St. Petersburg, FL, U.S.A. --- (METERING.COM) --- June 21, 2007 – Progress Energy Florida, with over 1.5 million customers in its 20,000 square mile service territory, is expanding an innovative program designed to assist families in low- income neighborhoods to save money on their energy bills. In partnership with the Florida Department of Community Affairs and the city of Perry, Progress Energy will install energy-efficiency improvements in up to 500 homes in Perry. Customers also will learn simple ways to manage their energy use. The Neighborhood Energy Saver program informs customers of the importance energy efficiency plays in saving energy dollars and reducing energy use.

"This is an opportunity to help an entire neighborhood better manage their energy costs," said Jeff Corbett, senior vice president of Energy Delivery for Progress Energy Florida. "Plus, the educational side of the program will allow families to continue to benefit from the energy-efficiency measures for years to come and to share their knowledge with family and friends."

The Neighborhood Energy Saver program began as a pilot project in 2006, in Palmetto Park in St. Petersburg. The program was so successful, the company expanded it statewide. Perry's program is the first to launch. The Southeastern Electric Exchange selected the project as a winner of the 2007 Industry Excellence Awards in the Rates & Regulation category.

The project will install energy-efficiency improvements in homes, many of them at no cost to participants, and also will educate families on saving money. This door-to-door approach is unique because it impacts an entire neighborhood and because of its outreach – families will learn how to continue the energy-efficiency measures.

Homeowners are expected to save as much as $150 a year in energy costs, and Progress Energy will track energy savings throughout the program.