Progress Energy Florida (PEF) has proposed building a new, greenfield nuclear power plant near Crystal River, Florida (approximately 80 miles north of Tampa). Power from this new plant will be delivered to regions of north-central Florida using a new set of 500kV and 230kV transmission lines. The transmission lines from the plant will extend over 180 miles and across 10 counties.

STAR Group's challenge was to effectively engage stakeholders throughout a geographically, culturally and economically diverse area within a very short time frame. To do this, STAR Group deployed its Utility Search Conference^® process in 3 distinct geographic regions. A Utility Search Conference event was held in each of the three regions in the fall of 2007. Participants at each conference developed recommendations for this large-scale project that reflected the need to move forward as well as each region's desire to minimize environmental impacts and promote alternative energy and conservation measures.

To date the project remains on schedule. Local and state officials have commended PEF for their extensive public involvement process. In the meantime, STAR Group and PEF continue to work with each of the 3 Community Working Groups on the recommendations developed at each of the three Utility Search Conference^® events.

Additional information regarding the Community Partnership for Energy Planning may be found at http://www.progress-energy.com/aboutenergy/transmission/florida/energyplanning/default.asp.