The Future of Power Generation
 So What Does the Future Hold for Florida?

For more than a decade Florida's population has been among the fastest growing in the country. The University of Florida predicts that the Sunshine State will add an average of 209,000 residents a year between 2007 and 2010.

Florida's electricity demand is growing faster than the state's population. A crucial challenge facing the state is peak demand (those times when the most power is used at once, usually correlating with extreme heat or cold). In recent years, peak demand is growing faster...

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 Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month:
 When to Turn Off Personal Computers

If you're wondering when to turn off personal computers for energy savings, here are some general guidelines.

While a small surge in energy consumption occurs when a computer starts up, this hardly compares to the amount used when a computer runs for a long time. For energy savings and convenience, consider...

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 Recipe of the Month
 Fluffy Pecan Pancakes

These fluffy pecan pancakes ar as good as grandma used to make. They are made light and airy with beaten egg whites. Enjoy these pancakes with your favorite syrup.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted if desired
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• vegetable oil
• pecan halves or fruit for garnish, optional

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, soda, and chopped pecans.
2. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and milk, egg yolks, and melted butter. Blend into the dry ingredients just until all ingredients are moistened.
3. Beat egg whites in another bowl until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold into the batter until well incorporated.
5. Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. When skillet is hot enough for a drop of water to sizzle, scoop pancake batter onto the skillet in about 1/4-cup portions, spreading slightly.
7. When edges are rather dry and bubbles are popping and bottoms are nicely browned, about 2 to 3 minutes, turn over and cook the other side until browned, about 2 minutes longer.
8. Serve hot with butter and syrup and garnish with pecan halves or fruit, if desired.

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 Safety Tip of the Month
 Tamper Resistant Outlets Protect Children

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 2,400 children receive emergency room treatment every year for injuries caused by inserting objects-paper clips, pens, safety pins, screws and nails, tools, wire, forks, tweezers, hair pins, keys, knives, coins, and more- into electrical receptacles. This equates to approximately seven children each day.

One way to prevent these tragedies involves installing tamper-resistant outlets that prevent foreign objects from touching electrically live components.

Installation of tamper-resistant outlets can be done for as little as $2 each.

Sources: ESFI; National Electrical Manufacturers Association

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