May 12, 2003

FPL Energy dedicates Hancock County Wind Energy Center

GARNER, Iowa - U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley and U.S. Rep. Tom Latham today joined FPL Energy, Alliant Energy, Corn Belt Power Cooperative, Cedar Falls Utilities and city of Pella officials in northern Iowa to dedicate one of the largest commercial-scale wind farms in the state.

The 98-megawatt FPL Energy Hancock County Wind Energy Center is owned and operated by FPL Energy and supplies clean, renewable energy to Alliant Energy, Corn Belt Power Cooperative, Cedar Falls Utilities and the city of Pella for their customers throughout the region.

"Investing in alternative forms of energy is good for the environment, good for national security and good for our energy independence," Grassley said. "This project is another example of the exciting opportunities wind energy brings to the state of Iowa."

"Hancock County and the entire region will benefit for many years because of the Hancock County Wind Energy Center," Latham added. "In addition to the environmental benefits of wind energy, this project brings new jobs and tax revenue to the area."

Jim Robo, president of FPL Energy, said, "The Hancock County Wind Energy Center is a prime example of a great project put together by a terrific team. Iowa's pro-wind approach makes this state a great place to do business. We are grateful for the support we have received in the area for our company and for this project and are grateful for the commitment by our partners to wind energy. "

Construction of the 148 turbines at the wind farm, each about 213 feet tall to the center of the blade hub, was completed in a remarkable 85 days. The Hancock County Wind Energy Center, that began commercial operation in December 2002, is FPL Energy's second wind facility in Iowa. The company also owns the 42-megawatt Cerro Gordo Wind Energy Center located just south of Clear Lake also in northern Iowa.

Joining Grassley, Latham and representatives from all the partner companies at today's dedication were other state and local officials as well as many local and regional guests. The Hancock Wind Energy Center is capable of generating 98 megawatts of electricity, enough to power nearly 30,000 homes.

FPL Energy is the nation's leader in wind energy, with 30 wind facilities in 10 states. FPL Energy is a leading independent producer of clean energy from natural gas, wind, solar, nuclear and hydroelectric. Wind power represents approximately 24 percent of the company's portfolio, with more than 80 percent being fueled by renewable or clean-burning sources. It is a subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc., nationally known as a high quality, efficient and customer-driven organization focused on energy-related products and services. Its sister subsidiary, Florida Power & Light Company, serves approximately 4 million customer accounts in Florida. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.FPLGroup.com, www.FPL.com and www.FPLEnergy.com.