Payne appointed to regional energy board

State Rep. Bobby Payne’s background in the electric power industry helped generate his appointment to the Southern States Energy Board.

Florida House of Representatives Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, recently appointed the Palatka Republican to the board.

Payne spent 38 years in different roles at Seminole Electric Cooperative, including manager of operations at the Seminole Generating Station in Palatka.

“Rep. Payne’s long, impressive record in the energy sector will serve him well on the Southern States Energy Board,” said Sprowls. “His extensive knowledge in electric power generation, transmission and distribution across the state of Florida will prepare him well for this new role serving Florida’s consumers and our energy industry, while protecting our natural resources and wildlife.”

Created in 1960, the Southern States Energy Board is made up of 16 states and two territories. Its mission is to enhance economic development and quality of life in the South through innovations in energy and environmental policies, programs and technologies.

Payne said he was honored by his board appointment, where he’ll serve with Gov. Ron DeSantis. He said he will provide Putnam County with “another seat at the table” regarding rural economic development.

“My background is energy and the board makes sure we’re putting our best foot forward with good policies and keep those in balance with new energy programs, whether it’s pushing solar, carbon or gas-powered energy,” Payne said. 

Seminole continues construction on its combined-cycle facility in Palatka, a $727 million project converting one of its coal-fired units with a natural gas-fired plant. Commercial service is expected to begin in early 2023.

“I started working on that project in 2012 when I was still at the corporate office in Tampa,” Payne said. “Seminole could have selected many sites throughout the state, but it always came back to Putnam County because it had the infrastructure and huge community support.

“The transition to natural gas will expand power generation as well as help emission problems.”

Payne, who was re-elected for another term last year, also serves as the chairman of the state’s House Ways & Means Committee and vice chair of the Pandemics & Public Emergencies Committee. He’s also vice chair of the State Affairs Committee.

The state Legislature began the 2021 session last week.

“I felt good about the first week,” Payne said. “As restrictive as COVID has been, everyone has gotten into the routine of getting tested, wearing masks and following protocols.

“The staff, speaker and governor are to be commended for enabling us to still function during a trying time. The governor has done a great job of protecting people and getting people back to work.”

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