy equity in Florida. On June 22, the department issued a request for proposals (RFP) with a deadline of July 21, 2021 at 5:00 PM.

Commissioner Fried was joined by State Representative Angie Nixon, Berdell Knowles of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, and Lisa King, former Chair of the Jacksonville Planning Commission and former Vice Chair of the Jacksonville Housing and Community Development Commission, in Jacksonville yesterday to discuss this important study and encourage proposal submissions.

“There are too many Florida families who are struggling to pay for their electric bills. That’s why last month we launched the first-ever statewide study on energy equity issues – focusing on our low-income communities that need help investing in energy efficiency upgrades,” said Commissioner Fried. “Systemic inequalities lead to a cycle of energy inefficiency and high energy costs. With this study, we can better understand the inequity across our state to work towards solutions. Too many families are having to choose between paying their power or rent or putting food on the table. We need your help to get this information in by the July 21 deadline so we can start to make the changes needed to impact these families’ lives.”

“I can’t tell you the amount of calls that my office receives as it relates to residents being unable to pay their utility bills.  Lower income should not equate to paying almost three times the amount of energy costs than those who make more,” said State Representative Angie Nixon. “People deserve access to clean and affordable energy. The work being done today will make that happen and will improve and enhance the quality of life for all. Thank you Commissioner Fried, and I’m happy to partner with you on this initiative.”

“On behalf of AABE, I want to personally thank the Commissioner for impaneling the Florida Advisory Council on Climate and Energy and inviting me to the discussion,” said Berdell Knowles. “The energy officials that comprise AABE are aware of the significant impact that energy costs have on the low-income community. We are happy that the study is getting commissioned, and we hope that the public, elected officials, policymakers, and utility service providers understand that when the study comes out the real work begins.”

“Jacksonville is one of the oldest big cities in Florida and because of that we have a large substandard housing stock based on age, and that leads to energy inefficiency. There is fragmented and siloed federal funding to assist people with energy efficiency in their homes. Without the leadership of someone like Commissioner Fried, we will not use these funds to their best ability,” said Lisa King.

VIDEO: A livestream video of the press conference may be viewed here on the department’s Facebook page.

Request for Proposals: This study is intended to review the systemic inequalities, barriers, and limited access to public and private resources and programs, how programs and projects must be designed to address these inequitable disparities by implementing energy efficiency measures and renewable energy sources for low and moderate-income households. The request for proposals, RFP OOE 20 21 98, may be found here and closes July 21, 2021 at 5:00 PM. Questions about the request for proposals should be addressed to Michelle.Faircloth@FDACS.gov.

Background: Studies have shown that Black, Hispanic, and low-income consumers face an energy burden three times higher than other consumers. Data also shows that 5 percent of Floridians spend more than 50 percent of income on housing costs including utilities, yet energy efficiency upgrades can reduce this energy burden by 25 percent. Florida residents’ energy expenses are 40 percent higher than the U.S. average.

Since taking office, Commissioner Fried has made climate change, energy efficiency, and social and economic justice among her highest priorities. She revitalized the FDACS Office of Energy, empowering the office with a new focus on energy efficiency, climate change, and low-income energy equity. Under Commissioner Fried’s leadership, the Office of Energy has highlighted the need for improved energy efficiency standards, hosted the first statewide summit to address climate change since 2008, and released the 76-page  Florida Energy and Climate Plan [ 4 MB ] . Since 2011, the Office of Energy has administered $158 million in state and federal funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, including energy efficiency upgrades for small and rural local governments. The Office has also provided hundreds of free energy and water audits, and earlier this year released the state’s first-ever electric vehicle roadmap. Last year, Commissioner Fried and the Office of Energy launched a $1 million grant program to assist low-income communities with high energy costs, and launched a $2 million energy efficiency grant program for publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities.

Commissioner Fried has worked to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion both in her department and throughout Florida’s government. Shortly after taking office in 2019, Commissioner Fried established a new Director of Diversity and Inclusion position, the first of its kind in department history, and established a new Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion work group of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. She announced changes to the department's law enforcement policies, added gender identity as a protected workforce class, expanded the ability to file discrimination complaints, and pushed her fellow Florida Cabinet members to make changes in their departments. Fried has fought fiercely to update Florida's broken, outdated clemency rules for restoring civil and voting rights, and has addressed the history of racial discrimination in farm lending with Black elected, agricultural, and financial leaders.

###