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PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: 2/10/10

RE: Citizens Sue Progress Energy

CONTACT: Suzan Franks, 652 E Dakota Ct, Hernando, FL 34442 Tel: 352-527-4123

CITIZENS SUE PROGRESS ENERGY

BUSHNELL, FLORIDA

Individuals from the Florida group of Citizens for Ratepayers Rights filed a lawsuit in Bushnell, Sumter County, Florida on Monday, February 8, 2010 against Progress Energy Florida. The lawsuit seeks class action status to declare as unconstitutional under the Florida State Constitution the laws that were passed that allow Progress Energy to collect in advance all costs related to the construction of its nuclear power plant approved to be built in Levy County and disgorge all payments collected thus far – about $200 million and adding each month. The complaint was filed by central Florida Attorneys Frank B. Arenas, Esq., Coleman, and Alberto E. Lugo-Janer, Esq. of Windermere.

“We tried everything to get someone to listen – the Governor, House, Senate, PSC, Attorney General – anyone that would help stop the madness of allowing $17 Billion to be collected by Progress with no requirement that any service be provided nor the nuclear plant even be built at all,” said Suzan Franks from Hernando, founder of the non-profit group. “We hope the courts will see this for what it is – a privilege and lending of the state’s taxing power to a private corporation which is prohibited under the State Constitution.”

Mrs. Franks and others formed the group last October seeking to get others to be heard by the state representatives. “No one would listen; now Progress Energy will have to at least hear us in court” stated Mrs. Franks. She can be reached at (352) 527-4123 for further information or view the website www.cfrpr.com to download and sign their petition.