FPL GROUP, INC. LOGO
 
FPL LOGO

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

Commission
File
Number
 
Exact name of registrants as specified in their
charters, address of principal executive offices and
registrants' telephone number
 
IRS Employer
Identification
Number
         
1-8841
 
FPL GROUP, INC.
 
59-2449419
2-27612
 
 
FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
700 Universe Boulevard
Juno Beach, Florida 33408
(561) 694-4000
 
59-0247775
 

State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization:      Florida

 
Name of exchange
on which registered
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
FPL Group, Inc.:
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
New York Stock Exchange
   
Florida Power & Light Company:    None
 

Indicate by check mark if the registrants are well-known seasoned issuers, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.
FPL Group, Inc.    Yes  þ     No  ¨                                                            Florida Power & Light Company    Yes  þ     No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrants are not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
FPL Group, Inc.    Yes  ¨     No  þ                                                            Florida Power & Light Company    Yes  ¨     No  þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
FPL Group, Inc.    Yes  þ     No  ¨                                                            Florida Power & Light Company    Yes  þ     No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files).
FPL Group, Inc.    Yes  þ     No  ¨                                                            Florida Power & Light Company    Yes  ¨     No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants' knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

FPL Group, Inc.
Large Accelerated Filer  þ
Accelerated Filer  ¨
Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨
Smaller Reporting Company  ¨
Florida Power & Light Company
Large Accelerated Filer  ¨
Accelerated Filer  ¨
Non-Accelerated Filer  þ
Smaller Reporting Company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).  Yes  ¨     No  þ

Aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity of FPL Group, Inc. held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2009 (based on the closing market price on the Composite Tape on June 30, 2009) was $23,304,012,377.

There was no voting or non-voting common equity of Florida Power & Light Company held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2009.

The number of shares outstanding of FPL Group, Inc. common stock, as of the latest practicable date: Common Stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding at January 31, 2010: 413,689,884 shares.

As of January 31, 2010, there were issued and outstanding 1,000 shares of Florida Power & Light Company common stock, without par value, all of which were held, beneficially and of record, by FPL Group, Inc.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of FPL Group, Inc.'s Proxy Statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.

¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾

This combined Form 10-K represents separate filings by FPL Group, Inc. and Florida Power & Light Company.  Information contained herein relating to an individual registrant is filed by that registrant on its own behalf.  Florida Power & Light Company makes no representations as to the information relating to FPL Group, Inc.'s other operations.

Florida Power & Light Company meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I.(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Form with the reduced disclosure format.


 

 

DEFINITIONS

Acronyms and defined terms used in the text include the following:

Term
 
Meaning
AFUDC
 
allowance for funds used during construction
AFUDC - equity
 
equity component of allowance for funds used during construction
BART
 
Best Available Retrofit Technology
capacity clause
 
capacity cost recovery clause, as established by the FPSC
charter
 
restated articles of incorporation, as amended, of FPL Group or FPL, as the case may be
CO 2
 
carbon dioxide
conservation clause
 
energy conservation cost recovery clause, as established by the FPSC
DOE
 
U.S. Department of Energy
Duane Arnold
 
Duane Arnold Energy Center
EMF
 
electric and magnetic field(s)
EMT
 
Energy Marketing & Trading, a division of FPL
environmental clause
 
environmental compliance cost recovery clause, as established by the FPSC
EPA
 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ERCOT
 
Electric Reliability Council of Texas
Exchange Act
 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FDEP
 
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
FERC
 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FGT
 
Florida Gas Transmission Company
FMPA
 
Florida Municipal Power Agency
FPL
 
Florida Power & Light Company
FPL FiberNet
 
FPL FiberNet, LLC
FPL Group
 
FPL Group, Inc.
FPL Group Capital
 
FPL Group Capital Inc
FPSC
 
Florida Public Service Commission
fuel clause
 
fuel and purchased power cost recovery clause, as established by the FPSC
GHG
 
greenhouse gas(es)
Gulfstream
 
Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C.
Holding Company Act
 
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005
IRS
 
Internal Revenue Service
ITCs
 
investment tax credits
kv
 
kilovolt(s)
kw
 
kilowatt
kwh
 
kilowatt-hour(s)
LIBOR
 
London InterBank Offered Rate
LTIP
 
FPL Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan
Management's Discussion
 
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
MISO
 
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.
mortgage
 
mortgage and deed of trust dated as of January 1, 1944, from FPL to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as supplemented and amended
mw
 
megawatt(s)
NEPOOL
 
New England Power Pool
NERC
 
North American Electric Reliability Corporation
NextEra Energy Resources
 
NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, formerly known as FPL Energy, LLC
Note ___
 
note ___ to consolidated financial statements
NOx
 
nitrogen oxide
NRC
 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Nuclear Waste Policy Act
 
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, as amended
O&M expenses
 
other operations and maintenance expenses in the consolidated statements of income
PJM
 
PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.
PMI
 
NextEra Energy Power Marketing, LLC
Point Beach
 
Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant
PTCs
 
production tax credits
PURPA
 
Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, as amended
qualifying facilities
 
non-utility power production facilities meeting the requirements of a qualifying facility under the PURPA
Recovery Act
 
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
regulatory ROE
 
return on common equity as determined for regulatory purposes
RFP
 
request for proposal
ROE
 
return on common equity
Seabrook
 
Seabrook Station
SEC
 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
SEGS
 
Solar Electric Generating System
SO 2
 
sulfur dioxide
VIE
 
variable interest entity
WCEC
 
FPL's West County Energy Center in western Palm Beach County, Florida

FPL Group, FPL, FPL Group Capital and NextEra Energy Resources each has subsidiaries and affiliates with names that may include FPL, NextEra Energy Resources, NextEra Energy, FPL Energy, FPLE and similar references.  For convenience and simplicity, in this report the terms FPL Group, FPL, FPL Group Capital and NextEra Energy Resources are sometimes used as abbreviated references to specific subsidiaries, affiliates or groups of subsidiaries or affiliates.  The precise meaning depends on the context.


 
2

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS


 
Page No.
   
Definitions
2
Forward-Looking Statements
3
 
 
PART I
 
     
Item 1.
Business
4
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
20
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
24
Item 2.
Properties
25
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
28
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
28
 
 
PART II
 
     
Item 5.
Market for Registrants' Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
28
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
29
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
30
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
52
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
53
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
104
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
104
Item 9B.
Other Information
104
 
 
PART III
 
     
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
104
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
104
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
105
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
105
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
105
 
 
PART IV
 
     
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
107
     
Signatures
 
115


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance, climate change strategy or growth strategies (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as will, will likely result, are expected to, will continue, is anticipated, aim, believe, could, should, would, estimated, may, plan, potential, projection, target, outlook, predict and intend or words of similar meaning) are not statements of historical facts and may be forward-looking.  Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties.  Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are accompanied by, important factors included in Part I, Item 1A.  Risk Factors (in addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such forward-looking statements) that could have a significant impact on FPL Group's and/or FPL's operations and financial results, and could cause FPL Group's and/or FPL's actual results to differ materially from those contained or implied in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of FPL Group and/or FPL in this combined Form 10-K, in presentations, on their respective websites, in response to questions or otherwise.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and FPL Group and FPL undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances, including unanticipated events, after the date on which such statement is made, unless otherwise required by law.  New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained or implied in any forward-looking statement.

 
3

 

PART I

Item 1.  Business

FPL GROUP

FPL Group was incorporated in 1984 under the laws of Florida.  FPL Group has two principal operating subsidiaries, FPL and NextEra Energy Resources.  FPL is a rate-regulated utility engaged primarily in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy in Florida.  NextEra Energy Resources is FPL Group's competitive energy subsidiary which produces the majority of its electricity from clean and renewable fuels.  FPL Group Capital, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FPL Group, holds the capital stock of, or has equity interests in, FPL Group's operating subsidiaries, other than FPL, and provides funding for those subsidiaries, including NextEra Energy Resources.  At December 31, 2009, FPL Group and its subsidiaries employed approximately 15,400 people.  For a discussion of FPL's and NextEra Energy Resources' businesses, see FPL Operations and NextEra Energy Resources Operations.  For financial information regarding FPL Group's business segments, see Note 15.

Website Access to SEC Filings.   FPL Group and FPL make their SEC filings, including the annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, available free of charge on FPL Group's internet website, www.fplgroup.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.  Information on FPL Group's website (or any of its subsidiaries' websites) is not incorporated by reference in this combined annual report on Form 10-K.  The SEC maintains an internet website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and other information about FPL Group and FPL filed electronically with the SEC.

FPL OPERATIONS

General.   FPL was incorporated under the laws of Florida in 1925 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FPL Group.  FPL supplies electric service to a population of more than 8.7 million throughout most of the east and lower west coasts of Florida.  During 2009, FPL served approximately 4.5 million customer accounts.  The percentage of FPL's operating revenues by customer class was as follows:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
Residential
    56 %     53 %     54 %
Commercial
    41       40       39  
Industrial
    3       3       3  
Wholesale
    1       1       1  
Other, including deferred or recovered retail clause revenues, the net change in retail unbilled revenues, transmission sales and customer-related fees
    (1 )     3       3  
      100 %     100 %     100 %

Over the last ten years, FPL's average annual customer growth has been 1.8%.  However, beginning in 2007, FPL has experienced a slowdown in retail customer growth and a decline in non-weather related usage per retail customer.  Retail customer growth in 2008 was 0.3%.  FPL's average number of retail customers declined slightly during the first three quarters of 2009 and remained essentially unchanged during the fourth quarter of 2009; the decline for the full year was 0.2%.  FPL believes that the economic slowdown, the downturn in the housing market and the credit crisis that have affected the country and the state of Florida have contributed to the slowdown in customer growth and to the decline in non-weather related usage per retail customer.  In December 2009, the unemployment rate in Florida was 11.8%.  Beginning in 2007, FPL experienced an increase in inactive accounts (accounts with installed meters without corresponding customer names) and in low-usage customers (customers using less than 200 kwh per month), which have contributed to the decline in retail customer growth and non-weather related usage per retail customer.  In 2009, inactive accounts and low-usage customers continued to increase much of the year but declined slightly in the fourth quarter.  FPL is unable to predict whether or when growth in customers and non-weather related customer usage might return to previous trends.

Regulation.   FPL's retail operations provided approximately 99% of FPL's 2009 operating revenues.  Retail operations are regulated by the FPSC, which has jurisdiction over retail rates, service territory, issuances of securities, planning, siting and construction of facilities and other matters.  FPL is also subject to regulation by the FERC with respect to certain aspects of its operations, including, but not limited to, the acquisition and disposition of facilities, interchange and transmission services and wholesale purchases and sales of electric energy.  The NERC established mandatory reliability standards in 2007 to ensure the reliability of the U.S. electric transmission and generation system and to prevent major system blackouts.  Violations for non-compliance are subject to penalties of up to $1 million per day per violation.  In addition, FPL's nuclear power plants are subject to the jurisdiction of the NRC.  NRC regulations govern the granting of licenses for the construction, operation and retirement of nuclear power plants and subject these plants to continuing review and regulation.

 
4

 

Retail Ratemaking.   The underlying concept of utility ratemaking is to set rates at a level that allows the utility the opportunity to collect from customers total revenues (revenue requirements) equal to its cost of providing service, including a reasonable rate of return on invested capital.  To accomplish this, the FPSC uses various ratemaking mechanisms, including, among other things, base rates and cost recovery clauses.

Base Rates - In general, the basic costs of providing electric service, other than fuel and certain other costs, are recovered through base rates, which are designed to recover the costs of constructing, operating and maintaining the utility system.  These basic costs include O&M expenses, depreciation and taxes, as well as a return on FPL's investment in assets used and useful in providing electric service (rate base).  At the time base rates are determined, the allowed rate of return on rate base approximates FPL's estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which includes its costs for outstanding debt and, typically, an allowed ROE.  The FPSC monitors FPL's actual regulatory ROE through a surveillance report that is filed monthly by FPL with the FPSC.  The FPSC does not provide assurance that an allowed ROE will be achieved.  Base rates are determined in rate proceedings or through negotiated settlements, which occur at irregular intervals at the initiative of FPL, the FPSC, the State of Florida Office of Public Counsel or a substantially affected party.  Base rates remain in effect until new base rates are approved by the FPSC.

In March 2009, FPL filed a petition with the FPSC requesting, among other things, a permanent base rate increase of approximately $1 billion in 2010 and an additional $250 million in 2011, which included additions to the storm and property insurance reserve.  The requested increases were based on a proposed regulatory ROE of 12.5% and excluded amounts associated with the proposed extension of a Generation Base Rate Adjustment (GBRA) mechanism, which allowed for automatic adjustments in retail base rates when approved power plants achieved commercial operation, and certain proposed cost recovery clause adjustments.

In January 2010, the FPSC orally ruled with respect to FPL's March 2009 petition (January 2010 rate ruling) and indicated that the ruling would be reflected in a final written order to be issued in February 2010 (final order).  The January 2010 rate ruling indicated that new retail base rates would be established for FPL effective March 1, 2010, would increase retail base rates by approximately $75 million on an annualized basis, would establish a regulatory ROE of 10.0% with a range of plus or minus 100 basis points and would shift certain costs from retail base rates to the capacity clause.  The January 2010 rate ruling also indicated that depreciation expense would be reduced over the next four years.  See Management's Discussion - Results of Operations - FPL.  The January 2010 rate ruling also indicated, among other things, that any additional base rate increase for 2011, the continuation of the GBRA mechanism and any additions to the storm and property insurance reserve would be denied.  As of the date of this report, the final order remains pending.  Upon issuance of the final order, parties have the right to file motions with the FPSC for reconsideration of some or all of the final order, or to appeal some or all of the final order to the Florida Supreme Court.  In response to inquiries regarding potential inconsistencies in calculations underlying the January 2010 rate ruling, staff for the FPSC has indicated it would address any matters raised by the parties before the final order following the filing of any motions for reconsideration.  FPL cannot predict the specific treatment of any particular issue in the final order.

FPL is evaluating the impact of the January 2010 rate ruling on its financial position, including its credit quality and ability to attract capital over the long term (see Management's Discussion - Liquidity and Capital Resources).  FPL has suspended activities on the following projects representing approximately $10 billion of investment over the next five years until the financial impact of the final order, along with other factors, such as load-growth estimates, fuel cost forecasts, demand side management and environmental incentives, can be reviewed (see Capital Expenditures below):

·
development of two additional nuclear units at FPL's Turkey Point site beyond what is required to receive an NRC license for each unit (see Nuclear Operations below);
·
modernization of FPL's Cape Canaveral and Riviera power plants (see Fossil Operations below);
·
reevaluation of options related to a proposed 300-mile underground natural gas pipeline in Florida; and
·
other infrastructure projects.

FPL is also evaluating its options with respect to future regulatory actions regarding the January 2010 rate ruling and, when it is issued, the final order, as well as assessing the cost structure of its ongoing operations and reviewing other planned capital expenditures for appropriate reductions.

Under a rate agreement approved in 2005 (2005 rate agreement), retail base rates did not increase except to allow recovery, under the GBRA mechanism, of the revenue requirements of FPL's three power plants that achieved commercial operation during the term of the 2005 rate agreement.  Retail base rates increased when Turkey Point Unit No. 5 was placed in service in 2007 and when WCEC Units Nos. 1 and 2 were placed in service in 2009.  During the term of the 2005 rate agreement, FPL did not have an authorized regulatory ROE for the purpose of addressing earnings levels; however, for all other regulatory purposes, FPL had an ROE of 11.75%.  Under the terms of the 2005 rate agreement, FPL's electric property depreciation rates were based upon the comprehensive depreciation studies it filed with the FPSC in March 2005; however, FPL reduced depreciation on its plant in service by $125 million each year, as allowed by the 2005 rate agreement.  The 2005 rate agreement also provided for a revenue sharing mechanism, whereby revenues from retail base operations in excess of certain thresholds would be shared with customers.  During the term of the 2005 rate agreement, FPL's revenues did not exceed the thresholds.

 
5

 

Cost Recovery Clauses - Cost recovery clauses, which are designed to permit full recovery of certain costs and provide a return on certain assets allowed to be recovered through the various clauses, include substantially all fuel, purchased power and interchange expenses, conservation and certain environmental-related expenses, certain revenue taxes and franchise fees.  Beginning in 2009, pre-construction costs and carrying charges on construction costs for new nuclear capacity and costs incurred for FPL's three solar generating facilities, one of which was placed into service in 2009 and two of which are under construction, are also recovered through cost recovery clauses.  These costs are recovered through levelized monthly charges per kwh or kw, depending on the customer's rate class, pursuant to the FPSC's cost recovery clauses.  These cost recovery clause charges are calculated at least annually based on estimated costs and estimated customer usage for the following year, plus or minus a true-up adjustment to reflect the variance of actual costs and usage from the estimates used in setting the adjustment charges for prior periods.  An adjustment to the levelized charges may be approved during the course of a year to reflect a projected variance based on actual costs and usage.

In 2009, fuel clause recoveries were approximately $5.9 billion.  FPL uses a risk management fuel procurement program which was approved by the FPSC at the program's inception.  The FPSC reviews the program activities and results for prudence on an annual basis as part of its annual review of fuel costs.  The program is intended to manage fuel price volatility by locking in fuel prices for a portion of FPL's fuel requirements.  See Energy Marketing and Trading below, Management's Discussion - Results of Operations - FPL, Note 1 - Regulation and Note 3.  Pursuant to an FPSC order, FPL was required to refund in the form of a one-time credit to retail customers' bills the 2009 year-end estimated fuel overrecovery; in January 2010, approximately $403 million was refunded to retail customers.  At December 31, 2009, approximately $356 million of retail fuel revenues were overrecovered.  The difference between the refund and the December 31, 2009 overrecovery will be collected from retail customers in a subsequent period.

Capacity payments to other utilities and generating companies for purchased power are recovered from customers through the capacity clause and base rates.  Beginning in March 2010, such payments will be recovered entirely through the capacity clause.  In accordance with the FPSC's nuclear cost recovery rule, FPL also recovers pre-construction costs and carrying charges (equal to a pretax AFUDC rate) on construction costs for new nuclear capacity through the capacity clause.  Once the new capacity goes into service, it is expected that construction costs will be recovered through base rate increases.  See Nuclear Operations below.  In 2009, capacity clause recoveries were approximately $772 million.

Costs associated with implementing energy conservation programs are recovered from customers through the conservation clause.  In 2009, conservation clause recoveries were approximately $198 million.  Certain costs of complying with federal, state and local environmental regulations enacted after April 1993 and costs associated with FPL's three solar facilities are recovered through the environmental clause.  In 2009, environmental clause recoveries were approximately $91 million.  See Environmental and Solar Operations below.

Other Recovery Mechanisms - FPL maintains a funded storm and property insurance reserve.  Four hurricanes in 2005 and three hurricanes in 2004 caused major damage in parts of FPL's service territory.  Storm restoration costs incurred by FPL during 2005 and 2004 exceeded the amount in the storm and property insurance reserve, resulting in a storm reserve deficiency.  In 2007, FPL formed a wholly-owned bankruptcy remote special purpose subsidiary for the purpose of issuing storm-recovery bonds, pursuant to the securitization provisions of the Florida Statutes and an FPSC financing order.  In May 2007, the FPL subsidiary issued $652 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured bonds (storm-recovery bonds), primarily for the after-tax equivalent of the total of FPL's unrecovered balance of the 2004 storm restoration costs, the 2005 storm restoration costs and approximately $200 million to reestablish FPL's storm and property insurance reserve.  The storm-recovery bonds, including interest and bond issuance costs, are being repaid through a surcharge to retail customers.  Prior to the issuance of these storm-recovery bonds, FPL had been recovering the 2004 storm restoration costs from retail customers through a storm damage surcharge.  See Management's Discussion - Results of Operations - FPL and Note 9 - FPL.

The FPSC has the authority to disallow recovery of costs that it considers excessive or imprudently incurred.  Such costs may include, among others, fuel and O&M expenses, the cost of replacing power lost when fossil and nuclear units are unavailable, storm restoration costs and costs associated with the construction or acquisition of new facilities.

Competition.   FPL currently holds 176 franchise agreements to provide electric service in various municipalities and counties in Florida with varying expiration dates through 2040.  Of the 176 franchise agreements, 10 expire in 2010, 9 expire in 2011 and 157 expire during the period 2012 through 2040.  Negotiations are ongoing to renew franchises with upcoming expirations.  FPL also provides service to 13 other municipalities and to 22 unincorporated areas within its service area without franchise agreements.  FPL considers its franchises to be adequate for the conduct of its business.

 
6

 

FPL currently faces competition from other suppliers of electrical energy to wholesale customers and from alternative energy sources and self-generation for other customer groups, primarily industrial customers.  The FERC has jurisdiction over potential changes that could affect competition in wholesale transactions.  In 2009, operating revenues from wholesale and industrial customers combined represented approximately 4% of FPL's total operating revenues.  Various states, other than Florida, have enacted legislation or have state commissions that have issued orders designed to allow retail customers to choose their electricity supplier.  Management believes it is unlikely there will be any state actions to restructure the retail electric industry in Florida in the near future.  If the basis of regulation for some or all of FPL's business changes from cost-based regulation, existing regulatory assets and liabilities would be written off unless regulators specify an alternative means of recovery or refund.  Further, other aspects of the business, such as generation assets and long-term power purchase commitments, would need to be reviewed to assess their recoverability in a changed regulatory environment.  See Management's Discussion - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates - Regulatory Accounting.

The FPSC promotes cost competitiveness in the building of new steam generating capacity by requiring investor-owned electric utilities, such as FPL, to issue an RFP except when the FPSC determines that an exception from the RFP process is in the public interest.  The RFP process allows independent power producers and others to bid to supply the new generating capacity.  If a bidder has the most cost-effective alternative, meets other criteria such as financial viability and demonstrates adequate expertise and experience in building and/or operating generating capacity of the type proposed, the investor-owned electric utility would seek to negotiate a power purchase agreement with the selected bidder and request that the FPSC approve the terms of the power purchase agreement and, if appropriate, provide the required authorization for the construction of the bidder's generating capacity.  In 2007, the FPSC eliminated the requirement for utilities to issue an RFP for new nuclear power plants sited after June 2006.  See Nuclear Operations below regarding the approval by the FPSC for two additional nuclear units.

Environmental.   FPL is subject to environmental laws and regulations and is affected by some of the emerging issues included in the Environmental Matters section.  FPL expects to seek recovery through the environmental clause for compliance costs associated with any new environmental laws and regulations.

During 2009, FPL spent approximately $214 million on capital additions to comply with existing environmental laws and regulations.  FPL's capital expenditures to comply with existing environmental laws and regulations are estimated to be $424 million for 2010 through 2012, including approximately $236 million in 2010, and are included in estimated planned capital expenditures set forth in Capital Expenditures below.

System Capability and Load.   At December 31, 2009, FPL's resources for serving load consisted of 26,682 mw, of which 24,530 mw were from FPL-owned facilities (see Item 2 - Generating Facilities) and 2,152 mw were available through purchased power contracts (see Note 14 - Contracts).  FPL's projected reserve margin for the summer of 2010 is approximately 22%.  This reserve margin is expected to be achieved through the combination of output from FPL's active generating units (excluding solar which is considered non-firm), purchased power contracts and the capability to reduce peak demand through the implementation of demand side management programs, including load management, which was estimated to be capable of reducing demand by 1,801 mw at December 31, 2009, and energy efficiency and conservation programs.  In December 2009, the FPSC issued an order that will require Florida utilities, including FPL, to meet higher demand side management goals for both demand and energy beginning in 2010, and to file plans to meet these goals by March 30, 2010.  FPL and the other Florida utilities have filed motions for reconsideration of the FPSC order.  Occasionally, unusually cold temperatures during the winter months result in significant increases in electricity usage for short periods of time.  However, customer usage and operating revenues are typically higher during the summer months, largely due to the prevalent use of air conditioning in FPL's service territory.  During 2009, the highest peak load FPL served was 22,351 mw.  The highest peak load FPL has served to date was 24,346 mw, which occurred on January 11, 2010.  FPL had adequate resources available at the time of this peak to meet customer demand.  See Fossil Operations, Nuclear Operations and Solar Operations below regarding generation projects currently under construction.

Fuel Mix.   FPL's generating plants use a variety of fuels.  The diverse fuel options, along with purchased power, are intended to enable FPL to shift between sources of generation to achieve a more economical fuel mix.  See Fossil Operations and Nuclear Operations below, and Item 2 - Generating Facilities.

FPL's 2009 fuel mix based on kwh produced was as follows:

 
Fuel Source
 
Percentage of
kwh Produced
       
Natural gas
 
56
%
Nuclear
 
21
%
Purchased power
 
13
%
Coal
 
6
%
Oil
 
4
%


 
7

 

Fossil Operations.   FPL owns and operates 81 units that use fossil fuels such as natural gas and/or oil, and has a joint-ownership interest in three coal units.  FPL's fossil units are out of service from time to time for routine maintenance or on standby during periods of reduced electricity demand.  FPL is currently constructing a natural gas-fired combined-cycle unit of approximately 1,220 mw at its WCEC, which is expected to be placed in service by mid-2011.  In 2008, the FPSC approved FPL's plan to modernize its Cape Canaveral and Riviera power plants to high-efficiency natural gas-fired units.  Each modernized plant is expected to provide approximately 1,200 mw of capacity and be placed in service by 2013 and 2014, respectively.  However, FPL has suspended activities on the modernization of the two power plants.  See Retail Ratemaking above and Capital Expenditures below.

FPL has four firm transportation contracts in place with FGT, two firm transportation contracts with Gulfstream and one firm transportation contract with Southeast Supply Header, LLC, that together are expected to satisfy substantially all of the anticipated needs for natural gas transportation at its existing units.  The four existing FGT contracts expire between 2021 and 2025, while both Gulfstream contracts expire in 2032.  The Southeast Supply Header contract expires in 2020.  To the extent desirable, FPL can also purchase interruptible natural gas transportation service from FGT and Gulfstream based on pipeline availability.  FPL has several short- and medium-term natural gas supply contracts to provide a portion of FPL's anticipated needs for natural gas.  The remainder of FPL's natural gas requirements is purchased in the spot market.  FPL has a long-term agreement for the storage of natural gas that expires in 2013.  In addition, FPL has entered into several long-term agreements for storage capacity and transportation of natural gas from facilities that have not yet started construction, or if started, have not yet completed construction.  These agreements range from 15 to 25 years in length and contain firm commitments by FPL totaling up to approximately $175 million annually or $4.3 billion over the terms of the agreements.  These firm commitments are contingent upon the occurrence of certain events, including completion of construction of the facilities in 2011.  See Note 14 - Contracts.  FPL's oil requirements are obtained under short- and medium-term contracts and in the spot market.

FPL has, through its joint ownership interest in St. Johns River Power Park (SJRPP) Units Nos. 1 and 2, a coal supply and transportation contract for all of the 2010 fuel needs and a portion of the 2011 fuel needs for those units.  All of the transportation requirements and a portion of the coal supply needs for Scherer Unit No. 4 are covered by a series of annual and long-term contracts.  FPL's remaining fuel requirements for these units will be obtained in the spot market.  See Note 14 - Contracts.

Nuclear Operations.   FPL owns, or has undivided interests in, and operates four nuclear units, two at Turkey Point and two at St. Lucie, with a total net generating capability of 2,939 mw.  The nuclear units are periodically removed from service to accommodate normal refueling and maintenance outages, repairs and certain other modifications.  Scheduled nuclear refueling outages typically require the unit to be removed from service for approximately 30 days.  This duration is longer for expanded scope outages.  The following table summarizes certain information related to FPL's nuclear units:

Facility
 
Unit
 
Net
Capability
(mw)
 
Operating License
Expiration Dates
 
Next Scheduled
Refueling Outage
                 
St. Lucie
 
1
 
839
 
2036
 
April 2010
St. Lucie
 
2
 
714
 
2043
 
January 2011
Turkey Point
 
3
 
693
 
2032
 
September 2010
Turkey Point
 
4
 
693
 
2033
 
March 2011

FPL is in the process of adding approximately 400 mw of baseload capacity at its existing nuclear units at St. Lucie and Turkey Point, which additional capacity is projected to be placed in service by the end of 2012.  The construction costs relating to the 400 mw of baseload capacity yet to be incurred as of December 31, 2009 are included in the estimated planned capital expenditures set forth in Capital Expenditures below.  As part of the conditions of certification by the state of Florida for this project, FPL is required to implement a monitoring plan on the Turkey Point cooling canals due to concerns over potential saltwater intrusion beyond FPL's property.  Monitoring under the plan includes collection of data for two years prior to and two years after the date the additional capacity is placed in service in order to establish a baseline and assess various environmental impacts of the cooling canals on surrounding areas.  The potential results of the monitoring plan are uncertain and the financial and operational impacts on FPL, if any, cannot be determined at this time.  In 2008, the FPSC approved FPL's need petition for two additional nuclear units at its Turkey Point site with projected in-service dates between 2018 and 2020.  The two units combined are expected to add approximately 2,200 mw of baseload capacity.  Additional approvals from other regulatory agencies will be required later in the development process.  However, FPL has suspended development activities on the two new nuclear units at its Turkey Point site beyond what is required to receive a license for each unit from the NRC.  See Retail Ratemaking above and Capital Expenditures below.

 
8

 

FPL leases nuclear fuel for all four of its nuclear units.  See Note 1 - Nuclear Fuel.  FPL Group and FPL consolidate the lessor entity, a VIE.  See Note 9 - FPL.  The contracts for the supply, conversion, enrichment and fabrication of FPL's nuclear fuel have expiration dates ranging from March 2010 through 2022.  Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, the DOE is responsible for the development of a repository for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.  As required by the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, FPL is a party to contracts with the DOE to provide for disposal of spent nuclear fuel from its Turkey Point and St. Lucie nuclear units.  The DOE was required to construct permanent disposal facilities and take title to and provide transportation and disposal for spent nuclear fuel by January 31, 1998 for a specified fee based on current generation from nuclear power plants.  Through December 31, 2009, FPL has paid approximately $629 million in such fees to the U.S. Government's nuclear waste fund.  The DOE did not meet its statutory obligation for disposal of spent nuclear fuel under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act.  In 2009, FPL and certain nuclear plant joint owners signed a settlement agreement (spent fuel settlement agreement) with the U.S. Government agreeing to dismiss with prejudice lawsuits filed against the U.S. Government seeking damages caused by the DOE's failure to dispose of spent nuclear fuel from FPL's nuclear plants.  The spent fuel settlement agreement permits FPL to make annual filings to recover certain spent fuel storage costs incurred by FPL which will be payable by the U.S. Government on an annual basis.  Through December 31, 2009, FPL has collected approximately $82 million of the amount due from the U.S. Government pursuant to the spent fuel settlement agreement and has paid approximately $5 million to the joint owners of St. Lucie Unit No. 2.  An additional payment from the U.S. Government of approximately $18 million relating to costs incurred in 2008 is pending.  FPL plans to file a claim for spent fuel storage costs incurred during 2009 by April 2010.  FPL will continue to pay fees to the U.S. Government's nuclear waste fund.  The DOE filed a license application for a permanent disposal facility for spent nuclear fuel with the NRC in 2008, and a licensing proceeding is ongoing before the NRC.  However, it is uncertain when a permanent disposal facility will be constructed and when it would be ready to begin receiving spent nuclear fuel shipments.

FPL uses both on-site storage pools and dry storage casks to store spent nuclear fuel generated by St. Lucie Units Nos. 1 and 2, which should allow FPL to store all spent nuclear fuel at this facility through license expiration.  FPL currently stores all spent nuclear fuel generated by Turkey Point Units Nos. 3 and 4 in on-site storage pools.  These spent nuclear fuel storage pools do not have sufficient storage capacity for the life of the respective units.  Beginning in 2011, FPL plans to begin using dry storage casks to store spent nuclear fuel generated by the Turkey Point facility, which should allow FPL to store all spent nuclear fuel at this facility through license expiration.

The NRC's regulations require FPL to submit a plan for decontamination and decommissioning five years before the projected end of plant operation.  FPL's current plans, under the operating licenses, provide for prompt dismantlement of Turkey Point Units Nos. 3 and 4 with decommissioning activities commencing in 2032 and 2033, respectively.  Current plans provide for St. Lucie Unit No. 1 to be mothballed beginning in 2036 with decommissioning activities to be integrated with the prompt dismantlement of St. Lucie Unit No. 2 at the end of its useful life in 2043.  See estimated decommissioning cost data in Note 1 - Decommissioning of Nuclear Plants, Dismantlement of Plants and Other Accrued Asset Removal Costs - FPL.

Solar Operations.    In 2009, FPL placed into service its first utility-scale solar generating facility, a 25 mw photovoltaic (PV) facility in DeSoto County, Florida.  FPL is currently constructing a 75 mw solar thermal facility in Martin County, Florida and a 10 mw solar PV facility in Brevard County, Florida, which are expected to be placed into service by the end of 2010.  The construction costs of the Martin County and Brevard County solar generating facilities yet to be incurred as of December 31, 2009 are included in estimated planned capital expenditures set forth in Capital Expenditures below.

Energy Marketing and Trading.   EMT buys and sells wholesale energy commodities, such as natural gas, oil and electricity.  EMT procures natural gas and oil for FPL's use in power generation and sells excess natural gas, oil and electricity.  EMT also uses derivative instruments, such as swaps, options and forwards, to manage the commodity price risk inherent in the purchase and sale of fuel and electricity.  Substantially all of the results of EMT's activities are passed through to customers in the fuel or capacity clauses.  See Retail Ratemaking above, Management's Discussion - Results of Operations - FPL and Energy Marketing and Trading and Market Risk Sensitivity and Note 3.

Capital Expenditures.   Capital expenditures at FPL include, among other things, the cost for construction or acquisition of additional facilities and equipment to meet customer demand, as well as capital improvements to and maintenance of existing facilities.  Planned capital expenditures that are conditional on obtaining regulatory approvals are not included in the table below until such approvals are received.

 
9

 

FPL's actual capital expenditures for 2007 through 2009 and estimated planned capital expenditures for 2010 through 2014 as of December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 
Actual
 
Planned (a)
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
Total
 
(millions)
Generation: (b)
                                                   
New (c) (d)
$
396
 
$
880
 
$
1,203
 
$
1,120
 
$
985
 
$
305
 
$
5
 
$
-
 
$
2,415
Existing
 
586
   
601
   
651
   
530
   
490
   
390
   
320
   
330
   
2,060
Transmission and distribution
 
875
   
737
   
600
   
440
   
460
   
480
   
480
   
480
   
2,340
Nuclear fuel
 
194
   
130
   
178
   
105
   
200
   
175
   
250
   
205
   
935
General and other
 
77
   
101
   
135
   
260
   
270
   
270
   
260
   
130
   
1,190
Total
$
2,128
 
$
2,449
 
$
2,767
 
$
2,455
 
$
2,405
 
$
1,620
 
$
1,315
 
$
1,145
 
$
8,940
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Excludes capital expenditures of approximately $685 million in 2010, $1,310 million in 2011, $2,505 million in 2012, $2,605 million in 2013 and $1,805 million in 2014 for the following: (1) construction costs for the two additional nuclear units at FPL's Turkey Point site beyond what is required to receive an NRC license for each unit, (2) modernization of the Cape Canaveral and Riviera power plants and (3) other infrastructure projects.  See Retail Ratemaking above.
(b)
Includes AFUDC of approximately $36 million, $50 million, $74 million, $47 million, $27 million and $4 million in 2007 to 2012, respectively.
(c)
Includes land, generating structures, transmission interconnection and integration and licensing.
(d)
Includes pre-construction costs and carrying charges (equal to a pretax AFUDC rate) on construction costs recoverable through the capacity clause of approximately $50 million, $41 million, $147 million, $390 million and $37 million in 2008 to 2012, respectively.

These estimates are subject to continuing review and adjustment and actual capital expenditures may vary significantly from these estimates.  See Management's Discussion - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Contractual Obligations and Estimated Planned Capital Expenditures and Note 14 - Commitments.

Electric and Magnetic Fields.   EMF are present around electrical facilities, including, but not limited to, appliances, power lines and building wiring.  Since the 1970s, there has been public, scientific and regulatory attention given to the question of whether EMF causes or contributes to adverse health effects.  U.S. and international scientific organizations have evaluated the EMF research.  Their reviews have generally concluded that while some epidemiology studies report an association with childhood leukemia, controlled laboratory studies do not support that association and the scientific studies overall have not demonstrated that EMF cause or contribute to any type of cancer or other disease.

The FDEP established EMF standards for electricity facilities in 1989 and FPL facilities comply with these standards.  Future changes in the FDEP regulations could require additional capital expenditures by FPL for such things as increasing the width of right of ways or relocating or reconfiguring transmission facilities.  It is not presently known whether any such expenditures will be required.  Currently, there are no such changes proposed to the FDEP regulations .

Employees.   FPL had approximately 10,500 employees at December 31, 2009.  Approximately 31% of the employees are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) under a collective bargaining agreement with FPL that expires October 31, 2011.

NEXTERA ENERGY RESOURCES OPERATIONS

General.   NextEra Energy Resources, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FPL Group Capital, was formed in 1998 to aggregate FPL Group's existing competitive energy businesses.  It is a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware.  Through its subsidiaries, NextEra Energy Resources currently owns, develops, constructs, manages and operates primarily domestic electric-generating facilities in wholesale energy markets.  NextEra Energy Resources also provides full energy and capacity requirements services primarily to distribution utilities in certain markets and owns a retail electric provider based in Texas.  NextEra Energy Resources also engages in power and gas marketing and trading activities.

At December 31, 2009, NextEra Energy Resources managed or participated in the management of approximately 97% of its projects, which represented approximately 99% of the net generating capacity in which NextEra Energy Resources has an ownership interest.  NextEra Energy Resources had ownership interests in operating independent power projects with a net generating capability totaling 18,148 mw (see Item 2 - Generating Facilities).  Generation capacity spans various regions and is produced using a variety of fuel sources, thereby reducing overall volatility related to varying market conditions and seasonality on a portfolio basis.  At December 31, 2009, the percentage of capacity by geographic region was:

Geographic Region
 
Percentage of Generation Capacity
ERCOT
 
29
%
Northeast
 
28
%
Midwest
 
21
%
West
 
15
%
Other South
 
7
%


 
10

 

At December 31, 2009, fuel sources for these projects were as follows:

Fuel Source
 
Percentage of Generation Capacity
Wind
 
41
%
Natural Gas
 
37
%
Nuclear
 
14
%
Oil
 
5
%
Hydro
 
2
%
Solar and other
 
1
%

NextEra Energy Resources' strategy is, among other things, to continue to maintain its leadership position in wind, accelerate growth in solar development, continue to expand its transmission capability, grow its supply-related and non-asset based businesses, and to develop its natural gas infrastructure business.  NextEra Energy Resources' supply-related business includes full energy and capacity requirements services and retail operations, and the non-asset based business includes power and gas marketing and trading operations.  NextEra Energy Resources seeks to expand its portfolio primarily through wind and solar development and acquisitions where economic prospects are attractive.  In 2009, NextEra Energy Resources added approximately 1,170 mw of wind generation to its portfolio and expects to add approximately 1,000 mw of new wind generation in 2010 and 1,000 mw to 1,500 mw in each of 2011 and 2012.  In addition to wind expansion, NextEra Energy Resources is considering several solar development opportunities in the U.S., as well as in Europe.  The wind and solar expansions are subject to, among other things, continued public policy support, support for the construction and availability of sufficient transmission facilities and capacity, continued market demand, supply chain expansion and access to capital at reasonable cost and on reasonable terms.  NextEra Energy Resources is evaluating additional natural gas infrastructure opportunities in the U.S. and will continue to explore additional projects as opportunities become available.

NextEra Energy Resources' actual capital expenditures and investments for 2007 through 2009 and estimated planned capital expenditures for 2010 through 2014 as of December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 
Actual
 
Planned
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
Total
 
(millions)
                                                     
Wind (a)
$
1,795
 
$
2,255
 
$
2,625
 
$
1,895
 
$
15
 
$
15
 
$
10
 
$
5
 
$
1,940
Nuclear (b)
 
1,120
   
335
   
455
   
560
   
325
   
315
   
255
   
235
   
1,690
Natural gas
 
120
   
115
   
120
   
75
   
75
   
70
   
50
   
20
   
290
Solar
 
10
   
20
   
40
   
195
   
440
   
485
   
95
   
-
   
1,215
Other
 
30
   
80
   
110
   
65
   
60
   
45
   
45
   
50
   
265
Total
$
3,075
 
$
2,805
 
$
3,350
 
$
2,790
 
$
915
 
$
930
 
$
455
 
$
310
 
$
5,400
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Includes capital expenditures for new wind projects that have been identified and related transmission.  NextEra Energy Resources expects to add new wind generation of approximately 1,000 mw in 2010 and 1,000 mw to 1,500 mw in each of 2011 and 2012, subject to, among other things, continued public policy support, support for the construction and availability of sufficient transmission facilities and capacity, continued market demand, supply chain expansion and access to capital at reasonable cost and on reasonable terms.  The cost of the planned wind additions for 2011 and 2012 is estimated to be approximately $2.2 billion to $3.3 billion in each year, which is not included in the table above.
(b)
Includes nuclear fuel.

These estimates are subject to continuing review and adjustment and actual capital expenditures may vary significantly from these estimates.  See Management's Discussion - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Contractual Obligations and Estimated Planned Capital Expenditures and Note 14 - Commitments.

Portfolio by Category.    NextEra Energy Resources' generating assets are categorized as follows:

Wind Assets - At December 31, 2009, NextEra Energy Resources had ownership interests in wind plants with a combined capacity of approximately 7,544 mw (net ownership), of which approximately 75% have long-term contracts with utilities and power marketers, predominantly under fixed-price agreements with expiration dates ranging from 2011 to 2034.  The expected output of the remaining 25% is substantially hedged through 2011 and partially hedged through 2016 against changes in commodity prices.  NextEra Energy Resources operates substantially all of these wind facilities.  Approximately 92% of NextEra Energy Resources' net ownership in wind facilities has received exempt wholesale generator status as defined under the Holding Company Act.  Essentially all of the remaining facilities have qualifying facility status under PURPA.  NextEra Energy Resources' wind facilities are located in 17 states and Canada.  NextEra Energy Resources expects to add approximately 1,000 mw of new wind generation in 2010.

 
11

 

Contracted Assets - At December 31, 2009, NextEra Energy Resources had 3,533 mw of non-wind contracted assets.  The contracted category includes all projects, other than wind, with contracts for substantially all of their output.  Essentially all of these contracted assets were under power sales contracts with utilities, with contract expiration dates ranging from 2011 to 2033 and have firm fuel and transportation agreements with expiration dates ranging from December 2010 to 2022.  See Note 14 - Contracts.  Approximately 1,825 mw of this capacity is natural gas-fired generation.  The remaining 1,708 mw uses a variety of fuels and technologies such as nuclear, oil, solar, coal and petroleum coke.  As of December 31, 2009, approximately 93% of NextEra Energy Resources' contracted generating capacity is from power plants that have received exempt wholesale generator status under the Holding Company Act, while the remaining 7% has qualifying facility status under PURPA.

Merchant Assets - At December 31, 2009, NextEra Energy Resources' portfolio of merchant assets includes 7,071 mw of owned nuclear, natural gas, oil and hydro generation, of which 3,772 mw is located in the Northeast region, 2,792 mw in the ERCOT region and 507 mw in the West region.  The merchant assets include 1,017 mw of peak generating facilities.  Merchant assets are plants that do not have long-term power sales agreements to sell their output and therefore require active marketing and hedging.  Approximately 75% (based on net mw capability) of the natural gas fueled merchant assets have natural gas supply agreements or a combination of natural gas supply and transportation agreements to provide for on-peak natural gas requirements.  In mid-2010, two natural gas fired plants, located in California and Pennsylvania, with a combined net generating capacity of approximately 1,250 mw, will move to the contracted assets category when their respective long-term power sales agreements become effective.  See Note 14 - Contracts.  Derivative instruments (primarily swaps, options, futures and forwards) are used to lock in pricing and manage the commodity price risk inherent in power sales and fuel purchases.  Managing market risk through these instruments introduces other types of risk, primarily counterparty and operational risks.  See Energy Marketing and Trading below.

Nuclear Operations.   NextEra Energy Resources wholly owns, or has undivided interests in, three nuclear power plants with a total net generating capability of 2,552 mw.  NextEra Energy Resources is responsible for all plant operations and the ultimate decommissioning of the plants, the cost of which is shared on a pro-rata basis by the joint owners for the jointly owned plants.  See estimated decommissioning cost data in Note 1 - Decommissioning of Nuclear Plants, Dismantlement of Plants and Other Accrued Asset Removal Costs - NextEra Energy Resources.  The nuclear units are periodically removed from service to accommodate normal refueling and maintenance outages, repairs and certain other modifications.  The following table summarizes certain information related to NextEra Energy Resources' nuclear units:

Facility
 
Location
 
Net
Capability
(mw)
 
Portfolio
Category
 
Operating License Expiration Dates
 
Next Scheduled
Refueling Outage
                             
Seabrook
 
New Hampshire
   
1,098
   
Merchant
   
2030
(a)
 
April 2011
Duane Arnold
 
Iowa
   
431
   
Contracted (b)
   
2014
(c)
 
October 2010
Point Beach Unit No. 1
 
Wisconsin
   
509
   
Contracted (d)
   
2030
   
March 2010
Point Beach Unit No. 2
 
Wisconsin
   
514
   
Contracted (d)
   
2033
   
March 2011
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
NextEra Energy Resources intends to seek approval from the NRC to renew Seabrook's operating license for an additional 20 years.
(b)
NextEra Energy Resources sells substantially all of its share of the output of Duane Arnold under a long-term contract expiring in 2014.
(c)
In 2008, NextEra Energy Resources filed an application with the NRC to renew Duane Arnold's operating license for an additional 20 years.
(d)
NextEra Energy Resources sells 100% of the output of Point Beach Units Nos. 1 and 2 under a long-term contract through the current license terms.

NextEra Energy Resources is in the process of adding approximately 80 mw of capacity at each of its existing nuclear units at Point Beach during the scheduled refueling outages in the fall of 2011 for Unit No. 1 and the spring of 2011 for Unit No. 2.  The construction costs relating to the capacity additions yet to be incurred as of December 31, 2009 are included in estimated planned capital expenditures set forth in Capital Expenditures above.  See Note 14 - Commitments.

 
12

 

NextEra Energy Resources' nuclear facilities have several contracts for the supply, conversion, enrichment and fabrication of nuclear fuel with expiration dates ranging from March 2010 to 2022.  See Note 14 - Contracts.  Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, the DOE is responsible for the development of a repository for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.  As required by the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, subsidiaries of NextEra Energy Resources are parties to contracts with the DOE to provide for disposal of spent nuclear fuel from its Seabrook, Duane Arnold and Point Beach nuclear units.  The DOE was required to construct permanent disposal facilities and take title to and provide transportation and disposal for spent nuclear fuel by January 31, 1998 for a specified fee based on current generation from nuclear power plants.  The total cumulative amount of such fees paid to the U.S. Government's nuclear waste fund for Seabrook, Duane Arnold and Point Beach, including amounts paid by all joint owners, since the start of the plants' operations through December 31, 2009, is approximately $514 million, of which NextEra Energy Resources has paid approximately $83 million since the date of the plants' acquisition.  The DOE did not meet its statutory obligation for disposal of spent nuclear fuel under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act.  In 2009, certain subsidiaries of NextEra Energy Resources and certain nuclear plant joint owners signed the spent fuel settlement agreement with the U.S. Government agreeing to dismiss with prejudice lawsuits filed against the U.S. Government seeking damages caused by the DOE's failure to dispose of spent nuclear fuel from the Seabrook, Duane Arnold and Point Beach nuclear plants.  The spent fuel settlement agreement permits NextEra Energy Resources to make annual filings to recover certain spent fuel storage costs incurred by NextEra Energy Resources which will be payable by the U.S. Government on an annual basis.  Through December 31, 2009, NextEra Energy Resources has collected approximately $42 million of the amount due from the U.S. Government pursuant to the spent fuel settlement agreement and has paid approximately $18 million to the joint owners of Duane Arnold and Seabrook.  An additional payment from the U.S. Government of approximately $12 million relating to costs incurred in 2008 is pending.  NextEra Energy Resources plans to file a claim for spent fuel storage costs incurred during 2009 by April 2010.  NextEra Energy Resources will continue to pay fees to the U.S. Government's nuclear waste fund.  The DOE filed a license application for a permanent disposal facility for spent nuclear fuel with the NRC in 2008, and a licensing proceeding is ongoing before the NRC.  However, it is uncertain when a permanent disposal facility will be constructed and when it would be ready to begin receiving spent nuclear fuel shipments.  All of NextEra Energy Resources' nuclear facilities use both on-site storage pools and dry storage casks to store spent nuclear fuel generated by these facilities, which should allow NextEra Energy Resources to store spent nuclear fuel at these facilities through license expiration.

Energy Marketing and Trading.   PMI, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, buys and sells wholesale energy commodities, such as natural gas, oil and electricity.  Its primary role is to manage the commodity risk of NextEra Energy Resources' portfolio.  PMI sells the output from NextEra Energy Resources' plants that has not been sold under long-term contracts.  PMI procures natural gas and oil for NextEra Energy Resources' use in power generation, as well as substantially all of the electricity needs for NextEra Energy Resources' retail operations conducted primarily in Texas, which at December 31, 2009 served approximately 1,010 mw of peak load to approximately 148,000 customers.  PMI uses derivative instruments such as swaps, options, futures and forwards to manage the risk associated with fluctuating commodity prices and to optimize the value of NextEra Energy Resources' power generation assets.  PMI also provides full energy and capacity requirements services primarily to distribution utilities in certain markets and engages in power and gas marketing and trading activities to take advantage of expected future favorable price movements.  Full energy and capacity requirements services include load-following services, which require the supplier of energy to vary the quantity delivered based on the load demand needs of the customer, as well as various ancillary services.  At December 31, 2009, PMI provided full energy and capacity requirements services totaling approximately 5,000 mw of peak load in the NEPOOL, PJM, ERCOT and MISO markets.  The results of PMI's activities are included in NextEra Energy Resources' operating results.  See Management's Discussion - Energy Marketing and Trading and Market Risk Sensitivity, Note 1 - Energy Trading and Note 3.

Regulation.   At December 31, 2009, NextEra Energy Resources had ownership interests in operating independent power projects that have received exempt wholesale generator status as defined under the Holding Company Act, which represent approximately 95% of NextEra Energy Resources' net generating capacity.  Exempt wholesale generators own or operate a facility exclusively to sell electricity to wholesale customers.  They are barred from selling electricity directly to retail customers.  NextEra Energy Resources' exempt wholesale generators produce electricity from wind, hydropower, fossil fuels and nuclear facilities.  Essentially all of the remaining 5% of NextEra Energy Resources' net generating capacity has qualifying facility status under PURPA.  NextEra Energy Resources' qualifying facilities generate electricity from wind, solar, fossil fuels or waste coal.  Qualifying facility status exempts the projects from, among other things, many of the provisions of the Federal Power Act, as well as state laws and regulations relating to rates and financial or organizational regulation of electric utilities.  While projects with qualifying facility and/or exempt wholesale generator status are exempt from various restrictions, each project must still comply with other federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, those regarding siting, construction, operation, licensing, pollution abatement and other environmental laws.

Each of the markets in which NextEra Energy Resources operates is subject to regulation and specific rules.  NextEra Energy Resources continues to evaluate regional market redesigns of existing operating rules for the integration of renewable energy resources and for the purchase and sale of energy commodities.  ERCOT is scheduled to implement a locational marginal price (LMP) market design (a market-pricing approach used to manage the efficient use of the transmission system when congestion occurs on the electricity grid) in late 2010.  The final ERCOT market design has not yet been determined, therefore, NextEra Energy Resources is currently unable to determine the effects, if any, on its business resulting from implementation of the final market design.  In the second quarter of 2009, California implemented a LMP market design, which did not have a material effect on NextEra Energy Resources' business.  Additionally, certain NextEra Energy Resources facilities are subject to the NERC’s mandatory reliability standards, and its nuclear facilities are subject to the jurisdiction of the NRC.

 
13

 

Competition.   Competitive wholesale markets in the United States continue to evolve and vary among and within geographic regions.  Revenues from electricity sales in these markets vary based on the prices obtainable for energy, capacity and other ancillary services.  Some of the factors affecting success in these markets include the ability to operate generating assets efficiently and reliably, the price and supply of fuel, transmission constraints, wind, solar and hydro resources (weather conditions), competition from regulated utilities and new sources of generation, effective risk management, demand growth, environmental requirements and exposure to legal and regulatory changes.

Expanded competition in a frequently changing regulatory environment presents both opportunities and risks for NextEra Energy Resources.  Opportunities exist for the selective acquisition of generation assets and for the construction and operation of efficient plants that can sell power in competitive markets.  NextEra Energy Resources seeks to reduce its market risk by having a diversified portfolio by fuel type and location, as well as by contracting for the future sale of a significant amount of the electricity output of its plants.

Environmental.   NextEra Energy Resources is subject to environmental laws and regulations and is affected by some of the emerging issues included in the Environmental Matters section.

During 2009, NextEra Energy Resources spent approximately $4 million on capital additions to comply with existing environmental laws and regulations.  NextEra Energy Resources' capital expenditures to comply with existing environmental laws and regulations are estimated to be $14 million for 2010 through 2012, including approximately $6 million in 2010, and are included in estimated planned capital expenditures set forth in General above.

Employees.   NextEra Energy Resources and its subsidiaries had approximately 4,570 employees at December 31, 2009.  Subsidiaries of NextEra Energy Resources have collective bargaining agreements with various unions which are summarized in the table below.

Union
 
Location
 
Contract
Expiration Date
 
% of NextEra Energy
Resources Employees
Covered
                   
IBEW
 
Wisconsin
 
August 2010 - August 2012 (a)
   
10
%
 
Utility Workers Union of America
 
New Hampshire
 
December 2013
   
5
   
IBEW
 
Iowa
 
May 2012
   
4
   
IBEW
 
Maine
 
February 2013
   
2
   
Security Police and Fire Professionals of America
 
Iowa
 
July 2012
   
2
   
IBEW
 
California
 
March 2012
   
-
(b)
 
Total
           
23
%
 
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Various employees at Point Beach are represented by the IBEW under four separate contracts with different expiration dates.
(b)
Employees constitute less than 1% of NextEra Energy Resources' employees.


OTHER FPL GROUP OPERATIONS

FPL Group's Corporate and Other segment represents other business activities, primarily FPL FiberNet and Lone Star Transmission, that are not separately reportable.  See Note 15.

FPL FiberNet.   FPL FiberNet, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FPL Group Capital, was formed in 2000 to enhance the value of FPL Group's fiber-optic network assets that were originally built to support FPL operations.  Accordingly, in 2000, FPL's existing fiber-optic lines were transferred to FPL FiberNet.  FPL FiberNet is a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware.  FPL FiberNet leases wholesale fiber-optic network capacity and dark fiber to FPL and other customers, primarily telephone, wireless carriers, internet and other telecommunications companies.  FPL FiberNet's primary business focus is the Florida metropolitan (metro) market.  Metro networks cover Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando and Jacksonville.  FPL FiberNet also has a long-haul network within Florida that leases bandwidth at wholesale rates.  At December 31, 2009, FPL FiberNet's network consisted of approximately 2,950 route miles, which interconnect major cities throughout Florida.

At December 31, 2009, FPL Group's investment in FPL FiberNet totaled approximately $164 million.  FPL FiberNet invested approximately $54 million during 2009 and plans to invest a total of approximately $110 million over the next five years primarily to meet customers' specific requirements under contract.

 
14

 

Lone Star Transmission.   In 2008, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) approved a $4.9 billion transmission grid improvement program that would add approximately 2,300 miles of 345 kv lines to deliver wind power from the Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) in west Texas and the Texas panhandle to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and other population centers in Texas.  In May 2009, Lone Star Transmission, LLC (Lone Star), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of FPL Group Capital, was, under the PUCT's Transmission Service Provider (TSP) Order, allocated $565 million in transmission projects by the PUCT under the CREZ program.  Lone Star's CREZ project would include constructing and operating 250 miles of 345 kv transmission lines in Texas.  Lone Star intends to file a certificate of convenience and need (CCN) with the PUCT by mid-2010, which will begin the process of both establishing Lone Star as a regulated transmission provider in Texas and obtaining approval to begin construction of Lone Star's CREZ project.  An order from the PUCT regarding Lone Star's CCN application is expected later in 2010.  In January 2010, the TSP order was reversed and remanded back to the PUCT to consider certain issues raised in an appeal of the TSP order.  The Lone Star CREZ transmission project is subject to, among other things, issuance of the revised TSP order, receipt, and possible petition for reconsideration and appeal, of all applicable ERCOT and PUCT approvals.  Once all required approvals are obtained, Lone Star expects to commence construction on its CREZ transmission project.  Due to the contingencies discussed above, the estimated costs associated with this project are not included in the capital expenditures table in Note 14 - Commitments.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations cover air and water quality, land use, power plant and transmission line siting, EMF from power lines and substations, oil discharge from transformers, lead paint, asbestos, noise and aesthetics, solid waste, natural resources, wildlife mortality and other environmental matters.  Compliance with these laws and regulations increases the cost of electric service by requiring, among other things, changes in the design and operation of existing facilities and changes or delays in the location, design, construction and operation of new facilities.  Environmental laws and regulations are subject to change.  The following is a discussion of emerging federal and state initiatives and rules that could potentially affect FPL Group and its subsidiaries, including FPL and NextEra Energy Resources.

Climate Change - The U.S. Congress and certain states and regions are considering several legislative and regulatory proposals that would establish new regulatory requirements and reduction targets for GHG emissions.  In June 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACESA) to encourage the development of clean energy sources and reduce GHG emissions.  ACESA would establish, among other things, provisions for federal renewable energy standards for electric suppliers and a national cap and trade program to reduce GHG emissions.  The U.S. Senate is considering similar proposals. It is not clear whether and when this or similar legislation may be enacted.  The economic and operational impact of this or any similar legislation on FPL Group and FPL depends on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the allowed emissions, whether the permitted emissions will be allocated or auctioned, the cost to reduce emissions or buy allowances in the marketplace, and the availability of offsets and mitigating factors to moderate the costs of compliance.  If and until legislation is enacted and implementing regulations are adopted, the economic and operational impact (either positive or negative) on FPL Group and FPL cannot be determined but could be material.

Meanwhile, the EPA is implementing regulatory action under the Clean Air Act to address climate change.  In April 2009, the EPA released a proposed endangerment finding under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act that the current and projected concentrations of GHG in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations, and issued a final finding in December 2009.  The final finding noted that, among other things, climate change is expected to result in an increase in electricity production, especially supply for peak demand, a potentially adverse impact on hydropower resources as well as the potential risk of serious adverse effects on energy infrastructure from extreme weather events.  In September 2009, the EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a proposed rule under the Clean Air Act to regulate GHG emissions from light duty vehicles.  The EPA's proposed rule is expected to be finalized in March 2010, which will then trigger certain permitting requirements under the Clean Air Act for any new or modified stationary sources of GHG, including power plants, that exceed certain GHG emissions levels.  Also, in September 2009, the EPA released a proposed rule under the Clean Air Act to tailor requirements for GHG emissions which would increase applicability thresholds for major sources from 100 or 250 tons per year (tpy) to 25,000 tpy.  New facilities emitting 25,000 tpy or more of GHG and modifications to existing facilities resulting in an increase of GHG emissions in the range of 10,000 - 25,000 tpy or more will have to meet additional requirements.  In September 2009, the EPA issued a final rule for mandatory reporting of GHG emissions from facilities with emissions of 25,000 tpy or more, which includes all of FPL's and NextEra Energy Resources' fossil plants.  Affected facilities must begin collecting data in January 2010 and the first emissions report is due on March 31, 2011 for the 2010 period.

Based on current reference data available from government sources, FPL Group is among the lowest emitters, among electric generators, of GHG in the United States measured by its rate of emissions expressed as pounds of CO 2 per megawatt-hour (mwh) of generation.  However, the legislative and regulatory proposals have differing methods of implementation and the impact on FPL's and NextEra Energy Resources' generating units and/or the financial impact (either positive or negative) to FPL Group and FPL could be material, depending on the eventual structure of any legislation enacted or specific implementation rules adopted.

 
15

 

In anticipation of the potential for further imposition of GHG emission limits on the electric industry in the future, FPL Group has taken a leadership role in the debate of climate change regulation and is involved in several climate change initiatives, including, but not limited to, the following:

·  
voluntary reporting of its GHG emissions and climate change strategy through the Carbon Disclosure Project (an investor-led initiative to identify climate change impacts on publicly-traded companies);

·  
participation in the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (an alliance made up of a diverse group of U.S.-based businesses and environmental organizations, which in January 2009 issued the Blueprint for Legislative Action, a set of legislative principles and recommendations to address global climate change and the reduction of GHG emissions);

·  
participation in the Clinton Global Initiative (an organization which seeks to foster shared commitment by individuals, businesses and governments to confront major world issues and achieve real change);

·  
participated in the EPA's Climate Leaders Program to reduce GHG intensity in the United States 18% by 2012, including reporting of emissions data annually.  During 2008, FPL Group met its commitment to achieve a 2008 target emissions rate reduction of 18% below a 2001 baseline emission rate measured in pounds per mwh;

·  
supporting Edison Electric Institute's climate change framework, which supports the concept of mandatory legislation capping carbon emissions economy wide and recommends, among other things, an 80% reduction of carbon emissions from current levels by 2050;

·  
participation in various groups, including working with the Governor of Florida on the Governor's Action Team on Energy and Climate Change, the FDEP, the Florida Energy and Climate Commission and the FPSC in addressing executive orders issued in 2007 by the Governor of Florida (see below for additional information); and

·  
focusing on customer energy efficiency and conservation through programs such as Energy Smart Florida and EarthEra Renewable Energy Trust.

In 2007, the Governor of Florida issued three executive orders aimed at reducing Florida GHG emissions and improving Florida's energy efficiency.  The orders state, among other things, that Florida utilities will be required to reduce emissions to 2000 levels by 2017; to 1990 levels by 2025; and to 20% of 1990 levels by 2050, and that the FPSC should begin the process of adopting a renewable portfolio standard that would require utilities to produce at least 20% of their energy from renewable sources, with an emphasis on wind and solar energy.  The FPSC submitted a draft rule in January 2009 which was not adopted by the legislature.  The FDEP is currently evaluating various options regarding GHG emissions reductions.  Any rule issued by FDEP or FPSC would require approval by the legislature.  The impact of any future legislation on FPL and FPL Group cannot be determined at this time.

NextEra Energy Resources' plants operate in many states and regions that have developed or are in the process of developing legislation to reduce GHG emissions, including, but not limited to, the following:

·  
Renewable portfolio standards (RPS), currently in place in 31 states, require electricity providers in the state to meet a certain percentage of their retail sales with energy from renewable sources.  These standards vary by state, but the majority include requirements to meet 10% to 25% of the electricity providers' retail sales with energy from renewable sources by 2025.

·  
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a GHG reduction initiative whereby ten Northeast and Mid-Atlantic member states have established a cap and trade program for covered electric generating units in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Maryland, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  RGGI members have agreed to stabilize power plant CO 2 emissions at 2009 levels through the end of 2014 and to further reduce the sector's emissions another 10% by the end of 2018.  The RGGI GHG reduction requirements will affect 12 NextEra Energy Resources' fossil electric generating units, requiring those electric generating units to reduce emissions or to acquire CO 2 allowances for emissions of CO 2 beginning in 2009.  All RGGI states have enacted legislation and regulations.  Based on NextEra Energy Resources' clean generating portfolio in the RGGI marketplace, NextEra Energy Resources experienced a positive impact on earnings in 2009 and expects that the requirements will have a positive overall impact on NextEra Energy Resources' earnings in 2010.

·  
The Western Climate Initiative is a GHG reduction initiative with a goal of reducing CO 2 emissions by 15% below 2005 levels by 2020 for participants (Arizona, California, Oregon, Montana, New Mexico, Washington and Utah, as well as British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, Canada).

·  
California Greenhouse Gas Regulation - California has enacted legislation to reduce GHG emissions in the state to 1990 emissions levels by 2020.  Pursuant to the legislation, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) must implement multi-sector GHG reduction measures by January 1, 2012.  The CARB has released a proposed GHG program which includes a cap and trade program and administrative fee on GHG emissions sources but excludes certain details.  The CARB anticipates supplementing its proposal in the spring of 2010 and finalizing it in November 2010.

 
16

 


·  
The Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord (MGGRA) is an initiative to reduce GHG emissions through the establishment of targets for GHG reductions and the development of a cap and trade program.  Participants in MGGRA are Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Manitoba, Canada.  MGGRA has proposed a multi-sector program that, if implemented, will initially be focused on the electricity generation and imports, industrial combustion and industrial processes sectors.  Currently, NextEra Energy Resources does not have any fossil-fired generation in the MGGRA region.

Except as discussed above regarding RPS and the RGGI, the final requirements to be enacted in connection with these initiatives are uncertain and the financial and operational impacts on FPL Group cannot be determined at this time.  However, NextEra Energy Resources' portfolio in these regions is heavily weighted toward non-CO 2 emitting and low CO 2 emitting generation sources (wind, hydro, solar, nuclear and natural gas).

Clean Air Act Mercury/Nickel Rule - During 2005, the EPA determined that new data indicated that nickel emissions from oil-fired units and mercury emissions from coal-fired units should not be regulated under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act, which sets Maximum Achievable Control Technology standards (MACT), and as a result the EPA published a final rule delisting nickel and mercury from the requirements of regulation under Section 112.  In lieu of regulation under Section 112, the EPA issued a final rule (Clean Air Mercury Rule) to regulate mercury emissions from coal-fired electric utility steam generating units under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act.  The mercury and nickel delisting rule, as well as the Clean Air Mercury Rule, were challenged by various states and environmental groups.  In 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia (DC Circuit) vacated both the EPA's mercury and nickel delisting rule and the Clean Air Mercury Rule, requiring the EPA to proceed with rulemaking under Section 112.  In November 2009, the EPA issued a final information collection request (ICR) for hazardous air pollutants for coal and oil-fired electric generating units which requires extensive fuel and emissions stack testing from oil and gas facilities throughout the U.S. which must be completed by August 2010.  The ICR lists certain FPL oil-fired units, Scherer Unit No. 4, SJRPP Units Nos. 1 and 2, certain coal-fired units from which FPL purchases power and three of NextEra Energy Resources' oil-fired units in Maine for stack testing.  Depending upon the final outcome of the EPA's rulemaking, it is possible that these units may be required to add additional pollution control equipment.

Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) - In 2005, the EPA published a final rule that requires SO 2 and NOx emissions reductions from electric generating units in 28 states, where the emissions from electric generating units are deemed to be transported to downwind states, allegedly resulting in fine particulate (PM 2.5) and ozone non-attainment areas.  In July 2008, the DC Circuit issued an opinion vacating the CAIR and remanded the rule to the EPA for further rulemaking.  In September 2008, the EPA and three other parties petitioned for rehearing of that order.  In December 2008, the DC Circuit remanded the CAIR back to the EPA for further rulemaking without vacating the rule.  Because the DC Circuit chose not to vacate the rule, FPL Group and FPL were required to begin complying with the current version of the CAIR on January 1, 2009 and must continue to comply until the EPA rewrites the rule; a proposed rule is expected to be published in mid-2010.  The impact of complying with the current version of the CAIR has not had, and is not expected to have, a material effect on the financial statements of FPL Group and FPL.

FPL Group and others have urged the EPA to move forward with separate rulemaking that removes the NOx fuel adjustment factors deemed unlawful by the court.  FPL Group contends that the NOx fuel adjustment factors are used to unfairly skew the allocation of emission allowances to states with relatively higher emissions.

Clean Air Visibility Rule - In 2005, the EPA issued the Clean Air Visibility Rule to address regional haze in areas which include certain national park and wilderness areas through the installation of BART for electric generating units.  BART eligible units include those built between 1962 and 1977 that have the potential to emit more than 250 tons of visibility-impairing pollution per year.  The rule requires states to complete BART determinations and allows for a five-year period to implement pollution controls.  The impact of the final BART requirements of the Clean Air Visibility Rule on FPL's Turkey Point Fossil Units Nos. 1 and 2 and on one of NextEra Energy Resources' units located in Maine are not expected to be material to the financial statements of FPL Group or FPL.

In 2007, the FDEP began the process to expand the number of units covered under the "Reasonable Further Progress" provision of the Clean Air Visibility Rule in an effort to reduce emissions of SO 2 in areas which include certain national park and wilderness areas.  The provision requires that control measures be in place by 2017.  Eight of FPL's generating facilities are affected under the Reasonable Further Progress provision (Manatee Units Nos. 1 and 2, Port Everglades Units Nos. 3 and 4, Turkey Point Fossil Units Nos. 1 and 2 and SJRPP Units Nos. 1 and 2).  While the final requirements of the Reasonable Further Progress provision are uncertain, it is possible that these units may be required to switch fuels, install additional emission controls or make adjustments to existing controls to meet the provision's emissions requirements.

 
17

 


Clean Water Act Section 316(b) - In 2004, the EPA issued a rule under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act to address the location, design, construction and capacity of intake structures at existing power plants with once-through cooling water systems.  The rule would have required FPL Group to demonstrate that it had met or would meet new impingement mortality (the loss of organisms against screens and other exclusion devices) and/or entrainment (the loss of organisms by passing through the cooling water system) reductions by complying with one of several alternatives, including the use of technology and/or operational measures.  In 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled on a challenge to the rule by a number of environmental groups and six northeastern states.  In its ruling, the court eliminated several of the compliance alternatives, including the use of a "cost-benefit test" and restoration measures, from consideration and remanded the rule to the EPA for further rulemaking.  As a result of the 2007 court decision, the EPA has suspended its rule under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act and directed its jurisdictions to address Section 316(b) compliance based on best professional judgment when issuing and renewing permits.  In April 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the use of a cost-benefit test is an acceptable alternative under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act for determining the best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impacts from the use of large cooling water intake systems.  The EPA is working on new rulemaking which is expected to be published in the second quarter of 2010.  Depending upon the final outcome of the litigation, additional rulemaking by the EPA could impact eight of FPL's generating facilities (Cape Canaveral, Cutler, Fort Myers, Lauderdale, Port Everglades, Sanford, Riviera and St. Lucie) and three NextEra Energy Resources plants (Seabrook, Point Beach and an oil-fired plant in Maine).

Revisions to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone - In 2008, the EPA issued a final rule establishing a new standard for ground-level ozone at 75 parts per billion (ppb).  After reconsideration, in January 2010, the EPA issued a proposed revision to the national ambient air quality standards for ground-level ozone by revising the 2008 primary standard to a more restrictive primary standard of between 60 ppb and 70 ppb.  It is anticipated that the EPA will issue a final rule by August 2010 which will require states to (i) identify areas which will be designated as non-attainment for ground-level ozone within 120 days of the final rule, (ii) develop plans to meet the attainment standard by 2013 and (iii) begin meeting the attainment standard between 2014 and 2031 based on non-attainment severity.  Generating facilities located in areas designated as non-attainment may be required to add additional pollution control equipment.  A review of recent ozone monitoring data indicates that some or all of FPL's generating facilities may be located in or affected by non-attainment areas, or areas projected to be in non-attainment depending on the primary standard adopted.

 
18

 


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF FPL GROUP (a)

Name
 
Age
 
Position
 
Effective Date
Christopher A. Bennett
 
51
 
Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy, Policy & Business Process Improvement Officer of FPL Group
 
February 15, 2008 (b)
Paul I. Cutler
 
50
 
Treasurer of FPL Group
Treasurer of FPL
Assistant Secretary of FPL Group and FPL
 
February 19, 2003
February 18, 2003
December 10, 1997
F. Mitchell Davidson
 
47
 
Chief Executive Officer of NextEra Energy Resources
President of NextEra Energy Resources
 
July 29, 2008
December 15, 2006
K. Michael Davis
 
63
 
Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of FPL Group
Vice President, Accounting and Chief Accounting Officer of FPL
 
May 13, 1991
July 1, 1991
Moray P. Dewhurst
 
54
 
Vice Chairman and Chief of Staff of FPL Group
 
August 17, 2009
Chris N. Froggatt
 
52
 
Vice President of FPL Group
 
October 19, 2009
Lewis Hay, III
 
54
 
Chief Executive Officer of FPL Group
Chairman of FPL Group and FPL
 
June 11, 2001
January 1, 2002
Joseph T. Kelliher
 
49
 
Executive Vice President, Federal Regulatory Affairs of FPL Group
 
May 18, 2009
Robert L. McGrath
 
56
 
Executive Vice President, Engineering, Construction & Corporate Services of FPL Group and FPL
 
February 21, 2005 (b)
Manoochehr K. Nazar
 
55
 
Executive Vice President, Nuclear Division and Chief Nuclear Officer of FPL Group
Executive Vice President, Nuclear Division and Chief Nuclear Officer of FPL
 
January 1, 2010
January 15, 2010
Armando J. Olivera
 
60
 
Chief Executive Officer of FPL
President of FPL
 
July 17, 2008
June 24, 2003
Armando Pimentel, Jr.
 
47
 
Chief Financial Officer of FPL Group and FPL
Executive Vice President, Finance of FPL Group and FPL
 
May 3, 2008
February 15, 2008 (b)
James W. Poppell, Sr.
 
59
 
Executive Vice President, Human Resources of FPL Group and FPL
Assistant Secretary of FPL Group and FPL
 
December 12, 2008
January 28, 2005
James L. Robo
 
47
 
President and Chief Operating Officer of FPL Group
 
December 15, 2006
Antonio Rodriguez
 
67
 
Executive Vice President, Power Generation Division of FPL Group
Executive Vice President, Power Generation Division of FPL
 
January 1, 2007 (b)
July 1, 1999 (b)
Charles E. Sieving
 
37
 
Executive Vice President and General Counsel of FPL Group
Executive Vice President and General Counsel of FPL
 
December 1, 2008
January 1, 2009
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Information is as of February 25, 2010.  Executive officers are elected annually by, and serve at the pleasure of, their respective boards of directors.  Except as noted below, each officer has held his present position for five years or more and his employment history is continuous.  Mr. Bennett was vice president, business strategy & policy of FPL Group from July 2007 to February 15, 2008.  Prior to that, Mr. Bennett was vice president of Dean & Company, a management consulting and investment firm.  Mr. Davidson was senior vice president of business management of NextEra Energy Resources from March 2005 to December 2006.  Prior to that, he was vice president of business management of NextEra Energy Resources.  Mr. Davis was also controller of FPL from July 1991 to September 2007.  Mr. Dewhurst was vice president, finance and chief financial officer of FPL Group and senior vice president, finance and chief financial officer of FPL from July 2001 to May 2008.  Mr. Froggatt was the vice president and treasurer of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, a public utility holding company, and its major subsidiary, Arizona Public Service Company (APS), a regulated utility, from December 2008 to October 2009.  Prior to that, he was vice president, controller and chief accounting officer of APS.  Mr. Hay was also chief executive officer of FPL from January 2002 to July 2008.  Mr. Hay was president of FPL Group from June 2001 to December 2006.  Mr. Kelliher was chairman of the FERC from July 2005 to January 2009.  Prior to that, he was a commissioner at the FERC.  Mr. Nazar was the chief nuclear officer of FPL Group from January 2009 to December 2009.  He was senior vice president and chief nuclear officer of FPL from November 2007 to January 2009.  Prior to that, Mr. Nazar was senior vice president & chief nuclear officer of American Electric Power Company, Inc., a public utility holding company.  Mr. Pimentel was a partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, from June 1998 to February 2008.  Mr. Poppell was vice president, human resources of FPL from November 2006 to December 2008.  He was director, employee relations of FPL from January 2005 to November 2006.  Mr. Robo was president of NextEra Energy Resources from July 2002 to December 2006.  He was also vice president, corporate development and strategy of FPL Group from March 2002 to December 2006.  Mr. Sieving was executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of PAETEC Holding Corp., a communications services and solutions provider, from February 2007 to November 2008 and was primarily responsible for all legal and regulatory matters.  Prior to that, Mr. Sieving was a partner in the corporate, securities and finance practice group of Hogan & Hartson LLP, an international law firm, with which he had been associated since October 1998.
(b)
FPL Group title changed from vice president to executive vice president effective May 23, 2008.  Where applicable, FPL title changed from senior vice president to executive vice president effective July 17, 2008.


 
19

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Risks Relating to FPL Group's and FPL's Business

FPL Group and FPL are subject to complex laws and regulations and to changes in laws and regulations as well as changing governmental policies and regulatory actions.  FPL holds franchise agreements with local municipalities and counties, and must renegotiate expiring agreements.  These factors may have a negative impact on the business and results of operations of FPL Group and FPL.

·  
FPL Group and FPL are subject to complex laws and regulations, and to changes in laws or regulations, with respect to, among other things, allowed rates of return, industry and rate structure, operation of nuclear power facilities, construction and operation of generation facilities, construction and operation of transmission and distribution facilities, acquisition, disposal, depreciation and amortization of assets and facilities, recovery of fuel, purchased power and environmental costs, decommissioning costs, ROE and equity ratio limits, transmission reliability and present or prospective wholesale and retail competition.  This substantial and complex framework exposes FPL Group and FPL to increased compliance costs and potentially significant monetary penalties for non-compliance.  The FPSC has the authority to disallow recovery by FPL of any and all costs that it considers excessive or imprudently incurred.  The regulatory process generally restricts FPL's ability to grow earnings and does not provide any assurance as to achievement of earnings levels.

·  
FPL Group and FPL also are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental statutes, rules and regulations, as well as the effect of changes in or additions to applicable statutes, rules and regulations that relate to, or in the future may relate to, for example, air quality, water quality, climate change, GHG emissions, CO 2 emissions, radioactive emissions, waste management, marine and wildlife mortality, natural resources, health, safety and renewable portfolio standards that could, among other things, restrict or limit the output of certain facilities or the use of certain fuels required for the production of electricity and/or require additional pollution control equipment and otherwise increase costs.  There are significant capital, operating and other costs associated with compliance with these environmental statutes, rules and regulations, and those costs could be even more significant in the future.  Violations of certain of these statutes, rules and regulations could expose FPL Group and FPL to third-party disputes and potentially significant monetary penalties for non-compliance.

·  
FPL Group and FPL operate in a changing market environment influenced by various legislative and regulatory initiatives regarding regulation, deregulation or restructuring of the energy industry, including, for example, deregulation or restructuring of the production and sale of electricity, as well as increased focus on renewable and clean energy sources and reduction of CO 2 emissions and other GHG emissions.  FPL Group and its subsidiaries will need to adapt to these changes and may face increasing costs and competitive pressure in doing so.

·  
FPL Group's and FPL's results of operations could be affected by FPL's ability to negotiate or renegotiate franchise agreements with municipalities and counties in Florida.

The operation and maintenance of power generation, transmission and distribution facilities involve significant risks that could adversely affect the results of operations and financial condition of FPL Group and FPL.

·  
The operation and maintenance of power generation, transmission and distribution facilities involve many risks, including, for example, start up risks, breakdown or failure of equipment, transmission and distribution lines or pipelines and the availability of replacement equipment, the inability to properly manage or mitigate known equipment defects throughout FPL Group's and FPL's generation fleets and transmission and distribution systems, use of new or unproven technology, the dependence on a specific fuel source, failures in the supply or transportation of fuel, the impact of unusual or adverse weather conditions (including natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and droughts), and performance below expected or contracted levels of output or efficiency.  This could result in lost revenues and/or increased expenses, including, for example, lost revenues due to prolonged outages and increased expenses due to monetary penalties or fines, replacement equipment costs or an obligation to purchase or generate replacement power at potentially higher prices to meet contractual obligations.  Insurance, warranties or performance guarantees may not cover any or all of the lost revenues or increased expenses.  Breakdown or failure of an operating facility of NextEra Energy Resources may, for example, prevent the facility from performing under applicable power sales agreements which, in certain situations, could result in termination of the agreement or subject NextEra Energy Resources to incurring a liability for liquidated damages.

The operation and maintenance of nuclear facilities involves inherent risks, including environmental, health, regulatory, terrorism and financial risks, that could result in fines or the closure of nuclear units owned by FPL or NextEra Energy Resources, and which may present potential exposures in excess of insurance coverage.

 
20

 


·  
FPL and NextEra Energy Resources own, or hold undivided interests in, nuclear generation facilities in four states.  These nuclear facilities are subject to environmental, health and financial risks such as on-site storage of spent nuclear fuel, the ability to dispose of spent nuclear fuel, the ability to maintain adequate reserves for decommissioning, potential liabilities arising out of the operation of these facilities, and the threat of a possible terrorist attack.  Although FPL and NextEra Energy Resources maintain decommissioning funds and external insurance coverage to minimize the financial exposure to these risks, it is possible that the cost of decommissioning the facilities could exceed the amount available in the decommissioning funds, and that liability and property damages could exceed the amount of insurance coverage.

·  
The NRC has broad authority to impose licensing and safety-related requirements for the construction and operation and maintenance of nuclear generation facilities.  In the event of non-compliance, the NRC has the authority to impose fines or shut down a unit, or both, depending upon its assessment of the severity of the situation, until compliance is achieved.  NRC orders or new regulations related to increased security measures and any future safety requirements promulgated by the NRC could require FPL and NextEra Energy Resources to incur substantial operating and capital expenditures at their nuclear plants.  In addition, if a serious nuclear incident were to occur at an FPL or NextEra Energy Resources plant, it could result in substantial costs.  A major incident at a nuclear facility anywhere in the world could cause the NRC to limit or prohibit the operation or licensing of any domestic nuclear unit.

·  
In addition, potential terrorist threats and increased public scrutiny of utilities could result in increased nuclear licensing or compliance costs which are difficult or impossible to predict.

The construction of, and capital improvements to, power generation and transmission facilities involve substantial risks.  Should construction or capital improvement efforts be unsuccessful or delayed, the results of operations and financial condition of FPL Group and FPL could be adversely affected.

·  
The ability of FPL Group and FPL to complete construction of, and capital improvement projects for, their power generation and transmission facilities on schedule and within budget are contingent upon many variables that could delay completion, increase costs or otherwise adversely affect operational and financial results, including, for example, limitations related to transmission interconnection issues, escalating costs for materials and labor and environmental compliance, delays with respect to permits and other approvals, and disputes involving third parties, and are subject to substantial risks.  Should any such efforts be unsuccessful or delayed, FPL Group and FPL could be subject to additional costs, termination payments under committed contracts, loss of tax credits and/or the write-off of their investment in the project or improvement.

The use of derivative contracts by FPL Group and FPL in the normal course of business could result in financial losses or the payment of margin cash collateral that could adversely impact the results of operations or cash flows of FPL Group and FPL.

·  
FPL Group and FPL use derivative instruments, such as swaps, options, futures and forwards, some of which are traded in the over-the-counter markets or on exchanges, to manage their commodity and financial market risks, and for FPL Group to engage in trading and marketing activities.  FPL Group could recognize financial losses as a result of volatility in the market values of these derivative instruments, or if a counterparty fails to perform or make payments under these derivative instruments and could suffer a reduction in operating cash flows as a result of the requirement to post margin cash collateral.  In the absence of actively quoted market prices and pricing information from external sources, the valuation of these derivative instruments involves management's judgment or use of estimates.  As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions or use of alternative valuation methods could affect the reported fair value of these derivative instruments.  In addition, FPL's use of such instruments could be subject to prudence challenges and, if found imprudent, cost recovery could be disallowed by the FPSC.

·  
FPL Group provides full energy and capacity requirement services, which include load-following services and various ancillary services, primarily to distribution utilities to satisfy all or a portion of such utilities' power supply obligations to their customers.  The supply costs for these transactions may be affected by a number of factors, including by events that may occur after FPL Group has committed to supply power, such as weather conditions, fluctuating prices for energy and ancillary services, and the ability of the distribution utilities’ customers to elect to receive service from competing suppliers.  If the supply costs are not favorable, FPL Group’s operating costs could increase and result in the possibility of reduced earnings or incurring losses.

·  
FPL Group and FPL have hedging procedures and associated risk management tools that may not work as planned.  Risk management tools and metrics such as daily value at risk, earnings at risk, stop loss limits and liquidity guidelines are based on historical price movements.  If price movements significantly or persistently deviate from historical behavior, the risk management tools may not protect against significant losses.  As a result of these and other factors, FPL Group and FPL cannot predict with precision the impact that risk management decisions may have on financial results.

 
21

 

FPL Group's competitive energy business is subject to risks, many of which are beyond the control of FPL Group, including, but not limited to, the efficient development and operation of generating assets, the successful and timely completion of project restructuring activities, the price and supply of fuel and equipment, transmission constraints, competition from other generators, including those using new sources of generation, excess generation capacity and demand for power, that may reduce revenues, increase costs or otherwise adversely impact the results of operations and financial condition of FPL Group.

·  
There are various risks associated with FPL Group's competitive energy business.  In addition to risks discussed elsewhere, risk factors specifically affecting NextEra Energy Resources' success in competitive wholesale markets include, for example, the ability to efficiently develop and operate generating assets, the successful and timely completion of project restructuring activities, maintenance of the qualifying facility status of certain projects, the price and supply of fuel (including transportation) and equipment, transmission constraints, the ability to utilize PTCs or qualify for convertible ITCs, competition from other and new sources of generation, excess generation capacity and shifting demand for power.  There can be significant volatility in market prices for fuel, electricity and renewable and other energy commodities, and there are other financial, counterparty and market risks that are beyond the control of NextEra Energy Resources.  NextEra Energy Resources' inability or failure to effectively hedge its assets or positions against changes in commodity prices, interest rates, counterparty credit risk or other risk measures could significantly impair FPL Group's future financial results.  A portion of NextEra Energy Resources' power generation facilities operate wholly or partially without long-term power purchase agreements.  As a result, power from these facilities is sold on the spot market or on a short-term contractual basis, which may increase the volatility of FPL Group's financial results.  In addition, NextEra Energy Resources' business depends upon power transmission and natural gas transportation facilities owned and operated by others; if transmission or transportation is disrupted or capacity is inadequate or unavailable, NextEra Energy Resources' ability to sell and deliver its wholesale power or natural gas may be limited.

FPL Group's ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate acquisitions is subject to significant risks, including, but not limited to, the effect of increased competition for acquisitions resulting from the consolidation of the power industry.

·  
FPL Group is likely to encounter significant competition for acquisition opportunities that may become available as a result of the consolidation of the power industry in general.  In addition, FPL Group may be unable to identify attractive acquisition opportunities at favorable prices and to complete and integrate them successfully and in a timely manner.

FPL Group and FPL participate in markets that are often subject to uncertain economic conditions, which makes it difficult to estimate growth, future income and expenditures.

·  
FPL Group and FPL participate in markets that are susceptible to uncertain economic conditions, which complicate estimates of revenue growth.  Because components of budgeting and forecasting are dependent upon estimates of revenue growth in the markets FPL Group and FPL serve, the uncertainty makes estimates of future income and expenditures more difficult.  As a result, FPL Group and FPL may make significant investments and expenditures but never realize the anticipated benefits, which could adversely affect results of operations.  The future direction of the overall economy also may have a significant effect on the overall performance and financial condition of FPL Group and FPL.

Changes in the number of customer accounts and customer usage in FPL's service area affect FPL Group's and FPL's results of operations.

·  
FPL Group's and FPL's results of operations are affected by the change in the number of customer accounts in FPL's service area and customer usage.  Changes in the number of customer accounts can be affected by growth or decline in population.  Changes in the number of customer accounts and customer usage can be affected by economic factors in Florida and elsewhere, including, for example, job and income growth or decline, housing starts and new home prices.  Changes in the number of customer accounts and customer usage directly influence the demand for electricity and the need, or lack of need, for additional power generation and power delivery facilities at FPL.

Weather affects FPL Group's and FPL's results of operations, as can the impact of severe weather.  Weather conditions directly influence the demand for electricity and natural gas, affect the price of energy commodities, and can affect the production of electricity at power generating facilities.

·  
FPL Group's and FPL's results of operations are affected by changes in the weather.  Weather conditions directly influence the demand for electricity and natural gas, affect the price of energy commodities, and can affect the production of electricity at power generating facilities, including, but not limited to, wind, solar and hydro-powered facilities.  FPL Group's and FPL's results of operations can be affected by the impact of severe weather which can be destructive, causing outages and/or property damage, may affect fuel supply, and could require additional costs to be incurred.  At FPL, recovery of these costs is subject to FPSC approval.

 
22

 


FPL Group and FPL rely on access to capital and credit markets as significant sources of liquidity for capital requirements not satisfied by operating cash flows.  Adverse capital and credit market conditions may adversely affect FPL Group's and FPL's ability to meet liquidity needs, access capital and operate and grow their businesses, and increase the cost of capital.  Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the financial markets can also adversely impact the results of operations and financial condition of FPL Group and FPL, as well as exert downward pressure on the market price of FPL Group's common stock.

·  
Having access to the credit and capital markets, at a reasonable cost, is necessary for FPL Group and FPL to fund their operations, including their capital requirements. Those markets have provided FPL Group and FPL with the liquidity to operate and grow their businesses that is not otherwise provided from operating cash flows.  Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in those markets can increase FPL Group's and FPL's cost of capital.  If FPL Group and FPL are unable to access the credit and capital markets on terms that are reasonable, they may have to delay raising capital, issue shorter-term securities and/or bear an unfavorable cost of capital, which, in turn, could adversely impact their ability to grow their businesses, decrease earnings, significantly reduce financial flexibility and/or limit FPL Group's ability to sustain its current common stock dividend level.

·  
The market price and trading volume of FPL Group's common stock could be subject to significant fluctuations due to, among other things, general stock market conditions and changes in market sentiment regarding FPL Group and its subsidiaries' operations, business, growth prospects and financing strategies.

FPL Group's, FPL Group Capital's and FPL's inability to maintain their current credit ratings may adversely affect FPL Group's and FPL's liquidity, limit the ability of FPL Group and FPL to grow their businesses, and would likely increase interest costs.  In addition, FPL Group's, FPL Group Capital's or FPL's credit providers' inability to maintain their current credit ratings, or to fund their credit commitments, may adversely affect FPL Group's and FPL's liquidity.

·  
The inability of FPL Group, FPL Group Capital and FPL to maintain their current credit ratings could affect their ability to raise capital or obtain credit on favorable terms, which, in turn, could impact FPL Group's and FPL's ability to grow their businesses, service indebtedness or repay borrowings, and would likely increase their interest costs.  Some of the factors that can affect credit ratings are cash flows, liquidity, the amount of debt as a component of total capitalization, and political, legislative and regulatory actions.  FPL Group, FPL Group Capital or FPL cannot assure that their current credit ratings will remain in effect for any given period of time or that one or more of its ratings will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency.

·   
The inability of FPL Group's, FPL Group Capital's and FPL's credit providers to maintain credit ratings acceptable under various agreements, or to fund their credit commitments, could require FPL Group, FPL Group Capital or FPL to, among other things, renegotiate requirements in agreements, find an alternative credit provider with acceptable credit ratings to meet the requirement, or post cash collateral.

FPL Group may be unable to meet its ongoing and future financial obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock if its subsidiaries are unable to pay upstream dividends or repay funds to FPL Group.

·  
FPL Group is a holding company and, as such, has no material operations of its own.  Substantially all of FPL Group's consolidated assets are held by subsidiaries.  FPL Group’s ability to meet its financial obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock is primarily dependent on the subsidiaries’ net income and cash flows, which are subject to the risks of their respective businesses, and their ability to pay upstream dividends or to repay funds to FPL Group.  The subsidiaries have financial obligations, including payment of debt service, which they must satisfy before they can fund FPL Group.  FPL Group’s subsidiaries are separate legal entities and have no obligation to provide FPL Group with funds for its payment obligations.  In addition, the dividend-paying ability of some of the subsidiaries is limited by contractual restrictions which are contained in outstanding financing agreements and which may be included in future financing agreements.

Changes in tax laws, as well as judgments and estimates used in the determination of tax-related asset and liability amounts, could adversely affect FPL Group's and FPL's results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

·  
FPL Group's and FPL's provision for income taxes and reporting of tax-related assets and liabilities requires significant judgments and the use of estimates.  Amounts of tax-related assets and liabilities involve judgments and estimates of the timing and probability of recognition of income, deductions and tax credits, including estimates for potential adverse outcomes regarding tax positions that have been taken and the ability to utilize tax benefit carryforwards, such as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.  Actual income taxes could vary significantly from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of, among other things, changes in tax laws, regulations and interpretations, financial condition and results of operations of FPL Group and its subsidiaries, including FPL, as well as the resolution of audit issues raised by taxing authorities.  Ultimate resolution of income tax matters may result in material adjustments to tax-related assets and liabilities which could impact, either positively or negatively, FPL Group's and FPL's results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

 
23

 


FPL Group and FPL are subject to credit and performance risk from third parties under supply and service contracts.

·  
FPL Group and FPL rely on contracts with vendors for the supply of equipment, materials, fuel and other goods and services required for the construction and operation of, and for capital improvements to, their facilities, as well as for business operations.  If vendors fail to fulfill their contractual obligations, FPL Group and FPL may need to make arrangements with other suppliers, which could result in higher costs, untimely completion of power generation facilities and other projects, and/or a disruption to their operations.

FPL Group and FPL are subject to costs and other potentially adverse effects of legal and regulatory proceedings as well as regulatory compliance and changes in or additions to applicable tax laws, rates or policies, rates of inflation, accounting standards, securities laws, corporate governance requirements and labor and employment laws.

·  
FPL Group and FPL are subject to costs and other potentially adverse effects of legal and regulatory proceedings, settlements, investigations and claims, as well as regulatory compliance and the effect of new, or changes in, tax laws, rates or policies, rates of inflation, accounting standards and interpretations, securities laws, corporate governance requirements and labor and employment laws.

·  
FPL and NextEra Energy Resources, as owners and operators of transmission systems and/or critical assets within various regions throughout the United States, are subject to mandatory reliability standards established by the NERC.  Non-compliance with these mandatory reliability standards could result in sanctions, including substantial monetary penalties.

Threats of terrorism and catastrophic events that could result from terrorism, cyber attacks, or individuals and/or groups attempting to disrupt FPL Group's and FPL's business may impact the operations of FPL Group and FPL in unpredictable ways and could adversely affect FPL Group’s and FPL’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

·  
FPL Group and FPL are subject to direct and indirect effects of terrorist threats and activities, as well as cyber attacks and disruptive activities of individuals and/or groups.  Infrastructure facilities and systems, such as generation, transmission and distribution facilities and information systems, have been identified as potential targets.  The effects of these threats and activities could affect FPL Group's and FPL's ability to generate, purchase or transmit power, could cause delays in FPL Group's and FPL's development and construction of new generating facilities, could result in a significant slowdown in growth or a decline in the U.S. economy, could delay an economic recovery in the United States, and could increase the cost and adequacy of security and insurance, which could adversely affect FPL Group’s and FPL’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.  In addition, these types of events could disrupt FPL Group’s or FPL’s operations, require significant management attention and resources, and could adversely affect FPL Group's and FPL's reputation among customers and the public.

The ability of FPL Group and FPL to obtain insurance and the terms of any available insurance coverage could be adversely affected by international, national, state or local events and company-specific events, as well as the financial condition of insurers.

·  
FPL Group's and FPL's ability to obtain insurance, and the cost of and coverage provided by such insurance, could be adversely affected by international, national, state or local events as well as company-specific events, as well as the financial condition of insurers.

FPL Group and FPL are subject to employee workforce factors that could adversely affect the businesses and financial condition of FPL Group and FPL.

·  
FPL Group and FPL are subject to employee workforce factors, including, for example, loss or retirement of key executives, availability of qualified personnel, inflationary pressures on payroll and benefits costs and collective bargaining agreements with union employees and work stoppage that could adversely affect the businesses and financial condition of FPL Group and FPL.

The risks described herein are not the only risks facing FPL Group and FPL.  Additional risks and uncertainties also may materially adversely affect FPL Group's or FPL's business, financial condition and/or future operating results.


Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None

 
24

 

Item 2.  Properties

FPL Group and its subsidiaries maintain properties which are adequate for their operations.  At December 31, 2009, the electric generating, transmission, distribution and general facilities of FPL represented approximately 46%, 13%, 37% and 4%, respectively, of FPL's gross investment in electric utility plant in service.

Generating Facilities .   At December 31, 2009, FPL Group had the following generating facilities:

FPL Facilities
 
Location
 
No.
of Units
 
Fuel
 
Net Capability
(mw) (a)
Nuclear
                     
St. Lucie
 
Hutchinson Island, FL
 
2
   
Nuclear
   
1,553
(b)
Turkey Point
 
Florida City, FL
 
2
   
Nuclear
   
1,386
 
                       
Steam turbines
                     
Cape Canaveral
 
Cocoa, FL
 
2
   
Oil/Gas
   
792
(c)
Cutler
 
Miami, FL
 
2
   
Gas
   
205
 
Manatee
 
Parrish, FL
 
2
   
Oil/Gas
   
1,624
 
Martin
 
Indiantown, FL
 
2
   
Oil/Gas
   
1,652
 
Port Everglades
 
Port Everglades, FL
 
4
   
Oil/Gas
   
1,205
 
Riviera
 
Riviera Beach, FL
 
2
   
Oil/Gas
   
565
(c)
St. Johns River Power Park
 
Jacksonville, FL
 
2
   
Coal/Petroleum Coke
   
254
(d)
Sanford
 
Lake Monroe, FL
 
1
   
Oil/Gas
   
138
 
Scherer
 
Monroe County, GA
 
1
   
Coal
   
646
(e)
Turkey Point
 
Florida City, FL
 
2
   
Oil/Gas
   
788
 
                       
Combined-cycle
                     
Fort Myers
 
Fort Myers, FL
 
1
   
Gas
   
1,440
 
Lauderdale
 
Dania, FL
 
2
   
Gas/Oil
   
884
 
Manatee
 
Parrish, FL
 
1
   
Gas
   
1,111
 
Martin
 
Indiantown, FL
 
1
   
Gas/Oil
   
1,105
 
Martin
 
Indiantown, FL
 
2
   
Gas
   
938
 
Putnam
 
Palatka, FL
 
2
   
Gas/Oil
   
498
 
Sanford
 
Lake Monroe, FL
 
2
   
Gas
   
1,912
 
Turkey Point
 
Florida City, FL
 
1
   
Gas/Oil
   
1,148
 
West County
 
West Palm Beach, FL
 
2
   
Gas/Oil
   
2,438
 
                       
Simple-cycle combustion turbines
                     
Fort Myers
 
Fort Myers, FL
 
2
   
Gas/Oil
   
315
 
                       
Gas turbines
                     
Fort Myers
 
Fort Myers, FL
 
12
   
Oil
   
648
 
Lauderdale
 
Dania, FL
 
24
   
Oil/Gas
   
840
 
Port Everglades
 
Port Everglades, FL
 
12
   
Oil/Gas
   
420
 
                       
Solar
                     
DeSoto
 
Arcadia, FL
 
1
   
Solar
   
25
 
TOTAL
                 
24,530
(f)
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Represents FPL's net ownership interest in plant capacity.
(b)
Excludes Orlando Utilities Commission's and the FMPA's combined share of approximately 15% of St. Lucie Unit No. 2.
(c)
See Item 1 - FPL Operations - Fossil Operations.
(d)
Represents FPL's 20% ownership interest in each of SJRPP Units Nos. 1 and 2, which are jointly owned with JEA.
(e)
Represents FPL's approximately 76% ownership of Scherer Unit No. 4, which is jointly owned with JEA.
(f)
Substantially all of FPL's properties are subject to the lien of FPL's mortgage.


 
25

 


NextEra Energy Resources Facilities
 
Location
 
Geographic Region
 
No.
of Units
 
Fuel
 
Net
Capability
(mw) (a)
Wind
                       
Ashtabula Wind (b)
 
Barnes County, ND
 
Midwest
 
99
 
Wind
   
148
 
Ashtabula Wind II
 
Griggs & Steele Counties, ND
 
Midwest
 
80
 
Wind
   
120
 
Butler Ridge Wind
 
Dodge County, WI
 
Midwest
 
36
 
Wind
   
54
 
Cabazon (b)
 
Riverside County, CA
 
West
 
53
 
Wind
   
40
 
Callahan Divide (b)
 
Taylor County, TX
 
ERCOT
 
76
 
Wind
   
114
 
Capricorn Ridge
 
Sterling & Coke Counties, TX
 
ERCOT
 
208
 
Wind
   
364
 
Capricorn Ridge Expansion
 
Sterling & Coke Counties, TX
 
ERCOT
 
199
 
Wind
   
298
 
Cerro Gordo (b)
 
Cerro Gordo County, IA
 
Midwest
 
55
 
Wind
   
41
 
Crystal Lake I (b)
 
Hancock County, IA
 
Midwest
 
100
 
Wind
   
150
 
Crystal Lake II
 
Winnebago County, IA
 
Midwest
 
80
 
Wind
   
200
 
Crystal Lake III
 
Winnebago County, IA
 
Midwest
 
44
 
Wind
   
66
 
Delaware Mountain
 
Culberson County, TX
 
ERCOT
 
38
 
Wind
   
28
 
Diablo Wind (b)
 
Alameda County, CA
 
West
 
31
 
Wind
   
21
 
Elk City Wind
 
Roger Mills & Beckham Counties, OK
 
Other South
 
43
 
Wind
   
99
 
Endeavor Wind
 
Osceola County, IA
 
Midwest
 
40
 
Wind
   
100
 
Endeavor Wind II
 
Osceola County, IA
 
Midwest
 
20
 
Wind
   
50
 
Gray County
 
Gray County, KS
 
Other South
 
170
 
Wind
   
112
 
Green Mountain (b)
 
Somerset County, PA
 
Northeast
 
8
 
Wind
   
10
 
Green Power
 
Riverside County, CA
 
West
 
22
 
Wind
   
17
 
Green Ridge Power (b)
 
Alameda & Contra Costa Counties, CA
 
West
 
1,463
 
Wind
   
159
 
Hancock County (b)
 
Hancock County, IA
 
Midwest
 
148
 
Wind
   
98
 
High Winds (b)
 
Solano County, CA
 
West
 
90
 
Wind
   
162
 
Horse Hollow Wind (b)
 
Taylor County, TX
 
ERCOT
 
142
 
Wind
   
213
 
Horse Hollow Wind II (b)
 
Taylor & Nolan Counties, TX
 
ERCOT
 
130
 
Wind
   
299
 
Horse Hollow Wind III (b)
 
Nolan County, TX
 
ERCOT
 
149
 
Wind
   
224
 
Indian Mesa
 
Pecos County, TX
 
ERCOT
 
125
 
Wind
   
83
 
King Mountain (b)
 
Upton County, TX
 
ERCOT
 
214
 
Wind
   
278
 
Lake Benton II (b)
 
Pipestone County, MN
 
Midwest
 
137
 
Wind
   
103
 
Langdon Wind (b)
 
Cavalier County, ND
 
Midwest
 
79
 
Wind
   
118
 
Langdon Wind II (b)
 
Cavalier County, ND
 
Midwest
 
27
 
Wind
   
41
 
Lee / Dekalb Wind
 
Lee & DeKalb Counties, IL
 
Midwest
 
145
 
Wind
   
217
 
Logan Wind (c)
 
Logan County, CO
 
West
 
134
 
Wind
   
201
 
Majestic Wind
 
Carson County, TX
 
ERCOT
 
53
 
Wind
   
80
 
Meyersdale (b)
 
Somerset County, PA
 
Northeast
 
20
 
Wind
   
30
 
Mill Run (b)
 
Fayette County, PA
 
Northeast
 
10
 
Wind
   
15
 
Montfort (b)
 
Iowa County, WI
 
Midwest
 
20
 
Wind
   
30
 
Mount Copper (b)
 
Murdochville, Quebec, Canada
 
Midwest
 
30
 
Wind
   
54
 
Mountaineer (b)
 
Preston & Tucker Counties, WV
 
Northeast
 
44
 
Wind
   
66
 
Mower County Wind (c)
 
Mower County, MN
 
Midwest
 
43
 
Wind
   
99
 
New Mexico Wind (b)
 
Quay & Debaca Counties, NM
 
West
 
136
 
Wind
   
204
 
North Dakota Wind (b)
 
LaMoure County, ND
 
Midwest
 
41
 
Wind
   
62
 
Northern Colorado
 
Logan County, CO
 
West
 
81
 
Wind
   
174
 
Oklahoma / Sooner Wind (b)
 
Harper & Woodward Counties, OK
 
Other South
 
68
 
Wind
   
102
 
Oliver County Wind I (c)
 
Oliver County, ND
 
Midwest
 
22
 
Wind
   
51
 
Oliver County Wind II (c)
 
Oliver County, ND
 
Midwest
 
32
 
Wind
   
48
 
Peetz Table Wind (c)
 
Logan County, CO
 
West
 
133
 
Wind
   
199
 
Pubnico Point (b)
 
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
 
Midwest
 
17
 
Wind
   
31
 
Red Canyon Wind Energy (b)
 
Borden, Garza & Scurry Counties, TX
 
ERCOT
 
56
 
Wind
   
84
 
Sky River (b)
 
Kern County, CA
 
West
 
342
 
Wind
   
77
 
Somerset Wind Power (b)
 
Somerset County, PA
 
Northeast
 
6
 
Wind
   
9
 
South Dakota Wind (b)
 
Hyde County, SD
 
Midwest
 
27
 
Wind
   
41
 
Southwest Mesa (b)
 
Upton & Crockett Counties, TX
 
ERCOT
 
106
 
Wind
   
74
 
Stateline (b)
 
Umatilla County, OR and Walla Walla County, WA
 
West
 
454
 
Wind
   
300
 
Story County Wind (b)
 
Story County, IA
 
Midwest
 
100
 
Wind
   
150
 
Story County Wind II
 
Story & Hardin Counties, IA
 
Midwest
 
100
 
Wind
   
150
 
Vansycle (b)
 
Umatilla County, OR
 
West
 
38
 
Wind
   
25
 
Vansycle II
 
Umatilla County, OR
 
West
 
43
 
Wind
   
99
 
Victory Garden (b)
 
Kern County, CA
 
West
 
96
 
Wind
   
22
 
Waymart (b)
 
Wayne County, PA
 
Northeast
 
43
 
Wind
   
65
 
Weatherford Wind (b)
 
Custer & Washita Counties, OK
 
Other South
 
98
 
Wind
   
147
 
Wessington Springs Wind
 
Jerauld County, SD
 
Midwest
 
34
 
Wind
   
51
 
Wilton Wind (b)
 
Burleigh County, ND
 
Midwest
 
33
 
Wind
   
49
 
Wilton Wind II
 
Burleigh County, ND
 
Midwest
 
33
 
Wind
   
50
 
Windpower Partners 1991-92
 
Alameda & Contra Costa Counties, CA
 
West
 
279
 
Wind
   
28
 
Windpower Partners 1992
 
Alameda & Contra Costa Counties, CA
 
West
 
300
 
Wind
   
30
 
Windpower Partners 1993
 
Riverside County, CA
 
West
 
115
 
Wind
   
41
 
Windpower Partners 1993
 
Lincoln County, MN
 
Midwest
 
73
 
Wind
   
26
 
Windpower Partners 1994
 
Culberson County, TX
 
ERCOT
 
107
 
Wind
   
39
 
Wolf Ridge Wind
 
Cooke County, TX
 
ERCOT
 
75
 
Wind
   
112
 
Woodward Mountain
 
Upton & Pecos Counties, TX
 
ERCOT
 
242
 
Wind
   
160
 
Wyoming Wind (b)
 
Uinta County, WY
 
West
 
80
 
Wind
   
144
 
Investments in joint ventures (d)
 
Various
 
West
 
969
 
Wind
   
98
 
Total Wind
                   
7,544
 


 
26

 


NextEra Energy Resources Facilities
 
Location
 
Geographic Region
 
No.
of Units
 
Fuel
 
Net
Capability
(mw) (a)
Contracted
                       
Bayswater (b)
 
Far Rockaway, NY
 
Northeast
 
2
 
Gas
   
56
 
Calhoun (b)
 
Eastaboga, AL
 
Other South
 
4
 
Gas/Oil
   
668
 
Cherokee (b)
 
Gaffney, SC
 
Other South
 
2
 
Gas
   
98
 
Doswell (b)
 
Ashland, VA
 
Northeast
 
6
 
Gas/Oil
   
708
 
Duane Arnold
 
Palo, IA
 
Midwest
 
1
 
Nuclear
   
431
(e)
Jamaica Bay (b)
 
Far Rockaway, NY
 
Northeast
 
2
 
Gas/Oil
   
54
 
Point Beach
 
Two Rivers, WI
 
Midwest
 
2
 
Nuclear
   
1,023
 
Port of Stockton
 
Stockton, CA
 
West
 
1
 
Coal/
Petroleum Coke
   
44
 
Investments in joint ventures:
                       
SEGS III-IX (b)
 
Kramer Junction & Harper Lake, CA
 
West
 
7
 
Solar
   
148
 
Other
 
Various
 
Northeast
 
7
 
(f)
   
303
 
Total Contracted
                   
3,533
 
                         
Merchant
                       
Blythe Energy
 
Blythe, CA
 
West
 
3
 
Gas
   
507
 
Doswell - Expansion (b)
 
Ashland, VA
 
Northeast
 
1
 
Gas/Oil
   
171
 
Forney
 
Forney, TX
 
ERCOT
 
8
 
Gas
   
1,792
 
Lamar Power Partners
 
Paris, TX
 
ERCOT
 
6
 
Gas
   
1,000
 
Maine - Cape, Wyman
 
Various - ME
 
Northeast
 
6
 
Oil
   
796
(g)
Maine (b)
 
Various - ME
 
Northeast
 
81
 
Hydro
   
359
 
Marcus Hook 50
 
Marcus Hook, PA
 
Northeast
 
1
 
Gas
   
50
 
Marcus Hook 750 (b)
 
Marcus Hook, PA
 
Northeast
 
4
 
Gas
   
744
 
RISEP
 
Johnston, RI
 
Northeast
 
3
 
Gas
   
550
 
Seabrook
 
Seabrook, NH
 
Northeast
 
1
 
Nuclear
   
1,098
(h)
Investment in joint venture
 
Frackville, PA
 
Northeast
 
1
 
Waste coal
   
4
 
Total Merchant
                   
7,071
 
TOTAL
                   
18,148
 
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Represents NextEra Energy Resources' net ownership interest in plant capacity.
(b)
These generating facilities are encumbered by liens against their assets securing various financings.
(c)
NextEra Energy Resources owns these wind facilities together with third-party investors with differential membership interests.  See Note 10 - Sale of Differential Membership Interests.
(d)
Represents plants with no more than 50% ownership using wind technology.  Certain facilities, totaling 57 mw, are encumbered by liens against their assets securing a financing.
(e)
Excludes Central Iowa Power Cooperative and Cornbelt Power Cooperative's combined share of 30%.
(f)
Represents plants with no more than 50% ownership using fuels and technologies such as natural gas and waste coal.  Certain facilities, totaling 295 mw, are encumbered by liens against their assets securing financings.
(g)
Excludes six other energy-related partners' combined share of 16%.
(h)
Excludes Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company's, Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant's and Hudson Light & Power Department's combined share of 11.77%.

Transmission and Distribution.   At December 31, 2009, FPL owned and operated the following electric transmission and distribution lines:

Nominal
Voltage
 
Overhead Lines
Pole Miles
 
Trench and Submarine
Cables Miles
                   
500
kv
   
1,106
(a)
   
-
 
230
kv
   
3,039
     
25
 
138
kv
   
1,574
     
54
 
115
kv
   
749
     
1
 
69
kv
   
162
     
16
 
Less than 69 kv
   
41,848
     
25,074
 
Total
   
48,478
     
25,170
 
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  Includes approximately 75 miles owned jointly with JEA.

In addition, at December 31, 2009, FPL owned and operated 586 substations, one of which is jointly owned.  See Note 8.

Character of Ownership.   Substantially all of FPL's properties are subject to the lien of FPL's mortgage, which secures most debt securities issued by FPL.  The majority of FPL's properties are held in fee and are free from other encumbrances, subject to minor exceptions, none of which is of such a nature as to substantially impair the usefulness to FPL of such properties.  Some of FPL's electric lines are located on land not owned in fee but are covered by necessary consents of governmental authorities or rights obtained from owners of private property.  The majority of NextEra Energy Resources' generating facilities are held in fee and a number of those facilities are encumbered by liens against their assets securing various financings.  Additionally, the majority of NextEra Energy Resources' wind turbines and some fossil plants are located on land leased from owners of private property.  See Generating Facilities and Note 1 - Electric Plant, Depreciation and Amortization.

 
27

 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

FPL Group and FPL are parties to various legal and regulatory proceedings in the ordinary course of their respective businesses.  For information regarding legal proceedings that could have a material effect on FPL Group or FPL, see Note 14 - Legal Proceedings.  Such descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None


PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrants' Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Common Stock Data.   All of FPL's common stock is owned by FPL Group.  FPL Group's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FPL."  The high and low sales prices for the common stock of FPL Group as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system of the New York Stock Exchange and the cash dividends per share declared for each quarter during the past two years are as follows:

   
2009
 
2008
Quarter
 
High
   
Low
   
Cash Dividends
 
High
   
Low
   
Cash Dividends
                                 
First
  $ 53.99     $ 41.48     $ 0.4725     $ 73.75     $ 57.21     $ 0.445  
Second
  $ 59.00     $ 49.70     $ 0.4725     $ 68.98     $ 62.75     $ 0.445  
Third
  $ 60.61     $ 53.13     $ 0.4725     $ 68.76     $ 49.74     $ 0.445  
Fourth
  $ 56.57     $ 48.55     $ 0.4725     $ 51.87     $ 33.81     $ 0.445  

The amount and timing of dividends payable on FPL Group's common stock are within the sole discretion of FPL Group's Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors reviews the dividend rate at least annually (generally in February) to determine its appropriateness in light of FPL Group's financial position and results of operations, legislative and regulatory developments affecting the electric utility industry in general and FPL in particular, competitive conditions and any other factors the board deems relevant.  The ability of FPL Group to pay dividends on its common stock is dependent upon, among other things, dividends paid to it by its subsidiaries.  There are no restrictions in effect that currently limit FPL's ability to pay dividends to FPL Group.  In February 2010, FPL Group announced that it would increase its quarterly dividend on its common stock from $0.4725 to $0.50 per share.  See Management's Discussion - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Covenants with respect to dividend restrictions and Note 11 - Common Stock Dividend Restrictions regarding dividends paid by FPL to FPL Group.

As of the close of business on January 31, 2010, there were 27,994 holders of record of FPL Group's common stock.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities.    As set forth below, during the quarter ended December 31, 2009, FPL Group issued shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, upon the exercise of warrants issued by Gexa Corp. (Gexa) and assumed by FPL Group upon its acquisition of Gexa in 2005.  FPL Group relied on the exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), afforded by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act as a transaction not involving a public offering of common stock.

 
Date
 
 
Holder
 
Exercise Price
Per Share
 
Number of
Shares Issued
             
10/15/09
 
Individual holder
 
$35.79
 
54
(a)
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Number of shares issued in a cashless exercise of 168 warrants under the terms of the warrant agreement.


 
28

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.    Information regarding purchases made by FPL Group of its common stock is as follows:

Period
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased  (a)
 
Average
Price Paid
Per Share  (a)
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as Part of a
Publicly Announced Program
 
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet be
Purchased Under the Program  (b)
                 
10/1/09 - 10/31/09
   
3,656
     
$
53.45
     
-
   
20,000,000
11/1/09 - 11/30/09
   
3,916
     
$
51.14
     
-
   
20,000,000
12/1/09 - 12/31/09
   
3,188
     
$
52.82
     
-
   
20,000,000
Total
   
10,760
     
$
52.42
     
-
     
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Represents shares of common stock withheld from employees to pay certain withholding taxes upon the vesting of stock awards granted to such employees under the LTIP.
(b)
In February 2005, FPL Group's Board of Directors authorized a common stock repurchase plan of up to 20 million shares of common stock over an unspecified period, which authorization was ratified and confirmed by the Board of Directors in December 2005.

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
SELECTED DATA OF FPL GROUP (millions, except per share amounts):
                             
Operating revenues
$
15,643
 
$
16,410
 
$
15,263
 
$
15,710
 
$
11,846
 
Net income
$
1,615
(a)
$
1,639
(a)
$
1,312
(a)
$
1,281
(b)
$
901
(c)
Earnings per share of common stock - basic
$
3.99
(a)
$
4.10
(a)
$
3.30
(a)
$
3.25
(b)
$
2.37
(c)
Earnings per share of common stock - assuming dilution
$
3.97
(a)
$
4.07
(a)
$
3.27
(a)
$
3.23
(b)
$
2.34
(c)
Dividends paid per share of common stock
$
1.89
 
$
1.78
 
$
1.64
 
$
1.50
 
$
1.42
 
Total assets
$
48,458
 
$
44,821
 
$
40,123
 
$
35,822
 
$
32,599
 
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities
$
16,300
 
$
13,833
 
$
11,280
 
$
9,591
 
$
8,039
 
                               
SELECTED DATA OF FPL (millions):
                             
Operating revenues
$
11,491
 
$
11,649
 
$
11,622
 
$
11,988
 
$
9,528
 
Net income available to FPL Group
$
831
 
$
789
 
$
836
 
$
802
 
$
748
 
Total assets
$
26,812
 
$
26,175
 
$
24,044
 
$
22,970
 
$
22,347
 
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities
$
5,794
 
$
5,311
 
$
4,976
 
$
4,214
 
$
3,271
 
Energy sales (kwh)
 
105,414
   
105,406
   
108,636
   
107,513
   
105,648
 
Energy sales:
                             
Residential
 
51.2
%
 
50.5
%
 
50.8
%
 
50.8
%
 
51.4
%
Commercial
 
42.7
   
43.2
   
42.3
   
41.4
   
41.1
 
Industrial
 
3.1
   
3.4
   
3.5
   
3.8
   
3.7
 
Interchange power sales
 
1.4
   
1.6
   
1.8
   
2.1
   
2.0
 
Other (d)
 
1.6
   
1.3
   
1.6
   
1.9
   
1.8
 
Total
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Approximate 60-minute peak load (mw): (e)
                             
Summer season
 
22,351
   
21,060
   
21,962
   
21,819
   
22,361
 
Winter season
 
24,346
   
20,031
   
18,055
   
17,260
   
19,683
 
Average number of customer accounts (thousands):
                             
Residential
 
3,984
   
3,992
   
3,981
   
3,906
   
3,828
 
Commercial
 
501
   
501
   
493
   
479
   
470
 
Industrial
 
10
   
13
   
19
   
21
   
20
 
Other
 
4
   
4
   
4
   
4
   
4
 
Total
 
4,499
   
4,510
   
4,497
   
4,410
   
4,322
 
Average price billed to customers (cents per kwh)
 
11.19
   
10.96
   
10.63
   
11.14
   
8.88
 
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Includes net unrealized mark-to-market gains or losses associated with non-qualifying hedges and other than temporary impairment losses.
(b)
Includes expenses related to a terminated merger, net unrealized mark-to-market gains associated with non-qualifying hedges, impairment charges and an Indonesian project gain.
(c)
Includes net unrealized mark-to-market losses associated with non-qualifying hedges.
(d)
Includes the net change in unbilled sales.
(e)
Winter season includes November and December of the current year and January to March of the following year (for 2009, through February 25, 2010).


 
29

 

Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein.  In the discussion of Results of Operations below, all comparisons are with the corresponding items in the prior year.

Overview

FPL Group is one of the nation's largest providers of electricity-related services.  It has two principal operating subsidiaries, FPL and NextEra Energy Resources.  FPL serves more than 8.7 million people throughout most of the east and lower west coasts of Florida.  NextEra Energy Resources, FPL Group's competitive energy subsidiary, produces electricity primarily using wind, natural gas and nuclear resources.  Together, FPL's and NextEra Energy Resources' generating assets represented approximately 42,700 mw of capacity at December 31, 2009.  See Item 2 - Generating Facilities.  Another of FPL Group's operating subsidiaries, FPL FiberNet, provides fiber-optic services to FPL, telecommunications companies and other customers throughout Florida.

FPL obtains its operating revenues primarily from the sale of electricity to retail customers at rates established by the FPSC through base rates and cost recovery clause mechanisms.  In March 2009, FPL filed a petition with the FPSC requesting, among other things, a permanent base rate increase of approximately $1 billion in 2010 and an additional $250 million in 2011, which included additions to the storm and property insurance reserve.  The requested increases were based on a proposed regulatory ROE of 12.5% and excluded amounts associated with a proposed extension of the GBRA mechanism, which allowed for automatic adjustments in retail base rates when approved power plants achieved commercial operation, and certain proposed cost recovery clause adjustments.

In connection with the FPSC's January 2010 rate ruling with respect to FPL's March 2009 petition, the FPSC indicated that the ruling would be reflected in a final written order to be issued in February 2010 (final order).  The January 2010 rate ruling indicated that new retail base rates would be established for FPL effective March 1, 2010, would increase retail base rates by approximately $75 million on an annualized basis, would establish a regulatory ROE of 10.0% with a range of plus or minus 100 basis points and would shift certain costs from retail base rates to the capacity clause.  The January 2010 rate ruling also indicated that depreciation expense would be reduced over the next four years.  See Note 1 - Electric Plant, Depreciation and Amortization.  The January 2010 rate ruling also indicated, among other things, that any additional base rate increase for 2011, the continuation of the GBRA mechanism and any additions to the storm and property insurance reserve would be denied.  As of the date of this report, the final order remains pending.  Upon issuance of the final order, parties have the right to file motions with the FPSC for reconsideration of some or all of the final order, or to appeal some or all of the final order to the Florida Supreme Court.  In response to inquiries regarding potential inconsistencies in calculations underlying the January 2010 rate ruling, staff for the FPSC has indicated it would address any matters raised by the parties before the final order following the filing of any motions for reconsideration.  FPL cannot predict the specific treatment of any particular issue in the final order.

FPL is evaluating the impact of the January 2010 rate ruling on its financial position, including its credit quality and ability to attract capital over the long term.  See Liquidity and Capital Resources.  FPL has suspended activities on the following projects representing approximately $10 billion of investment over the next five years until the financial impact of the final order, along with other factors, such as load-growth estimates, fuel cost forecasts, demand side management and environmental incentives, can be reviewed (see Item I - FPL Operations - Capital Expenditures):

·
development of two additional nuclear units at FPL's Turkey Point site beyond what is required to receive an NRC license for each unit.  See Item I - FPL Operations - Nuclear Operations;
·
modernization of FPL's Cape Canaveral and Riviera power plants.  See Item I - FPL Operations - Fossil Operations;
·
reevaluation of options related to a proposed 300-mile underground natural gas pipeline in Florida; and
·
other infrastructure projects.

FPL is also evaluating its options with respect to future regulatory actions regarding the January 2010 rate ruling and, when it is issued, the final order, as well as assessing the cost structure of its ongoing operations and reviewing other planned capital expenditures for appropriate reductions.

Over the last ten years, FPL's average annual customer growth has been 1.8%.  However, beginning in 2007, FPL has experienced a slowdown in retail customer growth and a decline in non-weather related usage per retail customer.  Retail customer growth in 2008 was 0.3%.  FPL's average number of retail customers declined slightly during the first three quarters of 2009 and remained essentially unchanged during the fourth quarter of 2009; the decline for the full year was 0.2%.  FPL believes that the economic slowdown, the downturn in the housing market and the credit crisis that have affected the country and the state of Florida have contributed to the slowdown in customer growth and to the decline in non-weather related usage per retail customer.  In December 2009, the unemployment rate in Florida was 11.8%.  Beginning in 2007, FPL experienced an increase in inactive accounts (accounts with installed meters without corresponding customer names) and in low-usage customers (customers using less than 200 kwh per month), which have contributed to the decline in retail customer growth and non-weather related usage per retail customer.  In 2009, inactive accounts and low-usage customers continued to increase much of the year but declined slightly in the fourth quarter.  FPL is unable to predict whether or when growth in customers and non-weather related customer usage might return to previous trends.

 
30

 

NextEra Energy Resources is in the competitive energy business with the majority of its operating revenues derived from wholesale electricity sales.  NextEra Energy Resources' strategy is, among other things, to continue to maintain its leadership position in wind, accelerate growth in solar development, continue to expand its transmission capability, grow its supply-related and non-asset based businesses, and to develop its natural gas infrastructure business.  NextEra Energy Resources' supply-related business includes full energy and capacity requirements services and retail operations, and the non-asset based business includes power and gas marketing and trading operations.  NextEra Energy Resources seeks to expand its portfolio primarily through wind and solar development and acquisitions where economic prospects are attractive.  The Recovery Act includes, among other things, provisions that allow companies building wind facilities the option to choose among three investment cost recovery mechanisms: (i) PTCs which were extended for wind facilities through 2012, (ii) ITCs of 30% of the cost for qualifying wind facilities placed in service prior to 2013, or (iii) an election to receive a cash grant of 30% of the cost of qualifying wind facilities placed in service in 2009 or 2010, or if construction began prior to December 31, 2010 and the wind facility is placed in service prior to 2013.  An election to receive a cash grant of 30%, in lieu of the 30% investment tax credit allowable under present law, also applies to the cost of qualifying solar facilities placed in service in either 2009 or 2010, or if construction began prior to December 31, 2010 and the solar facility is placed in service prior to 2017.  In 2009, NextEra Energy Resources added approximately 1,170 mw of wind generation to its portfolio, of which 985 mw were constructed and 185 mw were from three operating wind projects purchased in the fourth quarter of 2009.  NextEra Energy Resources expects to add approximately 1,000 mw of new wind generation in 2010 and 1,000 mw to 1,500 mw in each of 2011 and 2012.  In addition to wind expansion, NextEra Energy Resources is considering several solar development opportunities in the U.S., as well as in Europe.  The wind and solar expansions are subject to, among other things, continued public policy support, support for the construction and availability of sufficient transmission facilities and capacity, continued market demand, supply chain expansion and access to capital at reasonable cost and on reasonable terms.

NextEra Energy Resources' market is diversified by region as well as by fuel source.  See Item 2 - Generating Facilities.  NextEra Energy Resources sells a large percentage of its expected output to hedge against price volatility.  Consequently, if NextEra Energy Resources' plants do not perform as expected, NextEra Energy Resources could be required to purchase power at potentially higher market prices to meet its contractual obligations.  NextEra Energy Resources' energy marketing and trading business is focused primarily on managing commodity price risk and extracting maximum value from its assets.

The U.S. Congress, the EPA and certain states and regions are considering several legislative and regulatory proposals that would establish new regulatory requirements and reduction targets for GHG emissions.  The economic and operational impact of these or any similar legislation and/or regulation on FPL Group and FPL depends on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the allowed emissions, whether the permitted emissions will be allocated or auctioned, the cost to reduce emissions or buy allowances in the marketplace and the availability of offsets and mitigating factors to moderate the costs of compliance.  If and until legislation is enacted and implementing regulations are adopted, the economic and operational impact (either positive or negative) on FPL Group and FPL cannot be determined but could be material.  In the case of FPL, increased costs associated with compliance with new environmental regulations are generally recoverable from customers, while the recovery of such increased costs for NextEra Energy Resources would depend on market prices for electricity.  See Item 1 - Environmental Matters.

Results of Operations

FPL Group and NextEra Energy Resources segregate into two categories unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses on energy derivative transactions which are used to manage commodity price risk.  The first category, referred to as trading activities, represents the net unrealized effect of actively traded positions entered into to take advantage of market price movements and to optimize the value of generation assets and related contracts.  The second category, referred to as non-qualifying hedges, represents the net unrealized effect of derivative transactions entered into as economic hedges but which do not qualify for hedge accounting and the ineffective portion of transactions accounted for as cash flow hedges.  In January 2010, FPL Group discontinued hedge accounting for its cash flow hedges related to energy contract derivative instruments, which could result in increased volatility in the non-qualifying hedge category.  At FPL, substantially all changes in the fair value of energy derivative transactions are deferred as a regulatory asset or liability until the contracts are settled, and, upon settlement, any gains or losses are passed through the fuel clause or the capacity clause.

FPL Group's management uses earnings excluding certain items (adjusted earnings) internally for financial planning, for analysis of performance, for reporting of results to the Board of Directors and as inputs in determining whether performance targets are met for performance-based compensation under FPL Group's employee incentive compensation plans.  FPL Group also uses adjusted earnings when communicating its earnings outlook to investors.  Adjusted earnings exclude the unrealized mark-to-market effect of non-qualifying hedges and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on securities held in NextEra Energy Resources' nuclear decommissioning funds, net of the reversal of previously recognized OTTI losses on securities sold and losses on securities where price recovery was deemed unlikely (collectively, OTTI reversals).  FPL Group's management believes adjusted earnings provide a more meaningful representation of the company's fundamental earnings power.  Although the excluded amounts are properly included in the determination of net income in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, management believes that the amount and/or nature of such items make period to period comparisons of operations difficult and potentially confusing.  Adjusted earnings do not represent a substitute for net income, as prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 
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Summary - Presented below is a summary of net income (loss) by reportable segment (see Note 15):

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
 
(millions)
 
                   
FPL
  $ 831     $ 789     $ 836  
NextEra Energy Resources
    849       915       540  
Corporate and Other
    (65 )     (65 )     (64 )
FPL Group Consolidated
  $ 1,615     $ 1,639     $ 1,312  

The increase in FPL's 2009 results reflects retail base rate increases pursuant to the GBRA mechanism under the 2005 rate agreement to reflect the placements in service of WCEC Units Nos. 1 and 2, higher AFUDC on the WCEC units, a 0.3% increase in usage per retail customer reflecting favorable weather conditions partly offset by other factors, and higher cost recovery clause results partly offset by higher O&M and depreciation and amortization expenses.  FPL's 2008 results reflect lower retail customer usage, higher depreciation and interest expenses and provisions taken in 2008 for regulatory matters, partly offset by a retail base rate increase associated with Turkey Point Unit No. 5 commencing commercial operation in 2007, lower O&M expenses and higher other revenues and AFUDC - equity.

NextEra Energy Resources’ 2009 results reflect increased earnings from new investments and from full energy and capacity requirements services and trading, partly offset by lower earnings from the existing portfolio, reflecting the negative impacts of weather, and higher expenses to support the growth in the business.  NextEra Energy Resources’ 2008 results reflect additional earnings from the existing portfolio, from new investments and from full energy and capacity requirements services and trading, partially offset by higher expenses to support the growth in the business.  In addition, FPL Group's and NextEra Energy Resources’ net income for 2009 and 2007 reflects net unrealized after-tax losses from non-qualifying hedges of approximately $20 million and $86 million, respectively, while 2008 net income reflects net unrealized after-tax gains from such hedges of $170 million.  The change in unrealized mark-to-market activity is primarily attributable to changes in forward power and natural gas prices, as well as the reversal of previously recognized unrealized mark-to-market gains or losses as the underlying transactions were realized.  As a general rule, a gain (loss) in the non-qualifying hedge category is offset by decreases (increases) in the fair value of related physical asset positions in the portfolio or contracts, which are not marked to market under generally accepted accounting principles.  In 2009, 2008 and 2007, NextEra Energy Resources recorded $36 million, $82 million and $6 million, respectively, of after-tax OTTI losses on securities held in its nuclear decommissioning funds.  In 2009 and 2008, NextEra Energy Resources had approximately $23 million and $6 million, respectively, of after-tax OTTI reversals; there were no such OTTI reversals in 2007.

As a result of the spent fuel settlement agreement (see Item I - FPL Operations - Nuclear Operations and Item I - NextEra Energy Resources - Nuclear Operations), FPL Group reduced its property, plant and equipment balances by $107 million ($83 million for FPL) and operating expenses by $15 million ($12 million for FPL) and increased FPL Group’s operating revenues by $9 million.  The spent fuel settlement agreement increased FPL Group's 2009 net income by approximately $16 million ($9 million for FPL).  The spent fuel settlement agreement permits FPL and NextEra Energy Resources to make annual filings to recover certain spent fuel storage costs incurred by FPL and NextEra Energy Resources which will be payable by the U.S. Government on an annual basis.  The amount received from the U.S. Government related to property, plant and equipment is included in cash flows from investing activities on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated statements of cash flows.  Additional payments from the U.S. Government are pending.  FPL and NextEra Energy Resources will continue to pay fees to the U.S. Government's nuclear waste fund.

Results for Corporate and Other in 2009 reflect higher interest income and realized and unrealized gains on investments offset by lower consolidating income tax adjustments and higher interest expense.  Results for Corporate and Other in 2008 reflect higher interest expense offset by additional consolidating income tax adjustments.

FPL Group's effective income tax rate for all periods presented reflects PTCs for wind projects at NextEra Energy Resources and deferred tax benefits associated with grants (convertible ITCs) under the Recovery Act.  PTCs and deferred tax benefits associated with convertible ITCs can significantly affect FPL Group's effective income tax rate depending on the amount of pretax income.  PTCs can be significantly affected by wind generation.  See Note 1 - Income Taxes, Note 6 and Note 10 - Sale of Differential Membership Interests.

FPL - FPL's net income for 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $831 million, $789 million and $836 million, respectively, an increase in 2009 of $42 million and a decrease in 2008 of $47 million.  The increase in FPL's 2009 results reflects retail base rate increases associated with WCEC Units Nos. 1 and 2, higher AFUDC on the WCEC units, a 0.3% increase in usage per retail customer reflecting favorable weather conditions partly offset by other factors, and higher cost recovery clause results partly offset by higher O&M and depreciation and amortization expenses.  FPL's 2008 results reflect lower retail customer usage, higher depreciation and interest expenses and provisions taken in 2008 for regulatory matters, partly offset by a retail base rate increase associated with Turkey Point Unit No. 5 commencing commercial operation in 2007, lower O&M expenses and higher other revenues and AFUDC - equity.

 
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See Overview for a discussion of the FPSC's January 2010 rate ruling.  Under the 2005 rate agreement, retail base rates did not increase during the term of the agreement except to allow recovery under the GBRA mechanism of the revenue requirements of FPL's three power plants that achieved commercial operation during the term of the 2005 rate agreement.  Retail base rates increased approximately $115 million on an annualized basis when Turkey Point Unit No. 5 was placed in service in 2007.  Retail base rates increased approximately $265 million on an annualized basis when WCEC Units Nos. 1 and 2 were placed in service in 2009.  These units are expected to realize significant fuel savings from the time the units were placed in service.  During the term of the 2005 rate agreement, FPL did not have an authorized regulatory ROE for the purpose of addressing earnings levels, FPL reduced depreciation on its plant in service by $125 million each year and FPL's revenues did not exceed the thresholds established under the 2005 rate agreement's revenue sharing mechanism.  See Note 1 - Revenues and Rates for information on FPL's regulatory ROE.

FPL's operating revenues consisted of the following:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
         
(millions)
       
                   
Retail base
  $ 3,828     $ 3,738     $ 3,796  
Fuel cost recovery
    5,982       6,202       6,162  
Net deferral of retail fuel revenues
    (356 )     -       -  
Other cost recovery clauses and pass-through costs, net of any deferrals
    1,840       1,505       1,490  
Other, primarily pole attachment rentals, transmission and wholesale sales and customer-related fees
    197       204       174  
Total
  $ 11,491     $ 11,649     $ 11,622  

For the year ended December 31, 2009, a 0.2% decrease in the average number of customer accounts reduced retail base revenues by approximately $8 million while a 0.3% increase in usage per retail customer, reflecting favorable weather conditions partly offset by other factors, increased retail base revenues by approximately $30 million.  Customer usage in 2009 reflects one less day of sales in 2009, as 2008 was a leap year.  Base rate increases resulting from WCEC Units Nos. 1 and 2 commencing commercial operation in 2009 increased retail base revenues by approximately $68 million.  See Overview for a discussion of FPL's customer growth, non-weather related usage and the January 2010 rate ruling.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, a 0.3% increase in the average number of customer accounts increased retail base revenues by approximately $9 million while a 2.7% decrease in usage per retail customer, reflecting weather conditions and other factors, decreased retail base revenues by approximately $95 million.  Partly offsetting the usage decrease was an extra day of sales in 2008, as it was a leap year.  In addition, a base rate increase resulting from Turkey Point Unit No. 5 commencing commercial operation in 2007 increased retail base revenues by approximately $28 million.

The increase in revenues from other cost recovery clauses and pass-through costs in 2009 is primarily due to additional revenues associated with the FPSC's nuclear cost recovery rule and higher conservation and environmental clause revenues.  The FPSC's nuclear cost recovery rule provides for the recovery of prudently incurred pre-construction costs and carrying charges (equal to a pretax AFUDC rate) on construction costs for new nuclear capacity through levelized charges under the capacity clause.  In 2009, FPL began recovering pre-construction costs associated with the development of two additional units at the Turkey Point site and carrying charges (equal to a pretax AFUDC rate) on construction costs associated with the addition of approximately 400 mw of baseload capacity at its existing nuclear units.  The same rule provides for the recovery of construction costs, once the new capacity goes into service, through a base rate increase.  See Overview for a discussion of activities related to the development of two additional units at the Turkey Point site.

 
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Revenues from fuel and other cost recovery clauses and pass-through costs, such as franchise fees, revenue taxes and storm-related surcharges, are largely a pass through of costs.  Such revenues also include a return allowed to be recovered through the cost recovery clauses on certain assets, primarily solar, environmental and nuclear capacity additions.  In 2009, 2008 and 2007, cost recovery clauses contributed $41 million, $25 million and $23 million, respectively, to FPL's net income.  The increase in 2009 cost recovery clause results is primarily due to a return related to additional solar, environmental and nuclear capacity expenditures, partly offset by lower interest earned on fuel clause underrecoveries.  The increase in 2008 cost recovery clause results is primarily due to a return related to environmental expenditures and higher interest earned on fuel clause underrecoveries, partly offset by the absence of interest earned on FPL's unrecovered balance of the storm reserve deficiency, which balance was collected upon the issuance of the storm-recovery bonds in 2007.  In 2010, it is expected that cost recovery clauses will contribute higher earnings for FPL as a result of additional solar, environmental and nuclear capacity expenditures.  Underrecovery or overrecovery of such cost recovery clause and pass-through costs can significantly affect FPL Group's and FPL's operating cash flows.  Fluctuations in fuel cost recovery revenues are primarily driven by changes in fuel and energy charges which are included in fuel, purchased power and interchange expense in the consolidated statements of income, as well as by changes in energy sales.  Fluctuations in revenues from other cost recovery clauses and pass-through costs are primarily driven by changes in storm-related surcharges, capacity charges, franchise fee costs, the impact of changes in O&M and depreciation expenses on the underlying cost recovery clause, investment in solar and environmental projects, investment in nuclear capacity until such capacity goes into service, pre-construction costs associated with the development of two additional units at the Turkey Point site and changes in energy sales.  Capacity charges and franchise fee costs are included in fuel, purchased power and interchange and taxes other than income taxes and other, respectively, in the consolidated statements of income.

FPL uses a risk management fuel procurement program which was approved by the FPSC at the program's inception.  The FPSC reviews the program activities and results for prudence on an annual basis as part of its annual review of fuel costs.  The program is intended to manage fuel price volatility by locking in fuel prices for a portion of FPL's fuel requirements.  The current regulatory asset for the change in fair value of derivative instruments used in the fuel procurement program amounted to approximately $68 million and $1,109 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The decrease in fuel revenues in 2009 reflects approximately $210 million related to a lower average fuel factor and $10 million attributable to lower energy sales.  The increase in fuel revenues in 2008 reflects approximately $230 million related to a higher average fuel factor, partly offset by $190 million attributable to lower energy sales.  Pursuant to an FPSC order, FPL was required to refund in the form of a one-time credit to retail customers' bills the 2009 year-end estimated fuel overrecovery; in January 2010, approximately $403 million was refunded to retail customers.  At December 31, 2009, approximately $356 million of retail fuel revenues were overrecovered.  The difference between the refund and the December 31, 2009 overrecovery will be collected from retail customers in a subsequent period.  The increase from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009 in deferred clause and franchise revenues and the decrease in deferred clause and franchise expenses (current and noncurrent, collectively) on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets totaled approximately $624 million and positively affected FPL Group's and FPL's cash flows from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2009.

The major components of FPL's fuel, purchased power and interchange expense are as follows:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
         
(millions)
       
                   
Fuel and energy charges during the period
  $ 5,425     $ 6,289     $ 6,259  
Net collection of previously deferred retail fuel costs
    256       -       -  
Net deferral of retail fuel costs
    -       (55 )     (56 )
Other, primarily capacity charges, net of any capacity deferral
    539       515       523  
Total
  $ 6,220     $ 6,749     $ 6,726  

The decrease in fuel and energy charges in 2009 was due to lower fuel and energy prices.  The increase in fuel and energy charges in 2008 reflects higher fuel and energy prices of approximately $224 million, partly offset by approximately $194 million attributable to lower energy sales.

 
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FPL's O&M expenses increased $58 million in 2009 reflecting higher insurance and employee benefit costs of approximately $51 million and $44 million, respectively, partly offset by lower distribution, nuclear and fossil generation costs of $26 million, $18 million and $10 million, respectively.  The increase in insurance costs is primarily due to the absence of a refund associated with an environmental insurance policy termination, which occurred in 2008, as well as higher nuclear insurance costs.  The increase in employee benefit costs is primarily due to higher medical costs, a lower pension credit and other costs driven by market conditions.  The decrease in distribution costs reflects deferred projects and productivity improvements.  The decline in nuclear generation costs reflects a reimbursement of prior years’ costs related to the spent fuel settlement agreement and lower costs related to 2008 plant improvement initiatives partly offset by higher refueling and maintenance outage costs.  The decline in fossil generation costs is primarily due to lower overhaul costs, partly offset by additional costs related to WCEC Units Nos. 1 and 2.  Other changes in O&M expenses were primarily driven by pass-through costs which did not significantly affect net income.  Management expects O&M expenses, excluding pass-through O&M costs, in 2010 to exceed the 2009 level primarily due to higher nuclear and fossil generation, transmission and distribution costs, as well as higher employee benefit and nuclear insurance costs and the absence of the reimbursement of prior years’ costs related to the spent fuel settlement agreement.  Beginning in 2009, FPL records, as other receivables in the consolidated balance sheets, operating costs expected to be reimbursed under the spent fuel settlement agreement.

FPL's O&M expenses decreased $16 million in 2008 reflecting lower insurance, employee benefit and distribution costs of approximately $47 million, $11 million and $10 million, respectively.  These decreases were partly offset by higher nuclear generation, fossil generation, transmission and customer service costs of approximately $21 million, $4 million, $3 million and $20 million, respectively, as well as a reserve for regulatory matters.  The decline in insurance costs was primarily due to the termination by mutual agreement of an environmental insurance policy.  The decline in employee benefit costs reflects a higher pension credit as well as lower benefits due to declining market conditions, partly offset by higher medical costs.  The decline in distribution costs reflects cost reduction efforts and efficiencies as well as reduced work load due to the decline in customer growth, partly offset by severance costs incurred in 2008.  The increase in nuclear generation costs reflects plant improvement initiatives to ensure long-term reliable operations.  The fossil generation increase reflects costs associated with plant maintenance, while the transmission increase reflects additional improvement activities.  The customer service cost increase is primarily due to higher uncollectible accounts.  Other changes in O&M expenses were primarily driven by pass-through costs which did not significantly affect net income.

Depreciation and amortization expense in 2009 increased $237 million reflecting the amortization of approximately $203 million of pre-construction costs associated with FPL's planned nuclear units recovered under the nuclear cost recovery rule, higher depreciation on transmission and distribution facilities (collectively, approximately $21 million) and depreciation of $17 million on WCEC Units Nos. 1 and 2, which were placed in service in 2009.  Depreciation and amortization expense in 2008 increased $14 million, reflecting higher depreciation on transmission and distribution facilities (collectively, approximately $20 million) and higher depreciation on fossil generation assets of $10 million, primarily Turkey Point Unit No. 5 which was placed in service in 2007.  In addition, depreciation on nuclear assets was higher by approximately $4 million primarily due to the steam generator and reactor vessel head replacements at St. Lucie Unit No. 2.  These increases were partially offset by lower depreciation and amortization expense of $11 million primarily due to the absence of amortization of software and other property that has been fully amortized.  Other changes in depreciation and amortization expense were primarily driven by pass-through costs, other than costs associated with the nuclear cost recovery rule, which did not significantly affect net income.  In 2010, FPL will begin amortizing over four years approximately $895 million of a depreciation reserve surplus as required by the January 2010 rate ruling.  The $125 million reduction in annual depreciation and amortization expense that FPL has been recording since 2002 as permitted by the FPSC will cease in 2010.  Also, depreciation and amortization expense in 2010 is expected to be affected by a reduction in nuclear cost recovery rule amortization primarily as a result of the timing of expenditures.  See Note 1 - Electric Plant, Depreciation and Amortization.

Taxes other than income taxes and other increased $24 million and $40 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively, primarily due to changes in franchise fees and revenue taxes, which are pass-through costs, and higher property taxes ($14 million and $15 million, respectively), reflecting growth in plant in service balances.  The increase in franchise fees in 2008 was primarily driven by higher average franchise rates.

Interest expense for 2009 reflects a decline in average interest rates of approximately 29 basis points, partly offset by higher average debt balances.  Interest expense for 2008 reflects higher average debt balances, partly offset by a decline in average interest rates of approximately 34 basis points.  Interest expense on storm-recovery bonds, as well as certain other interest expense (collectively, clause interest), are essentially pass-through amounts and do not significantly affect net income, as the clause interest is recovered either under cost recovery clause mechanisms or through a storm-recovery bond surcharge.  Clause interest for 2009, 2008 and 2007 amounted to approximately $45 million, $44 million and $32 million, respectively.  For both 2009 and 2008, interest expense was reduced by higher allowance for borrowed funds used during construction (see AFUDC - equity explanation below).

The increase in AFUDC - equity for 2009 and 2008 is primarily attributable to additional AFUDC - equity on three natural gas-fired combined-cycle units of approximately 1,220 mw each at WCEC, partly offset, in 2008, by the absence of AFUDC - equity on Turkey Point Unit No. 5 and the steam generator and reactor vessel head replacement projects at St. Lucie Unit No. 2.

 
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Interest income declined in 2009 primarily due to lower average investment balances and lower interest rates.  The decline in 2008 reflects the cessation of interest on FPL's unrecovered balance of the storm reserve deficiency, which balance was collected upon the issuance of the storm-recovery bonds in 2007, partly offset by higher interest income earned on higher average investment balances.

FPL currently faces competition from other suppliers of electrical energy to wholesale customers and from alternative energy sources and self-generation for other customer groups, primarily industrial customers.  The FERC has jurisdiction over potential changes that could affect competition in wholesale transactions.  In 2009, operating revenues from wholesale and industrial customers combined represented approximately 4% of FPL's total operating revenues.  Various states, other than Florida, have enacted legislation or have state commissions that have issued orders designed to allow retail customers to choose their electricity supplier.  Management believes it is unlikely there will be any state actions to restructure the retail electric industry in Florida in the near future.  If the basis of regulation for some or all of FPL's business changes from cost-based regulation, existing regulatory assets and liabilities would be written off unless regulators specify an alternative means of recovery or refund.  Further, other aspects of the business, such as generation assets and long-term power purchase commitments, would need to be reviewed to assess their recoverability in a changed regulatory environment.  See Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates - Regulatory Accounting.

FPL is currently constructing a natural gas-fired combined-cycle unit of approximately 1,220 mw at its WCEC, which is expected to be placed in service by mid-2011.  In addition, FPL is in the process of adding approximately 400 mw of baseload capacity at its existing nuclear units at St. Lucie and Turkey Point, which additional capacity is projected to be placed in service by the end of 2012.

NextEra Energy Resources - NextEra Energy Resources’ net income for 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $849 million, $915 million and $540 million, respectively, a decrease in 2009 of $66 million and an increase in 2008 of $375 million.  The primary drivers, on an after-tax basis, of these changes were as follows:

   
Increase (Decrease)
From Prior Period
 
   
Years Ended
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(millions)
 
             
New investments (a)
  $ 176     $ 155  
Existing assets (a)
    (171 )     48  
Full energy and capacity requirements services and trading
    78       6  
Asset sales
    6       5  
Interest expense, differential membership costs and other
    (28 )     (25 )
Change in unrealized mark-to-market non-qualifying hedge activity (b)
    (190 )     256  
Change in OTTI losses on securities held in nuclear decommissioning funds, net of OTTI reversals
    63       (70 )
Net income increase (decrease)
  $ (66 )   $ 375  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Includes PTCs and ITCs on wind projects and ITCs on solar projects and, for new investments, deferred tax benefits associated with convertible ITCs (see Note 1 - Electric Plant, Depreciation and Amortization, Note 1 - Income Taxes and Note 6) but does not include allocation of interest expense or corporate general and administrative expenses.  Results from new projects are included in new investments during the first twelve months of operation.  A project's results are included in existing assets beginning with the thirteenth month of operation.
(b)
For discussion of derivative instruments, see Note 3 and Overview.

The increase in NextEra Energy Resources’ 2009 results from new investments reflects the addition of over 2,490 mw of wind generation during or after 2008.  In addition, results from new investments for the year ended December 31, 2009 include approximately $87 million of deferred tax benefits associated with convertible ITCs.  The increase in NextEra Energy Resources’ 2008 results from new investments reflects the addition of over 3,200 mw of wind and nuclear generation during or after 2007.

In 2009, results from NextEra Energy Resources' existing asset portfolio decreased approximately $110 million primarily due to unfavorable results in the ERCOT and NEPOOL regions due primarily to unfavorable market conditions, lower results of $75 million associated with existing wind projects primarily due to a lower wind resource across the portfolio and lower results of $36 million from the contracted portfolio, partially offset by higher results ($42 million) from NextEra Energy Resources’ retail energy provider due to favorable residential margins, a state tax benefit related to a change in state tax law on certain wind projects and favorable results at Seabrook primarily due to higher prices.  A planned and unplanned outage at Seabrook in the fourth quarter of 2009 was substantially offset by planned and unplanned outages in 2008.  In 2008, results from NextEra Energy Resources’ existing asset portfolio increased approximately $76 million due to favorable results in the NEPOOL, ERCOT and PJM regions reflecting favorable market conditions, favorable hydro resource and favorable hedge pricing partially offset by the impact of planned and unplanned outages at the Seabrook nuclear facility.  In addition, the existing wind portfolio experienced a favorable wind resource.  These factors were partially offset by lower results of approximately $14 million from NextEra Energy Resources' retail energy provider primarily due to unfavorable commodity margins.  Results in 2008 in PJM benefited from a new FERC-approved forward capacity market that began in June 2007.

 
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NextEra Energy Resources’ 2009 and 2008 financial results benefited from increased gains from its full energy and capacity requirements services and trading activities.  Full energy and capacity requirements services include load-following services, which require the supplier of energy to vary the quantity delivered based on the load demand needs of the customer, as well as various ancillary services.

Asset sales in 2009 represent the sale of wind development rights, the sale of a 50 mw wind project and the sale of an interest in a waste-to-energy project, which contained an option for the buyer to sell the project back to NextEra Energy Resources.  An additional after-tax gain of approximately $11 million on the waste-to-energy project has been recorded in 2010 when the buyer's option expired.  Asset sales in 2008 reflect a gain on the sale of development rights on a natural gas project.

In both 2009 and 2008, interest expense, differential membership costs and other reflects increased costs due to growth of the business partially offset in 2008 by certain state income tax benefits.  In 2009, an approximately $18 million income tax benefit from a reduction of previously deferred income taxes resulting from an additional equity investment in Canadian operations was offset by other income tax expenses in 2009 and the absence of other income tax benefits recorded in the prior year.

In 2009 and 2007, NextEra Energy Resources recorded net unrealized after-tax losses from non-qualifying hedges of approximately $20 million and $86 million, respectively.  In 2008, NextEra Energy Resources recorded net unrealized mark-to-market after-tax gains from non-qualifying hedges of approximately $170 million.  The change in unrealized mark-to-market activity is primarily attributable to changes in forward power and natural gas prices, as well as the reversal of previously recognized unrealized mark-to-market gains or losses as the underlying transactions were realized.  In 2009, 2008 and 2007, NextEra Energy Resources recorded $36 million, $82 million and $6 million, respectively, of after-tax OTTI losses on securities held in its nuclear decommissioning funds.  In 2009 and 2008, NextEra Energy Resources had approximately $23 million and $6 million, respectively, of after-tax OTTI reversals; there were no such OTTI reversals in 2007.

Operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased $573 million primarily due to losses of $88 million on unrealized mark-to-market non-qualifying hedge activity in 2009 compared to gains on such hedges of $232 million in 2008.  Excluding this mark-to-market activity, revenues were affected by unfavorable market conditions in the NEPOOL, ERCOT and PJM regions and an unfavorable wind resource, partly offset by higher operating revenues at PMI and NextEra Energy Resources' retail energy provider (collectively, approximately $384 million) and project additions ($131 million).  Operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $1,096 million primarily due to gains of $232 million on unrealized mark-to-market non-qualifying hedge activity in 2008 compared to losses on such hedges of $342 million in 2007.  Excluding this mark-to-market activity, revenues benefited from project additions, favorable market conditions in the NEPOOL, ERCOT and PJM regions, and favorable wind and hydro resources (collectively, $587 million) partially offset by nuclear planned and unplanned outages of approximately $65 million.

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased $291 million primarily due to lower fuel costs of approximately $390 million partially offset by project additions of $94 million and higher corporate general and administrative expenses of $12 million to support the growth in the business.  In addition, operating expenses reflect $60 million of unrealized mark-to-market gains from non-qualifying hedges compared to $53 million of such gains in 2008.  Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $522 million, reflecting $53 million of unrealized mark-to-market gains from non-qualifying hedges compared to $198 million of gains on such hedges in 2007.  Excluding these mark-to-market changes, which are reflected in fuel, purchased power and interchange expense in FPL Group's consolidated statements of income, operating expenses increased primarily due to project additions, higher fuel costs and higher corporate general and administrative expenses to support the growth in the business.

Equity in earnings of equity method investees in 2009 decreased $41 million due to unfavorable market conditions and the absence of certain favorable contractual provisions which benefited the prior periods at a project in the PJM region.  Equity in earnings of equity method investees in 2008 increased $25 million due to improved market conditions in the PJM region.

NextEra Energy Resources' interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased $43 million due to increased borrowings to support the growth of the business, partially offset by a decrease in interest rates of approximately 37 basis points.  NextEra Energy Resources’ interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased $1 million.  Gains on disposal of assets - net in FPL Group's consolidated statements of income for 2009 reflect $56 million of gains on sales of securities held in NextEra Energy Resources' nuclear decommissioning funds and in 2008 reflect an approximately $10 million gain on the sale of development rights related to a natural gas project and $8 million of gains on sales of securities held in nuclear decommissioning funds.

PTCs from NextEra Energy Resources’ wind projects are reflected in NextEra Energy Resources’ earnings.  PTCs are recognized as wind energy is generated and sold based on a per kwh rate prescribed in applicable federal and state statutes, and amounted to approximately $255 million, $262 million and $219 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  In addition, FPL Group's effective income tax rate for year ended December 31, 2009 was affected by deferred tax benefits associated with convertible ITCs of $88 million.  See Note 6.

 
37

 

NextEra Energy Resources expects its future portfolio capacity growth to come primarily from wind and solar development and from asset acquisitions.  NextEra Energy Resources added approximately 1,170 mw of wind generation in 2009, of which 985 mw were constructed and 185 mw were from three operating wind projects purchased in the fourth quarter of 2009.  NextEra Energy Resources expects to add approximately 1,000 mw of new wind generation in 2010 and 1,000 mw to 1,500 mw in each of 2011 and 2012.  In addition, NextEra Energy Resources intends to pursue opportunities for new solar generating facilities.  The wind and solar expansions are subject to, among other things, continued public policy support, support for the construction and availability of sufficient transmission facilities and capacity, continued market demand, supply chain expansion and access to capital at reasonable cost and on reasonable terms.  Currently, in the United States, 31 states have RPS requiring electricity providers in the state to meet a certain percentage of their retail sales with energy from renewable sources.  These standards vary by state, but the majority include requirements to meet 10% to 25% of the electricity providers' retail sales with energy from renewable sources by 2025.  NextEra Energy Resources believes that these standards will create incremental demand for renewable energy in the future.

Competitive wholesale markets in the United States continue to evolve and vary among and within geographic regions.  Revenues from electricity sales in these markets vary based on the prices obtainable for energy, capacity and other ancillary services.  Some of the factors affecting success in these markets include the ability to operate generating assets efficiently and reliably, the price and supply of fuel, transmission constraints, wind, solar and hydro resources (weather conditions), competition from regulated utilities and new sources of generation, effective risk management, demand growth, environmental requirements and exposure to legal and regulatory changes.

Expanded competition in a frequently changing regulatory environment presents both opportunities and risks for NextEra Energy Resources.  Opportunities exist for the selective acquisition of generation assets and for the construction and operation of efficient plants that can sell power in competitive markets.  NextEra Energy Resources seeks to reduce its market risk by having a diversified portfolio by fuel type and location, as well as by contracting for the future sale of a significant amount of the electricity output of its plants.  The combination of new wind and solar projects and asset acquisitions are expected to be the key drivers supporting NextEra Energy Resources’ growth over the next few years.

NextEra Energy Resources’ earnings are subject to variability due to, among other things, operational performance, commodity price exposure, counterparty performance, weather conditions and project restructuring activities.  NextEra Energy Resources’ exposure to commodity price risk is reduced by the degree of contract coverage obtained for 2010 and 2011.  Therefore, if NextEra Energy Resources’ plants do not perform as expected, NextEra Energy Resources could be required to purchase power at potentially higher market prices to meet its contractual obligations.  In addition to the effect of temperature, which is reflected in commodity prices and demand, changes in weather affect production levels of the wind portfolio as well as the hydro units in Maine and the solar units in California.  In managing its exposure to commodity prices, NextEra Energy Resources is dependent upon its counterparties to perform under their contractual obligations.  NextEra Energy Resources actively manages the trade-off between market risk and credit risk, as well as exposure with individual counterparties as a function of their creditworthiness.  As of December 31, 2009, substantially all of NextEra Energy Resources’ 2010 contracted revenues are with investment grade counterparties.

Corporate and Other - Corporate and Other is primarily comprised of interest expense, the operating results of FPL FiberNet and other business activities as well as corporate interest income and expenses.  Corporate and Other allocates interest expense to NextEra Energy Resources based on a deemed capital structure at NextEra Energy Resources of 50% debt for operating projects and 100% debt for projects under construction.  For these purposes, the deferred credit associated with differential membership interests sold by a NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary in December 2007 is included with debt.  Each subsidiary's income taxes are calculated based on the "separate return method," except that tax benefits that could not be used on a separate return basis, but are used on the consolidated tax return, are recorded by the subsidiary that generated the tax benefits.  Any remaining consolidated income tax benefits or expenses are recorded at Corporate and Other.  The major components of Corporate and Other's results, on an after-tax basis, are as follows:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
         
(millions)
       
                   
Interest expense, net of allocations to NextEra Energy Resources
  $ (109 )   $ (103 )   $ (90 )
Interest income
    34       22       22  
Federal and state income tax benefits
    -       18       3  
Other
    10       (2 )     1  
Net loss
  $ (65 )   $ (65 )   $ (64 )


 
38

 

The increase in interest expense in 2009 and 2008 reflects additional debt outstanding, partly offset by a higher allocation of interest costs to NextEra Energy Resources and lower average interest rates of approximately 66 basis points and 91 basis points, respectively.  The increase in interest income in 2009 is primarily due to earnings on an energy-related loan made to a third party by an FPL Group Capital subsidiary.  Interest income in 2008 reflects lower interest rates on temporary investments offset by additional earnings on energy-related loans made to third parties by FPL Group Capital subsidiaries.  The federal and state income tax benefits reflect consolidating income tax adjustments.  Other includes all other corporate income and expenses, as well as other business activities.  The increase in other primarily reflects realized and unrealized gains on investments which are reflected in other - net in the consolidated statements of income.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

FPL Group and its subsidiaries, including FPL, require funds to support and grow their businesses.  These funds are used for working capital, capital expenditures, investments in or acquisitions of assets and businesses, to pay maturing debt obligations and, from time to time, to redeem or repurchase outstanding debt or equity securities.  It is anticipated that these requirements will be satisfied through a combination of internally generated funds, borrowings, and the issuance, from time to time, of debt and equity securities, consistent with FPL Group's and FPL's objective of maintaining, on a long-term basis, a capital structure that will support a strong investment grade credit rating.  FPL Group, FPL and FPL Group Capital access the credit and capital markets as significant sources of liquidity for capital requirements that are not satisfied by operating cash flows.  The inability of FPL Group, FPL and FPL Group Capital to maintain their current credit ratings could affect their ability to raise short- and long-term capital, their cost of capital and the execution of their respective financing strategies, and could require the posting of additional collateral under certain agreements.  In January 2010, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's), Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P) and Fitch Ratings (Fitch) placed FPL Group, FPL Group Capital and FPL on negative credit watch with the possibility of a credit ratings downgrade.  The rating agencies indicated their review for potential downgrade of the ratings is prompted by, among other things, the heightened risk to investors caused by a decline in the regulatory environment for investor-owned utilities operating in Florida and continued challenging economic conditions throughout Florida.  FPL Group and FPL are unable to predict whether or when a credit ratings downgrade may occur.  See Credit Ratings below.

The global and domestic credit and capital markets experienced unprecedented levels of volatility and disruption in the recent past.  This significantly affected the cost and available sources of liquidity in the financial markets.  FPL and FPL Group Capital have continued to have access to commercial paper and short- and long-term credit and capital markets.  If capital and credit market conditions change, this could alter spending plans at FPL and NextEra Energy Resources.

Available Liquidity - At December 31, 2009, FPL Group's total net available liquidity was approximately $4.4 billion, of which FPL's portion was approximately $2.0 billion.  The components of each company's net available liquidity at December 31, 2009 were as follows:

                     
Maturity Date
   
FPL
   
FPL
Group
Capital
   
FPL
Group
Consoli-
dated
   
FPL
 
FPL Group
Capital
         
(millions)
               
                           
Bank revolving lines of credit (a)
  $ 2,473     $ 3,917     $ 6,390    
(b)
 
(b)
Less letters of credit
    (3 )     (492 )     (495 )        
      2,470       3,425       5,895          
                                 
Revolving term loan facility
    250       -       250       2011    
Less borrowings
    -       -       -            
      250       -       250            
                                   
Subtotal
    2,720       3,425       6,145            
                                   
Cash and cash equivalents
    83       155       238            
Less commercial paper
    (818 )     (1,202 )     (2,020 )          
                                   
Net available liquidity
  $ 1,985     $ 2,378     $ 4,363            
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Provide for the issuance of letters of credit up to $6,390 million ($2,473 million for FPL) and are available to support FPL's and FPL Group Capital's commercial paper programs and short-term borrowings and to provide additional liquidity in the event of a loss to the companies' or their subsidiaries' operating facilities (including, in the case of FPL, a transmission and distribution property loss), as well as for general corporate purposes.  FPL's bank revolving lines of credit are also available to support the purchase of $633 million of pollution control, solid waste disposal and industrial development revenue bonds (tax exempt bonds) in the event they are tendered by individual bond holders and not remarketed prior to maturity.
(b)
$17 million of FPL's and $40 million of FPL Group Capital's bank revolving lines of credit expire in 2012.  The remaining portion of bank revolving lines of credit for FPL and FPL Group Capital expire in 2013.


 
39

 

As of February 25, 2010, 37 banks participate in FPL's and FPL Group Capital's credit facilities and FPL's revolving term loan facility, with no one bank providing more than 8% of the combined credit facilities and FPL's revolving term loan facility.  In order for FPL Group Capital to borrow under the terms of its credit facility, FPL Group (which guarantees the payment of FPL Group Capital's credit facility pursuant to a 1998 guarantee agreement) is required to maintain a ratio of funded debt to total capitalization that does not exceed a stated ratio.  The FPL Group Capital credit facility also contains default and related acceleration provisions relating to, among other things, failure of FPL Group to maintain a ratio of funded debt to total capitalization at or below the specified ratio.  Similarly, in order for FPL to borrow under the terms of its credit facility and revolving term loan facility, FPL is required to maintain a ratio of funded debt to total capitalization that does not exceed a stated ratio.  The FPL credit facility and revolving term loan facility also contain default and related acceleration provisions relating to, among other things, failure of FPL to maintain a ratio of funded debt to total capitalization at or below the specified ratio.  At December 31, 2009, each of FPL Group and FPL was in compliance with its required ratio.

In January 2009, FPL Group entered into an agreement under which FPL Group may offer and sell, from time to time, FPL Group common stock having a gross sales price of up to $400 million.  During 2009, FPL Group received gross proceeds through the sale and issuance of common stock under this agreement of approximately $160 million consisting of 2,890,000 shares at an average price of $55.53 per share.

At December 31, 2009, FPL had the capacity to absorb up to approximately $198 million in future prudently incurred storm restoration costs without seeking recovery through a rate adjustment from the FPSC.  Also, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources has established an $80 million letter of credit facility which expires in 2017 and serves as security for certain obligations under commodity hedge agreements entered into by the subsidiary.

Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Guarantees - FPL Group and FPL obtain letters of credit and surety bonds, and issue guarantees to facilitate commercial transactions with third parties and financings.  At December 31, 2009, FPL Group had approximately $751 million of standby letters of credit ($14 million for FPL), approximately $95 million of surety bonds ($55 million for FPL) and approximately $8.9 billion notional amount of guarantees ($648 million for FPL), of which approximately $6.6 billion ($24 million for FPL) letters of credit and guarantees have expirations within the next five years.  An aggregate of approximately $495 million ($3 million for FPL) of the standby letters of credit at December 31, 2009 were issued under FPL's and FPL Group Capital's credit facilities.  See Available Liquidity above.  Letters of credit, surety bonds and guarantees support, among other things, the buying and selling of wholesale energy commodities, debt and related reserves, capital expenditures for wind development, nuclear activities, the commercial paper program of FPL's consolidated VIE from which it leases nuclear fuel and other contractual agreements.  Each of FPL Group and FPL believe it is unlikely that it would incur any liabilities associated with these letters of credit, surety bonds and guarantees.  Accordingly, at December 31, 2009, FPL Group and FPL did not have any liabilities recorded for these letters of credit, surety bonds and guarantees.  In addition, FPL Group has guaranteed certain payment obligations of FPL Group Capital, including most of its debt and all of its debentures and commercial paper issuances, as well as most of its payment guarantees, and FPL Group Capital has guaranteed certain debt and other obligations of NextEra Energy Resources and its subsidiaries.  See Note 14 - Commitments.  Due to fluctuations in the value of investments held in the nuclear decommissioning fund for Duane Arnold, the balance in that fund is at certain times below the NRC minimum funding requirement and could require posting of additional amounts to meet that requirement.  As required by the NRC, in November 2009, NextEra Energy Resources submitted its proposed plan to the NRC for providing financial assurance for decommissioning funding for Duane Arnold, including the proposed elimination of the existing $93 million parent company guaranty for decommissioning.  The ultimate amount of the guarantee for NextEra Energy Resources' decommissioning obligations for Duane Arnold, if any, could vary depending on the market performance of the investments held in the nuclear decommissioning fund and on the NRC's position on NextEra Energy Resources' proposed plan.

Shelf Registration - In August 2009, FPL Group, FPL Group Capital, FPL and certain affiliated trusts filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC for an unspecified amount of securities.  The amount of securities issuable by the companies is established from time to time by their respective boards of directors.  As of February 25, 2010, securities that may be issued under the registration statement, which became effective upon filing, include, depending on the registrant, senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities, junior subordinated debentures, first mortgage bonds, preferred trust securities, common stock, preferred stock, stock purchase contracts, stock purchase units, warrants and guarantees related to certain of those securities.  As of February 25, 2010, FPL Group and FPL Group Capital had approximately $1.7 billion (issuable by either or both of them up to such aggregate amount) of board-authorized available capacity, and FPL had $0.5 billion of board-authorized available capacity.

 
40

 

Credit Ratings - At February 25, 2010, Moody's, S&P and Fitch had assigned the following credit ratings to FPL Group, FPL and FPL Group Capital:

 
Moody's  (a)
 
S&P  (a)
 
Fitch  (a)
FPL Group: (b)
         
Corporate credit rating
A2
 
A
 
A
           
FPL: (b)
         
Corporate credit rating
A1
 
A
 
A
First mortgage bonds
Aa2
 
A
 
AA-
Pollution control, solid waste disposal and industrial development revenue bonds
VMIG-1
 
A
 
A+
Commercial paper
P-1
 
A-1
 
F1
           
FPL Group Capital: (b)
         
Corporate credit rating
A2
 
A
 
A
Debentures
A2
 
A-
 
A
Junior subordinated debentures
A3
 
BBB+
 
BBB+
Commercial paper
P-1
 
A-1
 
F1
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and should be evaluated independently of any other rating.  The rating is subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization.
(b)
In January 2010, FPL Group, FPL and FPL Group Capital were placed on a negative credit watch with the possibility of a credit ratings downgrade by each of Moody's, S&P and Fitch.

FPL Group and its subsidiaries, including FPL, have no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of outstanding debt.  A change in ratings is not an event of default under applicable debt instruments, and while there are conditions to drawing on the credit facilities maintained by FPL and FPL Group Capital, the maintenance of a specific minimum credit rating is not a condition to drawing on those credit facilities.  Commitment fees and interest rates on loans under the credit facilities' agreements are tied to credit ratings.  A ratings downgrade also could reduce the accessibility and increase the cost of commercial paper and other short-term debt issuances and additional or replacement credit facilities.  In addition, a ratings downgrade could result in the requirement that FPL Group subsidiaries, including FPL, post collateral under certain agreements, including those related to fuel procurement, power sales and purchases, nuclear decommissioning funding, debt-related reserves and trading activities.  If FPL's credit rating was downgraded by one or two levels, it would not be required to post additional collateral under these agreements.  If FPL Group Capital's credit rating was downgraded to BBB+/Baa1, which is a one level downgrade for S&P and a two level downgrade for Moody's and Fitch, FPL Group Capital would be required to post additional collateral of approximately $150 million.  FPL's and FPL Group Capital's bank revolving lines of credit are available to support the potential requirements discussed above.  See Available Liquidity above.

Cash Flow - The changes in cash and cash equivalents are summarized as follows:

 
FPL Group
 
FPL
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
 
(millions)
 
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 4,463     $ 3,403     $ 3,593     $ 2,871     $ 2,180     $ 2,163  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (5,935 )     (5,808 )     (4,578 )     (2,726 )     (2,427 )     (2,214 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    1,175       2,650       655       (182 )     304       50  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (297 )   $ 245     $ (330 )   $ (37 )   $ 57     $ (1 )

FPL Group's cash and cash equivalents decreased for the year ended December 31, 2009 reflecting capital investments by FPL and NextEra Energy Resources, the payment of common stock dividends to FPL Group shareholders and margin cash collateral provided to NextEra Energy Resources' counterparties.  These outflows were partially offset by cash generated by operating activities, net issuances of both long- and short-term debt and the issuance of common stock.

FPL Group's cash flows from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 reflect cash generated by net income and the overrecovery of fuel costs by FPL in 2009, as well as the recovery of prior period deferrals.  These inflows were partially offset by margin cash collateral provided to NextEra Energy Resources' counterparties as a result of changing energy prices.

 
41

 

FPL Group's cash flows from investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 reflect capital investments, including nuclear fuel purchases, of approximately $2.7 billion by FPL to expand and enhance its electric system and generating facilities to continue to provide reliable service to meet the power needs of present and future customers and investments in independent power projects of approximately $3.2 billion by NextEra Energy Resources.  FPL Group's cash flows from investing activities also include the cash grants under the Recovery Act, the receipt of funds from the spent fuel settlement agreement, the purchase and sale of restricted securities held in the special use funds, including the reinvestment of fund earnings and new contributions by NextEra Energy Resources, as well as other investment activity, primarily at FPL Group Capital.  In 2010, FPL Group expects to receive approximately $417 million ($44 million at FPL) in cash grants under the Recovery Act for energy projects placed in service in 2009.

During the year ended December 31, 2009, FPL Group generated proceeds from financing activities, net of related issuance costs, of approximately $3.6 billion, including a net increase in short-term debt of $154 million (comprised of $109 million and $45 million at FPL Group Capital and FPL, respectively), $198 million in proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily under FPL Group's continuous offering agreement (see Available Liquidity above), and the following long-term debt issuances and borrowings:

Date Issued
 
Company
 
Debt Issued
 
Interest
Rate
 
Principal
Amount
 
Maturity
Date(s)
               
(millions)
   
                       
January 2009
 
NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary
 
Canadian dollar denominated limited-recourse senior secured term loan
 
Variable
 
$
76
 
2023 (a)
January 2009
 
FPL Group Capital
 
Term loan
 
Variable
   
72
 
2011
March 2009
 
FPL Group Capital
 
Debentures
 
6.00%
   
500
 
2019
March 2009
 
FPL
 
First mortgage bonds
 
5.96%
   
500
 
2039
March 2009
 
FPL Group Capital
 
Junior subordinated debentures
 
8.75%
   
375
 
2069
March 2009
 
NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary
 
Limited-recourse senior secured notes
 
Variable
   
22
 
2016 (b)
May 2009
 
NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary
 
Limited-recourse senior secured term loan
 
Variable
   
343
 
2017 (b)
May 2009
 
FPL Group Capital
 
Debentures related to FPL Group's equity units
 
3.60%
   
350
 
2014
June 2009
 
FPL Group Capital
 
Japanese yen denominated term loan
 
Variable
   
146
 
2011
June 2009
 
FPL Group Capital
 
Term loan
 
Variable
   
50
 
2011
October 2009
 
FPL Group Capital subsidiary
 
Senior secured bonds
 
7.500%
   
500
 
2030 (b)(c)
November 2009
 
FPL Group Capital
 
Debentures
 
Variable
   
200
 
2012
December 2009
 
NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary
 
Limited-recourse senior secured term loan
 
Variable
   
130
 
2019 (b)
               
$
3,264
   
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Proceeds from this loan were used to repay a portion of the NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary's Canadian dollar denominated variable rate term loan maturing in 2011.  In March 2009, the remaining balance of the term loan maturing in 2011 was paid off.
(b)
Partially amortizing with a balloon payment at maturity.
(c)
Collateralized by a third-party note receivable held by a wholly-owned subsidiary of FPL Group Capital.

During the year ended December 31, 2009, FPL Group paid approximately $2.4 billion in connection with financing activities, including $725 million for FPL Group Capital debt maturities, $225 million for maturing FPL first mortgage bonds, approximately $441 million of NextEra Energy Resources' debt payments including principal prepayment on a term loan and principal payments, approximately $205 million of FPL Group Capital debt payments including principal prepayment on a term loan and repurchase of junior subordinated debentures, approximately $38 million principal payment on storm-recovery bonds and $766 million for the payment of dividends on FPL Group's common stock.  In February 2010, FPL issued $500 million principal amount of 5.69% first mortgage bonds maturing 2040.

In 2008, FPL entered into a reclaimed water agreement with Palm Beach County (PBC) to provide FPL's WCEC with reclaimed water beginning in January 2011.  Under the reclaimed water agreement, FPL is to construct a reclaimed water system, including modifications to an existing treatment plant and a water pipeline, that PBC will legally own and operate.  The reclaimed water agreement also requires PBC to issue bonds for the purpose of paying the costs associated with the construction of the reclaimed water system.  In July 2009, PBC issued approximately $68 million principal amount of bonds.  For financial reporting purposes, FPL is considered the owner of the reclaimed water system and FPL and FPL Group are recording electric utility plant in service and other property as costs are incurred and long-term debt as costs are eligible for reimbursement by PBC to FPL.  See Note 12.

During the year ended December 31, 2009, indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of NextEra Energy Resources and FPL Group Capital entered into interest rate swap agreements.  See Energy Marketing and Trading and Market Risk Sensitivity - Market Risk Sensitivity.

FPL Group's cash and cash equivalents increased for the year ended December 31, 2008, reflecting cash generated by operating activities and net issuances of both long- and short-term debt.  These inflows were partially offset by capital investments by FPL and NextEra Energy Resources, the payment of common stock dividends to FPL Group shareholders and the funding of a $500 million loan.

 
42

 

FPL Group's cash and cash equivalents decreased for the year ended December 31, 2007, reflecting capital investments by FPL and NextEra Energy Resources, the payment of common stock dividends to FPL Group shareholders and an increase in customer receivables.  These outflows were partially offset by cash generated by operating activities, net issuances of both long- and short-term debt, the sale of independent power investments, the return of margin cash collateral from counterparties and a distribution relating to an Indonesian project.

Contractual Obligations and Estimated Planned Capital Expenditures - FPL Group's and FPL's commitments at December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
(millions)
Long-term debt, including interest: (a)
                                         
FPL
$
335
 
$
339
 
$
341
 
$
732
 
$
323
   
$
10,314
(b)
$
12,384
NextEra Energy Resources
 
601
   
593
   
622
   
648
   
455
     
3,487
   
6,406
Corporate and Other
 
557
   
2,202
   
517
   
565
   
637
     
12,962
   
17,440
Purchase obligations:
                                         
FPL (c)
 
5,510
   
4,555
   
2,690
   
2,310
   
2,115
     
7,085
   
24,265
NextEra Energy Resources (d)
 
1,710
   
220
   
225
   
80
   
60
     
795
   
3,090
Asset retirement activities: (e)
                                         
FPL (f)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
     
11,797
   
11,797
NextEra Energy Resources (g)
 
-
   
-
   
2
   
-
   
-
     
7,343
   
7,345
Other Commitments:
                                         
NextEra Energy Resources (h)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
68
   
70
     
210
   
348
Total
$
8,713
 
$
7,909
 
$
4,397
 
$
4,403
 
$
3,660
   
$
53,993
 
$
83,075
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Includes principal, interest and interest rate swaps.  Variable rate interest was computed using December 31, 2009 rates.
(b)
Includes $633 million of tax exempt bonds that permit individual bond holders to tender the bonds for purchase at any time prior to maturity.  In the event bonds are tendered for purchase, they would be remarketed by a designated remarketing agent in accordance with the related indenture.  If the remarketing is unsuccessful, FPL would be required to purchase the tax exempt bonds.  As of December 31, 2009, all tax exempt bonds tendered for purchase have been successfully remarketed.  FPL's bank revolving lines of credit are available to support the purchase of tax exempt bonds.
(c)
Represents required capacity and minimum payments under long-term purchased power and fuel contracts, the majority of which are recoverable through various cost recovery clauses (see Note 14 - Contracts), and projected capital expenditures through 2014.  See Note 14 - Commitments.
(d)
Represents firm commitments primarily in connection with the purchase of wind turbines and towers, solar project components and related construction activities, natural gas transportation, purchase and storage, firm transmission service and nuclear fuel.  See Note 14 - Commitments and Contracts.
(e)
Represents expected cash payments adjusted for inflation for estimated costs to perform asset retirement activities.
(f)
At December 31, 2009, FPL had approximately $2,285 million in restricted funds for the payment of future expenditures to decommission FPL's nuclear units, which are included in FPL Group's and FPL's special use funds.
(g)
At December 31, 2009, NextEra Energy Resources' 88.23% portion of Seabrook's and 70% portion of Duane Arnold's and its Point Beach's restricted funds for the payment of future expenditures to decommission its nuclear units totaled approximately $982 million and are included in FPL Group's special use funds.
(h)
Represents estimated cash distributions related to certain membership interests.  See Note 10 - Sale of Differential Membership Interests.

Covenants - FPL Group's charter does not limit the dividends that may be paid on its common stock.  As a practical matter, the ability of FPL Group to pay dividends on its common stock is dependent upon, among other things, dividends paid to it by its subsidiaries.  During the first quarter of 2009, FPL Group increased the quarterly dividend on its common stock from $0.445 to $0.4725 per share.  In February 2010, FPL Group announced that it would increase the quarterly dividend on its common stock from $0.4725 to $0.50 per share.  FPL pays dividends to FPL Group in a manner consistent with FPL's long-term targeted capital structure.  The mortgage securing FPL's first mortgage bonds contains provisions which, under certain conditions, restrict the payment of dividends to FPL Group and the issuance of additional first mortgage bonds.  In light of FPL's current financial condition and level of earnings, management does not expect that planned financing activities or dividends would be affected by these limitations.

Under the mortgage, in some cases, the amount of retained earnings that FPL can use to pay cash dividends on its common stock is restricted.  The restricted amount may change based on factors set out in the mortgage.  Other than this restriction on the payment of common stock dividends, the mortgage does not restrict FPL's use of retained earnings.  As of December 31, 2009, no retained earnings were restricted by these provisions of the mortgage.

FPL may issue first mortgage bonds under its mortgage subject to its meeting an adjusted net earnings test set forth in the mortgage, which generally requires adjusted net earnings to be at least twice the annual interest requirements on, or at least 10% of the aggregate principal amount of, FPL's first mortgage bonds including those to be issued and any other non-junior FPL indebtedness.  As of December 31, 2009, after giving effect to the February 2010 issuance of the $500 million 5.69% first mortgage bonds maturing in 2040, coverage for the 12 months ended December 31, 2009 would have been approximately 6.2 times the annual interest requirements and approximately 3.6 times the aggregate principal requirements.  New first mortgage bonds are also limited to an amount equal to the sum of 60% of unfunded property additions after adjustments to offset property retirements, the amount of retired first mortgage bonds or qualified lien bonds and the amount of cash on deposit with the mortgage trustee.  As of December 31, 2009, after giving effect to the February 2010 issuance of the $500 million 5.69% first mortgage bonds maturing in 2040, FPL could have issued in excess of $7.4 billion of additional first mortgage bonds based on the unfunded property additions and in excess of $5.8 billion based on retired first mortgage bonds.  As of December 31, 2009, no cash was deposited with the mortgage trustee for these purposes.

 
43

 

In September 2006, FPL Group and FPL Group Capital executed a Replacement Capital Covenant (September 2006 RCC) in connection with FPL Group Capital's offering of $350 million principal amount of Series A Enhanced Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2066 and $350 million principal amount of Series B Enhanced Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2066 (collectively, Series A and Series B junior subordinated debentures).  The September 2006 RCC is for the benefit of persons that buy, hold or sell a specified series of long-term indebtedness (covered debt) of FPL Group Capital (other than the Series A and Series B junior subordinated debentures) or, in certain cases, of FPL Group.  FPL Group Capital Trust I's 5 7/8% Preferred Trust Securities have been initially designated as the covered debt under the September 2006 RCC.  The September 2006 RCC provides that FPL Group Capital may redeem, and FPL Group or FPL Group Capital may purchase, any Series A and Series B junior subordinated debentures on or before October 1, 2036, only to the extent that the redemption or purchase price does not exceed a specified amount of proceeds from the sale of qualifying securities, subject to certain limitations described in the September 2006 RCC.  Qualifying securities are securities that have equity-like characteristics that are the same as, or more equity-like than, the Series A and Series B junior subordinated debentures at the time of redemption or purchase, which are sold within 180 days prior to the date of the redemption or repurchase of the Series A and Series B junior subordinated debentures.

In June 2007, FPL Group and FPL Group Capital executed a Replacement Capital Covenant (June 2007 RCC) in connection with FPL Group Capital's offering of $400 million principal amount of its Series C Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2067 (Series C junior subordinated debentures).  The June 2007 RCC is for the benefit of persons that buy, hold or sell a specified series of covered debt of FPL Group Capital (other than the Series C junior subordinated debentures) or, in certain cases, of FPL Group. FPL Group Capital Trust I's 5 7/8% Preferred Trust Securities have been initially designated as the covered debt under the June 2007 RCC.  The June 2007 RCC provides that FPL Group Capital may redeem or purchase, or satisfy, discharge or defease (collectively, defease), and FPL Group and any majority-owned subsidiary of FPL Group or FPL Group Capital may purchase, any Series C junior subordinated debentures on or before June 15, 2037, only to the extent that the principal amount defeased or the applicable redemption or purchase price does not exceed a specified amount raised from the issuance, during the 180 days prior to the date of that redemption, purchase or defeasance, of qualifying securities that have equity-like characteristics that are the same as, or more equity-like than, the applicable characteristics of the Series C junior subordinated debentures at the time of redemption, purchase or defeasance, subject to certain limitations described in the June 2007 RCC.

In September 2007, FPL Group and FPL Group Capital executed a Replacement Capital Covenant (September 2007 RCC) in connection with FPL Group Capital's offering of $250 million principal amount of its Series D Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2067 and $350 million principal amount of Series E Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2067 (collectively, Series D and Series E junior subordinated debentures).  The September 2007 RCC is for the benefit of persons that buy, hold or sell a specified series of covered debt of FPL Group Capital (other than the Series D and Series E junior subordinated debentures) or, in certain cases, of FPL Group. FPL Group Capital Trust I's 5 7/8% Preferred Trust Securities have been initially designated as the covered debt under the September 2007 RCC.  The September 2007 RCC provides that FPL Group Capital may redeem, purchase, or defease, and FPL Group and any majority-owned subsidiary of FPL Group or FPL Group Capital may purchase, any Series D and Series E junior subordinated debentures on or before September 1, 2037, only to the extent that the principal amount defeased or the applicable redemption or purchase price does not exceed a specified amount raised from the issuance, during the 180 days prior to the date of that redemption, purchase or defeasance, of qualifying securities that have equity-like characteristics that are the same as, or more equity-like than, the applicable characteristics of the Series D and Series E junior subordinated debentures at the time of redemption, purchase or defeasance, subject to certain limitations described in the September 2007 RCC.

In March 2009, FPL Group and FPL Group Capital executed a Replacement Capital Covenant (March 2009 RCC) in connection with FPL Group Capital's offering of $375 million principal amount of its Series F Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2069.  The March 2009 RCC is for the benefit of persons that buy, hold or sell a specified series of covered debt of FPL Group Capital (other than the Series F junior subordinated debentures) or, in certain cases, of FPL Group. FPL Group Capital Trust I's 5 7/8% Preferred Trust Securities have been initially designated as the covered debt under the March 2009 RCC.  The March 2009 RCC provides that FPL Group Capital may redeem, purchase, or defease, and FPL Group and any majority-owned subsidiary of FPL Group or FPL Group Capital may purchase, any Series F junior subordinated debentures on or before March 1, 2039, only to the extent that the principal amount defeased or the applicable redemption or purchase price does not exceed a specified amount raised from the issuance, during the 180 days prior to the date of that redemption, purchase or defeasance, of qualifying securities that have equity-like characteristics that are the same as, or more equity-like than, the applicable characteristics of the Series F junior subordinated debentures at the time of redemption, purchase or defeasance, subject to certain limitations described in the March 2009 RCC.

New Accounting Rules and Interpretations

Variable Interest Entities - In 2009, new accounting guidance was issued which modifies the consolidation model in previous guidance and expands the required disclosures related to VIEs.  The new accounting guidance became effective on January 1, 2010.  FPL Group and FPL are currently evaluating the impact of the new accounting guidance.

 
44

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

FPL Group's and FPL's significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, which were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  Critical accounting policies are those that FPL Group and FPL believe are both most important to the portrayal of their financial condition and results of operations, and require complex, subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates and assumptions about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.  Judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions.

FPL Group and FPL consider the following policies to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing their consolidated financial statements:

Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities - FPL Group and FPL use derivative instruments (primarily swaps, options, futures and forwards) to manage the commodity price risk inherent in the purchase and sale of fuel and electricity, as well as interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with long-term debt.  In addition, FPL Group, through NextEra Energy Resources, uses derivatives to optimize the value of power generation assets.  NextEra Energy Resources provides full energy and capacity requirements services primarily to distribution utilities, which include load-following services and various ancillary services, in certain markets and engages in power and gas marketing and trading activities to take advantage of expected future favorable price movements.  Accounting pronouncements, which require the use of fair value accounting if certain conditions are met, apply not only to traditional financial derivative instruments, but to any contract having the accounting characteristics of a derivative.

Derivative instruments, when required to be marked to market, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value.  Fair values for some of the longer-term contracts where liquid markets are not available are based on internally developed models based on the forward prices for electricity and fuel.  Forward prices represent the price at which a buyer or seller could contract today to purchase or sell a commodity at a future date.  In general, the models estimate the fair value of a contract by calculating the present value of the difference between the contract price and the forward prices.  The near term forward market for electricity is generally liquid and therefore the prices in the early years of the forward curves reflect observable market quotes.  However, in the later years, the market is much less liquid and forward price curves must be developed using factors including the forward prices for the commodities used as fuel to generate electricity, the expected system heat rate (which measures the efficiency of power plants in converting fuel to electricity) in the region where the purchase or sale takes place, and a fundamental forecast of expected spot prices based on modeled supply and demand in the region.  The assumptions in these models are critical since any changes therein could have a significant impact on the fair value of the contract.  Substantially all changes in the fair value of derivatives held by FPL are deferred as a regulatory asset or liability until the contracts are settled.  Upon settlement, any gains or losses will be passed through the fuel or capacity clauses.  In FPL Group's non-rate regulated operations, predominantly NextEra Energy Resources, changes in derivative fair values are recognized in current earnings, unless the criteria for hedge accounting are met and the company elects to account for the derivative as a hedge.  For those transactions accounted for as cash flow hedges, much of the effects of changes in fair value are reflected in other comprehensive income (OCI), a component of common shareholders' equity, rather than being recognized in current earnings.  For those transactions accounted for as fair value hedges, the effects of changes in fair value are reflected in current earnings offset by changes in the fair value of the item being hedged.

Much of the existing accounting guidance related to derivatives focuses on when certain contracts for the purchase and sale of power and certain fuel supply contracts can be excluded from derivative accounting rules, however the guidance does not address all contract issues.  As a result, significant judgment must be used in applying derivatives accounting guidance to contracts.  In the event changes in interpretation occur, it is possible that contracts that currently are excluded from derivatives accounting rules would have to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value, with changes in the fair value recorded in the statement of income.

Certain economic hedging transactions at NextEra Energy Resources do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting treatment.  Changes in the fair value of those transactions are marked to market and reported in the statement of income, often resulting in earnings volatility.  These changes in fair value are captured in the non-qualifying hedge category in computing adjusted earnings.  This could be significant to NextEra Energy Resources' results because often the economic offset to the positions which are required to be marked to market (such as the physical assets from which power is generated) are not marked to market.  As a consequence, net income reflects only the movement in one part of economically linked transactions.  Because of this, FPL Group's management views results expressed excluding the unrealized mark-to-market impact of the non-qualifying hedges as a meaningful measure of current period performance.  For additional information regarding derivative instruments, see Note 3 and also see Energy Marketing and Trading and Market Risk Sensitivity.

 
45

 

Accounting for Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits -   FPL Group sponsors a qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plan for substantially all employees of FPL Group and its subsidiaries.  FPL Group also has a supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) which includes a non-qualified supplemental defined benefit pension component that provides benefits to a select group of management and highly compensated employees.  The impact of the SERP component is included within the pension plan as discussed below.  In addition to pension benefits, FPL Group sponsors a contributory postretirement plan for health care and life insurance benefits (other benefits plan) for retirees of FPL Group and its subsidiaries meeting certain eligibility requirements.  The qualified pension plan has a fully funded trust dedicated to providing the benefits under the plan.  The other benefits plan has a partially funded trust dedicated to providing benefits related to life insurance.  FPL Group allocates net periodic benefit income or cost associated with the pension and other benefits plans to its subsidiaries annually using specific criteria.

Effective December 31, 2006, FPL Group adopted new recognition and disclosure provisions regarding benefit plans which require recognition of the funded status of benefit plans in the balance sheet, with changes in the funded status recognized in comprehensive income within shareholders' equity in the year in which the changes occur.  In addition, effective December 31, 2008, the new provisions required FPL Group to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the fiscal year-end.  Prior to 2008, FPL Group used a measurement date of September 30.  In lieu of remeasuring plan assets and obligations as of January 1, 2008, FPL Group elected to calculate the net periodic benefit (income) cost for the fifteen-month period from September 30, 2007 to December 31, 2008 using the September 30, 2007 measurement date.  Upon adoption of the measurement date provisions, FPL Group recorded an adjustment to increase 2008 beginning retained earnings by approximately $13 million representing three-fifteenths of net periodic benefit (income) cost for the fifteen-month period from September 30, 2007 to December 31, 2008. Included in the adjustment to retained earnings is approximately $1 million related to the reduction in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and approximately $3 million related to the reduction in net regulatory liabilities.

Since FPL Group is the plan sponsor, and its subsidiaries do not have separate rights to the plan assets or direct obligations to their employees, the results of implementing the new accounting provisions are reflected at FPL Group and not allocated to the subsidiaries.  The portion of previously unrecognized actuarial gains and losses, prior service costs or credits and transition obligations related to the recognition provision that were estimated to be allocable to FPL as net periodic benefit (income) cost in future periods and that otherwise would have been recorded in AOCI were classified as regulatory assets and liabilities at FPL Group in accordance with regulatory treatment.  In addition, adjustments to AOCI as a result of implementing the measurement date provisions that were estimated to be allocable to FPL were recorded as an adjustment to the previously established regulatory assets and liabilities.

FPL Group's income from its pension plan, net of the cost of the other benefits plan, was approximately $75 million, $86 million and $69 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The corresponding amounts allocated to FPL were $50 million, $60 million and $51 million, respectively.  Pension income and the cost of the other benefits plan are included in O&M expenses, and are calculated using a number of actuarial assumptions.  Those assumptions include an expected long-term rate of return on qualified plan assets of 7.75% for all years for the pension plan and 8.00% for all years for the other benefits plan, assumed increases in salary of 4.00% for all years, and weighted-average discount rates of 6.90%, 6.25% and 5.85% for the pension plan and 6.90%, 6.35% and 5.90% for the other benefits plan for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Based on current health care costs (as related to other benefits), the projected 2010 trend assumption used to measure the expected cost of health care benefits covered by the plans for those under age 65 is 8.00% for medical and 8.50% for prescription drug benefits and for those age 65 and over is 7.50% for medical and 8.00% for prescription drug benefits.  These rates are assumed to decrease over the next 9 years for medical benefits and 11 years for prescription drug benefits to the ultimate trend rate of 5.50% and remain at that level thereafter.  The ultimate trend rate is assumed to be reached in 2018 for medical benefits and 2020 for prescription drug benefits.  In developing these assumptions, FPL Group evaluated input from its actuaries, as well as information available in the marketplace.  For the expected long-term rate of return on fund assets, FPL Group considered 10-year and 20-year historical median returns for a portfolio with an equity/bond asset mix similar to its funds, as well as its funds' historical compounded returns.  FPL Group also considered input from its actuaries and consultants, as well as information available in the marketplace.  FPL Group believes that 7.75% and 8.00% are reasonable long-term rates of return on its pension plan and other benefits plan assets, respectively.  FPL Group will continue to evaluate all of its actuarial assumptions, including its expected rate of return, at least annually, and will adjust them as necessary.

FPL Group bases its determination of pension and other benefits plan expense or income on a market-related valuation of assets, which reduces year-to-year volatility.  This market-related valuation recognizes investment gains or losses over a five-year period following the year in which they occur.  Investment gains or losses for this purpose are the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return realized on those assets.  Since the market-related value of assets recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future value of assets will be affected as previously deferred gains or losses are recognized.  Such gains and losses together with other differences between actual results and the estimates used in the actuarial valuations are deferred and recognized in determining pension and other benefits plan expense and income only to the extent they exceed 10% of the greater of projected benefit obligations or the market-related value of assets.

 
46

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net periodic benefit income of changing the critical actuarial assumptions discussed above, while holding all other assumptions constant:

     
Decrease in 2009
Net Periodic Benefit Income
 
Change in
Assumption
 
FPL Group
 
FPL
     
(millions)
           
Expected long-term rate of return
(0.5
)
%
 
$
16
   
$
11
 
Discount rate
(0.5
)
%
 
$
3
   
$
2
 
Salary increase
0.5
 
%
 
$
2
   
$
1
 
Health care cost trend rate (a)
1.0
 
%
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Assumed health care cost trend rates can have a significant effect on the amounts reported for postretirement plans providing health care benefits.  However, this effect is somewhat mitigated by the retiree cost sharing structure incorporated in FPL Group's other benefits plan.

The fair value of plan assets has increased from $2.5 billion at December 31, 2008 to $3.0 billion at December 31, 2009 for the pension plan and increased from $29 million at December 31, 2008 to $32 million at December 31, 2009 for the other benefits plan.  Management believes that, based on the actuarial assumptions and the well funded status of the pension plan, FPL Group will not be required to make any cash contributions to the qualified pension plan in the near future.  In December 2009, $29 million was transferred from the qualified pension plan as reimbursement for eligible retiree medical expenses paid by FPL Group during the year pursuant to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.  FPL Group anticipates paying approximately $29 million for eligible retiree medical expenses on behalf of the other benefits plan during 2010 with substantially all of that amount being reimbursed through a transfer of assets from the qualified pension plan.  See Note 2.

Carrying Value of Long-Lived Assets -   FPL Group evaluates on an ongoing basis the recoverability of its assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

An impairment loss is required to be recognized if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted future net cash flows associated with that asset.  The impairment loss to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds the asset's fair value.  In most instances, the fair value is determined by discounting estimated future cash flows using an appropriate interest rate.

The amount of future net cash flows, the timing of the cash flows and the determination of an appropriate interest rate all involve estimates and judgments about future events.  In particular, the aggregate amount of cash flows determines whether an impairment exists, and the timing of the cash flows is critical in determining fair value.  Because each assessment is based on the facts and circumstances associated with each long-lived asset, the effects of changes in assumptions cannot be generalized.

Nuclear Decommissioning and Fossil Dismantlement - FPL Group and FPL each account for asset retirement obligations and conditional asset retirement obligations (collectively, AROs) under accounting guidance that requires a liability for the fair value of an ARO be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if it can be reasonably estimated, with the offsetting associated asset retirement costs capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived assets.  See Note 1 - Asset Retirement Obligations, Note 1 - Decommissioning of Nuclear Plants, Dismantlement of Plants and Other Accrued Asset Removal Costs and Note 13.

For ratemaking purposes, FPL accrues and funds for nuclear plant decommissioning costs over the expected service life of each unit based on studies that are filed with the FPSC at least every five years.  The most recent studies, filed in 2005, indicate that FPL's portion of the future cost of decommissioning its four nuclear units, including spent fuel storage, is approximately $10.9 billion, or $2.4 billion in 2009 dollars.  The studies reflect, among other things, the 20-year license extensions of FPL's nuclear units.  At December 31, 2009, $2,597 million was accrued for nuclear decommissioning, of which $1,807 million was recorded as an ARO, $50 million was recorded as a capitalized net asset related to the ARO, $644 million was recorded as a regulatory liability and $196 million was included in accrued asset removal costs (a regulatory liability) on the consolidated balance sheets.

FPL accrues the cost of dismantling its fossil plants over the expected service life of each unit based on studies filed with the FPSC.  Unlike nuclear decommissioning, fossil dismantlement costs are not funded.  The most recent studies, which became effective January 1, 2010, indicated that FPL's portion of the ultimate cost to dismantle its fossil units is $894 million, or $467 million expressed in 2009 dollars.  The majority of the dismantlement costs are not considered AROs.  At December 31, 2009, $364 million was accrued for fossil dismantlement costs, of which $23 million was recorded as an ARO, $5 million was recorded as a capitalized net asset related to the ARO, $28 million was recorded as a regulatory liability and $318 million was included in accrued asset removal costs (a regulatory liability) on the consolidated balance sheets.

 
47

 

NextEra Energy Resources records a liability for the present value of its expected decommissioning costs which is determined using various internal and external data.  NextEra Energy Resources' portion of the ultimate cost of decommissioning its nuclear plants, including costs associated with spent fuel storage, is estimated to be approximately $6.6 billion, or $1.6 billion expressed in 2009 dollars.  The liability is being accreted using the interest method through the date decommissioning activities are expected to be complete.  At December 31, 2009, the ARO for nuclear decommissioning of NextEra Energy Resources' nuclear plants totaled approximately $518 million.

The calculation of the future cost of retiring long-lived assets, including nuclear decommissioning and fossil dismantlement costs, involves estimating the amount and timing of future expenditures and making judgments concerning whether or not such costs are considered a legal obligation.  Estimating the amount and timing of future expenditures includes, among other things, making projections of when assets will be retired and how costs will escalate with inflation.  In addition, FPL Group and FPL also make interest rate and rate of return projections on their investments in determining recommended funding requirements for nuclear decommissioning costs.  Periodically, FPL Group and FPL will be required to update these estimates and projections which can affect the annual expense amounts recognized, the liabilities recorded and the annual funding requirements for nuclear decommissioning costs.  For example, an increase of 0.25% in the assumed escalation rates would increase FPL Group's and FPL's ARO as of December 31, 2009 by $235 million and $183 million, respectively.

Regulatory Accounting -   Accounting guidance allows regulators to create assets and impose liabilities that would not be recorded by non-rate regulated entities.  Regulatory assets and liabilities represent probable future revenues that will be recovered from or refunded to customers through the ratemaking process.  If FPL were no longer subject to cost-based rate regulation, the existing regulatory assets and liabilities would be written off unless regulators specify an alternative means of recovery or refund.  In addition, the FPSC has the authority to disallow recovery of costs that it considers excessive or imprudently incurred.  Such costs may include, among others, fuel and O&M expenses, the cost of replacing power lost when fossil and nuclear units are unavailable, storm restoration costs and costs associated with the construction or acquisition of new facilities.  The continued applicability of regulatory accounting is assessed at each reporting period.

FPL Group's and FPL's regulatory assets and liabilities are as follows:

   
FPL Group
   
FPL
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Regulatory assets:
 
(millions)
 
Current:
                       
Deferred clause and franchise expenses
  $ 69     $ 248     $ 69     $ 248  
Securitized storm-recovery costs
  $ 69     $ 64     $ 69     $ 64  
Derivatives
  $ 68     $ 1,109     $ 68     $ 1,109  
Pension
  $ -     $ 19     $ -     $ -  
Other
  $ 3     $ 4     $ -     $ -  
                                 
Noncurrent:
                               
Securitized storm-recovery costs
  $ 644     $ 697     $ 644     $ 697  
Deferred clause expenses
  $ -     $ 79     $ -     $ 79  
Pension
  $ -     $ 100     $ -     $ -  
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt
  $ 29     $ 32     $ 29     $ 32  
Other
  $ 236     $ 138     $ 185     $ 133  
                                 
Regulatory liabilities:
                               
Current:
                               
Deferred clause and franchise revenues
  $ 377     $ 11     $ 377     $ 11  
Pension
  $ 2     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                 
Noncurrent:
                               
Accrued asset removal costs
  $ 2,251     $ 2,142     $ 2,251     $ 2,142  
Asset retirement obligation regulatory expense difference
  $ 671     $ 520     $ 671     $ 520  
Pension
  $ 16     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Other
  $ 244     $ 218     $ 244     $ 218  

See Note 1 for a discussion of FPL Group's and FPL's other significant accounting policies.

 
48

 

Energy Marketing and Trading and Market Risk Sensitivity

Energy Marketing and Trading - Certain of FPL Group's subsidiaries, including FPL and NextEra Energy Resources, use derivative instruments (primarily swaps, options, futures and forwards) to manage the commodity price risk inherent in the purchase and sale of fuel and electricity.  In addition, FPL Group, through NextEra Energy Resources, uses derivatives to optimize the value of power generation assets.  NextEra Energy Resources provides full energy and capacity requirements services primarily to distribution utilities, which include load-following services and various ancillary services, in certain markets and engages in power and gas marketing and trading activities to take advantage of expected future favorable price movements.

Derivative instruments, when required to be marked to market, are recorded on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability measured at fair value.  At FPL, substantially all changes in fair value are deferred as a regulatory asset or liability until the contracts are settled, and, upon settlement, any gains or losses are passed through the fuel clause or the capacity clause.  For FPL Group's non-rate regulated operations, predominantly NextEra Energy Resources, essentially all changes in the derivatives' fair value for power purchases and sales and trading activities are recognized on a net basis in operating revenues; fuel purchases and sales are recognized on a net basis in fuel, purchased power and interchange expense; and the equity method investees' related activity is recognized in equity in earnings of equity method investees in FPL Group's consolidated statements of income unless hedge accounting is applied.  See Note 3.

The changes in the fair value of FPL Group's consolidated subsidiaries' energy contract derivative instruments were as follows:

         
Hedges on Owned Assets
       
   
Trading
   
Non-
Qualifying
   
OCI
   
FPL Cost
Recovery
Clauses
   
FPL
Group
Total
 
   
(millions)
 
                               
Fair value of contracts outstanding at December 31, 2007
  $ 2     $ (138 )   $ (109 )   $ (119 )   $ (364 )
Reclassification to realized at settlement of contracts
    20       (30 )     147       (658 )     (521 )
Effective portion of changes in fair value recorded in OCI
    -       -       76       -       76  
Ineffective portion of changes in fair value recorded in earnings
    -       25       -       -       25  
Changes in fair value excluding reclassification to realized
    34       286       -       (331 )     (11 )
Fair value of contracts outstanding at December 31, 2008
    56       143       114       (1,108 )     (795 )
Reclassification to realized at settlement of contracts
    (160 )     (208 )     (180 )     1,734       1,186  
Effective portion of changes in fair value recorded in OCI
    -       -       197       -       197  
Ineffective portion of changes in fair value recorded in earnings
    -       28       -       -       28  
Changes in fair value excluding reclassification to realized
    143       163       -       (690 )     (384 )
Fair value of contracts outstanding at December 31, 2009
    39       126       131       (64 )     232  
Net option premium payments (receipts)
    (5 )     16       -       -       11  
Net margin cash collateral paid
                                    70  
Total mark-to-market energy contract net assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2009
  $ 34     $ 142     $ 131     $ (64 )   $ 313  

FPL Group's total mark-to-market energy contract net assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2009 shown above are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 
December 31,
2009
 
(millions)
   
Current derivative assets
 
$
357
 
Noncurrent other assets
   
264
 
Current derivative liabilities
   
(170
)
Noncurrent derivative liabilities
   
(138
)
FPL Group's total mark-to-market energy contract net liabilities
 
$
313
 


 
49

 

The sources of fair value estimates and maturity of energy contract derivative instruments at December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 
Maturity
 
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
 
(millions)
 
Trading:
   
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
$
(152
)
$
(6
)
$
(22
)
$
(17
)
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
(197
)
Significant other observable inputs
 
(24
)
 
(33
)
 
(11
)
 
11
   
-
   
-
   
(57
)
Significant unobservable inputs
 
179
   
68
   
38
   
4
   
(1
)
 
-
   
288
 
Total
 
3
   
29
   
5
   
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
-
   
34
 
                                           
Owned Assets - Non-Qualifying:
                                         
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
 
33
   
(11
)
 
(7
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
15
 
Significant other observable inputs
 
30
   
23
   
30
   
(4
)
 
(8
)
 
(8
)
 
63
 
Significant unobservable inputs
 
25
   
21
   
6
   
4
   
4
   
4
   
64
 
Total
 
88
   
33
   
29
   
-
   
(4
)
 
(4
)
 
142
 
                                           
Owned Assets - OCI:
                                         
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
 
24
   
24
   
11
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
59
 
Significant other observable inputs
 
70
   
7
   
(5
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
72
 
Significant unobservable inputs
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Total
 
94
   
31
   
6
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
131
 
                                           
Owned Assets - FPL Cost Recovery Clauses:
                                         
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Significant other observable inputs
 
(75
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(75
)
Significant unobservable inputs
 
7
   
4
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
11
 
Total
 
(68
)
 
4
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(64
)
                                           
Total sources of fair value
$
117
 
$
97
 
$
40
 
$
(2
)
$
(5
)
$
(4
)
$
243
 

Market Risk Sensitivity - Financial instruments and positions affecting the financial statements of FPL Group and FPL described below are held primarily for purposes other than trading.  Market risk is measured as the potential loss in fair value resulting from hypothetical reasonably possible changes in commodity prices, interest rates, equity prices or currency exchange rates over the next year.  In 2008, FPL Group Capital entered into a cross currency basis swap to hedge against currency movements with respect to both interest and principal payments on a loan and, in June 2009, FPL Group Capital entered into a cross currency swap to hedge against currency and interest rate movements with respect to both interest and principal payments on a loan.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the fair value of these cross currency swaps was not material.  Management has established risk management policies to monitor and manage market risks.  With respect to commodities, FPL Group's Exposure Management Committee (EMC), which is comprised of certain members of senior management, is responsible for the overall approval of market risk management policies and the delegation of approval and authorization levels.  The EMC receives periodic updates on market positions and related exposures, credit exposures and overall risk management activities.

FPL Group and its subsidiaries are also exposed to credit risk through their energy marketing and trading operations.  Credit risk is the risk that a financial loss will be incurred if a counterparty to a transaction does not fulfill its financial obligation.  FPL Group manages counterparty credit risk for its subsidiaries with energy marketing and trading operations through established policies, including counterparty credit limits, and in some cases credit enhancements, such as cash prepayments, letters of credit, cash and other collateral and guarantees.  Credit risk is also managed through the use of master netting agreements.  FPL Group's credit department monitors current and forward credit exposure to counterparties and their affiliates, both on an individual and an aggregate basis.

Commodity price risk - FPL Group uses a value-at-risk (VaR) model to measure market risk in its trading and mark-to-market portfolios.  The VaR is the estimated nominal loss of market value based on a one-day holding period at a 95% confidence level using historical simulation methodology.  As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the VaR figures are as follows:

 
Trading
 
Non-Qualifying Hedges
and Hedges in OCI and
FPL Cost Recovery Clauses  (a)
 
Total
 
FPL
 
NextEra
Energy
Resources
 
FPL
Group
 
FPL
 
NextEra
Energy
Resources
 
FPL
Group
 
FPL
 
NextEra
Energy
Resources
 
FPL
Group
                           
(millions)
                       
                                                         
December 31, 2008
$
-
 
$
5
   
$
5
 
$
86
 
$
54
   
$
31
 
$
86
 
$
58
   
$
30
December 31, 2009
$
-
 
$
2
   
$
2
 
$
61
 
$
51
   
$
25
 
$
61
 
$
51
   
$
25
                                                           
Average for the period ended December 31, 2009
$
-
 
$
5
   
$
5
 
$
56
 
$
42
   
$
24
 
$
56
 
$
45
   
$
24
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Non-qualifying hedges are employed to reduce the market risk exposure to physical assets or contracts which are not marked to market.  The VaR figures for the non-qualifying hedges and hedges in OCI and FPL cost recovery clauses category do not represent the economic exposure to commodity price movements.

Interest rate risk - FPL Group and FPL are exposed to risk resulting from changes in interest rates as a result of their respective issuances of debt, investments in special use funds and other investments.  FPL Group and FPL manage their respective interest rate exposure by monitoring current interest rates, entering into interest rate swaps and adjusting their variable rate debt in relation to total capitalization.

 
50

 

The following are estimates of the fair value of FPL Group's and FPL's financial instruments:

 
December 31, 2009
 
December 31, 2008
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
         
(millions)
       
FPL Group:
                       
Fixed income securities:
                       
Special use funds
$
1,685
 
$
1,685
(a)
$
1,867
 
$
1,867
(a)
Other investments
$
104
 
$
104
(a)
$
105
 
$
105
(a)
Long-term debt, including current maturities
$
16,869
 
$
17,256
(b)
$
15,221
 
$
15,152
(b)
Interest rate swaps - net unrealized losses
$
(17
)
$
(17
) (c)
$
(78
)
$
(78
) (c)
                         
FPL:
                       
Fixed income securities - special use funds
$
1,384
 
$
1,384
(a)
$
1,510
 
$
1,510
(a)
Long-term debt, including current maturities
$
5,836
 
$
6,055
(b)
$
5,574
 
$
5,652
(b)
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Based on quoted market prices for these or similar issues.
(b)
Based on market prices provided by external sources.
(c)
Based on market prices modeled internally.

The special use funds of FPL Group and FPL consist of restricted funds set aside to cover the cost of storm damage for FPL and for the decommissioning of FPL Group's and FPL's nuclear power plants.  A portion of these funds is invested in fixed income debt securities carried at their market value.  At FPL, adjustments to market value result in a corresponding adjustment to the related liability accounts based on current regulatory treatment.  The market value adjustments of FPL Group's non-rate regulated operations result in a corresponding adjustment to OCI, except for impairments deemed to be other than temporary which are reported in current period earnings.  Because the funds set aside by FPL for storm damage could be needed at any time, the related investments are generally more liquid and, therefore, are less sensitive to changes in interest rates.  The nuclear decommissioning funds, in contrast, are generally invested in longer-term securities, as decommissioning activities are not scheduled to begin until at least 2014 (2032 at FPL).

FPL Group and its subsidiaries use a combination of fixed rate and variable rate debt to manage interest rate exposure.  Interest rate swaps are used to mitigate and adjust interest rate exposure when deemed appropriate based upon market conditions or when required by financing agreements.  At December 31, 2009, the estimated fair value for FPL Group's interest rate swaps was as follows:

Notional
Amount
 
Effective
Date
 
Maturity
Date
 
Rate
Paid
 
Rate
Received
 
Estimated
Fair Value
(millions)
                   
(millions)
               
Fair value hedge - FPL Group Capital:
                     
$
300
   
June 2008
 
September 2011
 
Variable
(a)
5.625
%
   
$
14
 
Cash flow hedges - NextEra Energy Resources:
                   
$
52
   
December 2003
 
December 2017
 
4.245
%
Variable
(b)
     
(2
)
$
17
   
April 2004
 
December 2017
 
3.845
%
Variable
(b)
     
(1
)
$
169
   
December 2005
 
November 2019
 
4.905
%
Variable
(b)
     
(12
)
$
430
   
January 2007
 
January 2022
 
5.390
%
Variable
(c)
     
(38
)
$
121
   
January 2008
 
September 2011
 
3.2050
%
Variable
(b)
     
(4
)
$
348
   
January 2009
 
December 2016
 
2.680
%
Variable
(b)
     
8
 
$
124
   
January 2009 (d)
 
December 2023
 
3.725
%
Variable
(b)
     
4
 
$
85
   
January 2009
 
December 2023
 
2.578
%
Variable
(e)
     
6
 
$
20
   
March 2009
 
December 2016
 
2.655
%
Variable
(b)
     
-
 
$
7
   
March 2009 (d)
 
December 2023
 
3.960
%
Variable
(b)
     
-
 
$
333
   
May 2009
 
May 2017
 
3.015
%
Variable
(b)
     
4
 
$
106
   
May 2009 (d)
 
May 2024
 
4.663
%
Variable
(b)
     
2
 
$
128
   
December 2009
 
December 2019
 
3.830
%
Variable
(b)
     
2
 
$
52
   
December 2009 (d)
 
September 2021
 
5.500
%
Variable
(b)
     
-
 
Total cash flow hedges
     
(31
)
Total interest rate swaps
   
$
(17
)
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Three-month LIBOR plus 1.18896%.
(b)
Three-month LIBOR.
(c)
Six-month LIBOR.
(d)
Exchange of payments does not begin until December 2016, December 2016, May 2017 and December 2019, respectively.
(e)
Three-month Banker's Acceptance Rate.

Based upon a hypothetical 10% decrease in interest rates, which is a reasonable near-term market change, the net fair value of FPL Group's net liabilities would increase by approximately $828 million ($325 million for FPL) at December 31, 2009.

 
51

 

Equity price risk - Included in the nuclear decommissioning reserve funds of FPL Group are marketable equity securities carried at their market value of approximately $1,705 million and $1,080 million ($1,024 million and $648 million for FPL) at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  A hypothetical 10% decrease in the prices quoted by stock exchanges, which is a reasonable near-term market change, would result in a $157 million ($94 million for FPL) reduction in fair value and corresponding adjustments to the related liability accounts based on current regulatory treatment for FPL, or adjustments to OCI for FPL Group's non-rate regulated operations, at December 31, 2009.

Credit risk - For all derivative and contractual transactions, FPL Group's energy marketing and trading operations, which includes FPL's energy marketing and trading division, are exposed to losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to these transactions.  Relevant considerations when assessing FPL Group's energy marketing and trading operations' credit risk exposure include:

·  
Operations are primarily concentrated in the energy industry.

·  
Trade receivables and other financial instruments are predominately with energy, utility and financial services related companies, as well as municipalities, cooperatives and other trading companies in the United States.

·  
Overall credit risk is managed through established credit policies.

·  
Prospective and existing customers are reviewed for creditworthiness based upon established standards, with customers not meeting minimum standards providing various credit enhancements or secured payment terms, such as letters of credit or the posting of margin cash collateral.

·  
The use of master netting agreements to offset cash and non-cash gains and losses arising from derivative instruments with the same counterparty.  FPL Group's policy is to have master netting agreements in place with significant counterparties.

Based on FPL Group's policies and risk exposures related to credit, FPL Group and FPL do not anticipate a material adverse effect on their financial positions as a result of counterparty nonperformance.  As of December 31, 2009, approximately 98% of FPL Group's and 100% of FPL's energy marketing and trading counterparty credit risk exposure is associated with companies that have investment grade credit ratings.

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

See Management's Discussion - Energy Marketing and Trading and Market Risk Sensitivity - Market Risk Sensitivity.


 
52

 

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

FPL Group, Inc.'s (FPL Group) and Florida Power & Light Company's (FPL) management are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The consolidated financial statements, which in part are based on informed judgments and estimates made by management, have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.

To aid in carrying out this responsibility, we, along with all other members of management, maintain a system of internal accounting control which is established after weighing the cost of such controls against the benefits derived.  In the opinion of management, the overall system of internal accounting control provides reasonable assurance that the assets of FPL Group and FPL and their subsidiaries are safeguarded and that transactions are executed in accordance with management's authorization and are properly recorded for the preparation of financial statements.  In addition, management believes the overall system of internal accounting control provides reasonable assurance that material errors or irregularities would be prevented or detected on a timely basis by employees in the normal course of their duties.  Any system of internal accounting control, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility that controls can be circumvented or overridden and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.  Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time.  Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and reporting.

The system of internal accounting control is supported by written policies and guidelines, the selection and training of qualified employees, an organizational structure that provides an appropriate division of responsibility and a program of internal auditing.  FPL Group's written policies include a Code of Business Conduct & Ethics that states management's policy on conflict of interest and ethical conduct.  Compliance with the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics is confirmed annually by key personnel.

The Board of Directors pursues its oversight responsibility for financial reporting and accounting through its Audit Committee.  This Committee, which is comprised entirely of outside directors, meets regularly with management, the internal auditors and the independent auditors to make inquiries as to the manner in which the responsibilities of each are being discharged.  The independent auditors and the internal audit staff have free access to the Committee without management's presence to discuss auditing, internal accounting control and financial reporting matters.

Management assessed the effectiveness of FPL Group's and FPL's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework.  Based on this assessment, management believes that FPL Group's and FPL's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2009.

FPL Group's and FPL's independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, is engaged to express an opinion on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated financial statements and an opinion on FPL Group's and FPL's internal control over financial reporting.  Their reports are based on procedures believed by them to provide a reasonable basis to support such opinions.  These reports appear on the following pages.



LEWIS HAY, III
 
ARMANDO PIMENTEL, JR.
Lewis Hay, III
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FPL Group
and Chairman of FPL
 
Armando Pimentel, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief
Financial Officer of FPL Group and FPL



ARMANDO J. OLIVERA
 
K. MICHAEL DAVIS
Armando J. Olivera
President and Chief Executive Officer of FPL
 
K. Michael Davis
Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
of FPL Group and Vice President,
Accounting and Chief Accounting Officer of FPL


 
53

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
  FPL Group, Inc. and Florida Power & Light Company:

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of FPL Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (FPL Group) and Florida Power & Light Company and subsidiaries (FPL) as of   December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. FPL Group's and FPL’s management are responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for their assessments of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on FPL Group’s and FPL’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, FPL Group and FPL maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009 of FPL Group and FPL and our report dated February 25, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Certified Public Accountants

Miami, Florida
February 25, 2010


 
54

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
  FPL Group, Inc. and Florida Power & Light Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FPL Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (FPL Group) and the separate consolidated balance sheets of Florida Power & Light Company and subsidiaries (FPL) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, FPL Group’s common shareholders' equity, FPL’s common shareholder’s equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009. These financial statements are the responsibility of the respective company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of FPL Group and FPL at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the respective results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), FPL Group’s and FPL’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on FPL Group’s and FPL’s internal control over financial reporting.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Certified Public Accountants

Miami, Florida
February 25, 2010


 
55

 

FPL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(millions, except per share amounts)



   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
OPERATING REVENUES
  $ 15,643     $ 16,410     $ 15,263  
                         
OPERATING EXPENSES
                       
Fuel, purchased power and interchange
    7,405       8,412       8,192  
Other operations and maintenance
    2,649       2,527       2,318  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,765       1,442       1,335  
Taxes other than income taxes and other
    1,230       1,204       1,135  
Total operating expenses
    13,049       13,585       12,980  
                         
OPERATING INCOME
    2,594       2,825       2,283  
                         
OTHER INCOME (DEDUCTIONS)
                       
Interest expense
    (849 )     (813 )     (762 )
Equity in earnings of equity method investees
    52       93       68  
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    53       35       23  
Interest income
    78       72       89  
Gains on disposal of assets - net
    60       18       2  
Other than temporary impairment losses on securities held in nuclear decommissioning funds
    (58 )     (148 )     (10 )
Other - net
    12       7       (13 )
Total other deductions - net
    (652 )     (736 )     (603 )
                         
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    1,942       2,089       1,680  
                         
INCOME TAXES
    327       450       368  
                         
NET INCOME
  $ 1,615     $ 1,639     $ 1,312  
                         
Earnings per share of common stock:
                       
Basic
  $ 3.99     $ 4.10     $ 3.30  
Assuming dilution
  $ 3.97     $ 4.07     $ 3.27  
                         
Dividends per share of common stock
  $ 1.89     $ 1.78     $ 1.64  
                         
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
    404.4       400.1       397.7  
Assuming dilution
    407.2       402.7       400.6  












The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


 
56

 

FPL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(millions)

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
           
Electric utility plant in service and other property
  $ 46,330     $ 41,638  
Nuclear fuel
    1,414       1,260  
Construction work in progress
    2,425       2,630  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (14,091 )     (13,117 )
Total property, plant and equipment - net
    36,078       32,411  
                 
CURRENT ASSETS
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    238       535  
Customer receivables, net of allowances of $23 and $29, respectively
    1,431       1,443  
Other receivables, net of allowances of $1 and $2, respectively
    816       264  
Materials, supplies and fossil fuel inventory
    877       968  
Regulatory assets:
               
Deferred clause and franchise expenses
    69       248  
Securitized storm-recovery costs
    69       64  
Derivatives
    68       1,109  
Pension
    -       19  
Other
    3       4  
Derivatives
    357       433  
Other
    409       305  
Total current assets
    4,337       5,392  
                 
OTHER ASSETS
               
Special use funds
    3,390       2,947  
Other investments
    935       923  
Prepaid benefit costs
    1,184       914  
Regulatory assets:
               
Securitized storm-recovery costs
    644       697  
Deferred clause expenses
    -       79  
Pension
    -       100  
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt
    29       32  
Other
    236       138  
Other
    1,625       1,188  
Total other assets
    8,043       7,018  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 48,458     $ 44,821  
                 
CAPITALIZATION
               
Common shareholders' equity
  $ 12,967     $ 11,681  
Long-term debt
    16,300       13,833  
Total capitalization
    29,267       25,514  
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Commercial paper
    2,020       1,835  
Notes payable
    -       30  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    569       1,388  
Accounts payable
    992       1,062  
Customer deposits
    613       575  
Accrued interest and taxes
    466       374  
Regulatory liabilities:
               
Deferred clause and franchise revenues
    377       11  
Pension
    2       -  
Derivatives
    221       1,300  
Other
    1,189       1,114  
Total current liabilities
    6,449       7,689  
                 
OTHER LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS
               
Asset retirement obligations
    2,418       2,283  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    4,860       4,231  
Regulatory liabilities:
               
Accrued asset removal costs
    2,251       2,142  
Asset retirement obligation regulatory expense difference
    671       520  
Pension
    16       -  
Other
    244       218  
Derivatives
    170       218  
Other
    2,112       2,006  
Total other liabilities and deferred credits
    12,742       11,618  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
               
                 
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
  $ 48,458     $ 44,821  

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


 
57

 

FPL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(millions)

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
Net income
  $ 1,615     $ 1,639     $ 1,312  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    1,765       1,442       1,335  
Nuclear fuel amortization
    239       201       144  
Unrealized (gains) losses on marked to market energy contracts
    59       (337 )     134  
Deferred income taxes
    273       569       402  
Cost recovery clauses and franchise fees
    624       (111 )     (75 )
Change in prepaid option premiums and derivative settlements
    (11 )     (12 )     159  
Equity in earnings of equity method investees
    (52 )     (93 )     (68 )
Distributions of earnings from equity method investees
    69       124       175  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Customer receivables
    18       49       (216 )
Other receivables
    (13 )     (26 )     (14 )
Materials, supplies and fossil fuel inventory
    85       (106 )     (14 )
Other current assets
    9       (31 )     (14 )
Other assets
    (103 )     (166 )     (100 )
Accounts payable
    (86 )     (120 )     63  
Customer deposits
    38       37       29  
Margin cash collateral
    (110 )     49       86  
Income taxes
    8       (17 )     (75 )
Interest and other taxes
    22       30       49  
Other current liabilities
    (45 )     189       113  
Other liabilities
    (5 )     (61 )     (52 )
Other - net
    64       154       220  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    4,463       3,403       3,593  
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Capital expenditures of FPL
    (2,522 )     (2,234 )     (1,826 )
Independent power investments
    (3,068 )     (2,715 )     (2,852 )
Cash grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
    100       -       -  
Funds received from the spent fuel settlement agreement
    86       -       -  
Nuclear fuel purchases
    (362 )     (247 )     (310 )
Other capital expenditures
    (54 )     (40 )     (31 )
Sale of independent power investments
    15       25       700  
Loan repayments and capital distributions from equity method investees
    -       -       11  
Proceeds from sale of securities in special use funds
    4,592       2,235       2,211  
Purchases of securities in special use funds
    (4,710 )     (2,315 )     (2,440 )
Proceeds from sale of other securities
    773       28       138  
Purchases of other securities
    (782 )     (84 )     (156 )
Funding of loan
    -       (500 )     -  
Other - net
    (3 )     39       (23 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (5,935 )     (5,808 )     (4,578 )
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Issuances of long-term debt
    3,220       3,827       3,199  
Retirements of long-term debt
    (1,635 )     (1,358 )     (1,866 )
Net change in short-term debt
    154       848       (80 )
Issuances of common stock
    198       41       46  
Dividends on common stock
    (766 )     (714 )     (654 )
Change in funds held for storm-recovery bond payments
    5       -       (42 )
Other - net
    (1 )     6       52  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    1,175       2,650       655  
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (297 )     245       (330 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    535       290       620  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 238     $ 535     $ 290  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
                       
Cash paid for interest (net of amount capitalized)
  $ 805     $ 764     $ 686  
Cash paid for income taxes - net
  $ 61     $ 4     $ 46  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Assumption of debt in connection with the purchase of independent power projects
  $ -     $ 31     $ 55  


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


 
58

 

FPL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(millions)

   
 
Common Stock (a)
 
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
 
Unearned
ESOP
Compensation
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss) (b)
 
 
 
Retained
Earnings
 
 
Common
Shareholders'
Equity
   
 
Shares
 
Aggregate
Par Value
                                                     
Balances, December 31, 2006
 
405
 
$
4
 
$
4,680
   
$
(125
)
   
$
115
   
$
5,256
   
$
9,930
 
Net income
 
-
   
-
   
-
     
-
       
-
     
1,312
         
Issuances of common stock, net of issuance cost of less than $1
 
1
   
-
   
33
     
3
       
-
     
-
         
Exercise of stock options and other incentive plan activity
 
1
   
-
   
59
     
-
       
-
     
-
         
Dividends on common stock
 
-
   
-
   
-
     
-
       
-
     
(654
)
       
Earned compensation under ESOP
 
-
   
-
   
27
     
8
       
-
     
-
         
Other comprehensive loss
 
-
   
-
   
-
     
-
       
(44
)
   
-
         
Defined benefit pension and other benefits plans
 
-
   
-
   
-
     
-
       
45
     
-
         
Implementation of new accounting rules
 
-
   
-
   
(15
)
   
-
       
-
     
31
         
Balances, December 31, 2007
 
407
(c)
 
4
   
4,784
     
(114
)
     
116
     
5,945
   
$
10,735
 
Net income
 
-
   
-
   
-
     
-
       
-
     
1,639
         
Issuances of common stock, net of issuance cost of less than $1
 
1
   
-
   
38
     
4
       
-
     
-
         
Exercise of stock options and other incentive plan activity
 
1
   
-
   
53
     
-
       
-
     
-
         
Dividends on common stock
 
-
   
-
   
-
     
-
       
-
     
(714
)
       
Earned compensation under ESOP
 
-
   
-
   
30
     
10
       
-
     
-
         
Other comprehensive income
 
-
   
-
   
-
     
-
       
40
     
-
         
Defined benefit pension and other benefits plans
 
-
   
-
   
-
     
-
       
(167
)
   
-
         
Implementation of new accounting rules
 
-
   
-
   
-
     
-
       
(2
)
   
15
         
Balances, December 31, 2008
 
409
(c)
 
4
   
4,905
     
(100
)
     
(13
)
   
6,885
   
$
11,681
 
Net income
 
-
   
-
   
-
     
-
       
-
     
1,615
         
Issuances of common stock, net of issuance cost of approximately $2
 
4
   
-
   
204
     
4
       
-
     
-
         
Exercise of stock options and other incentive plan activity
 
1
   
-
   
56
     
-
       
-
     
-
         
Dividends on common stock
 
-
   
-
   
-
     
-
       
-
     
(766
)
       
Earned compensation under ESOP
 
-
   
-
   
30
     
11
       
-
     
-
         
Other comprehensive income
 
-
   
-
   
-
     
-
       
165
     
-
         
Defined benefit pension and other benefits plans
 
-
   
-
   
-
     
-
       
22
     
-
         
Premium on publicly-traded equity units known as Corporate Units
 
-
   
-
   
(47
)
   
-
       
-
     
-
         
Unamortized issuance costs on publicly-traded equity units known as Corporate Units
 
-
   
-
   
(8
)
   
-
       
-
     
-
         
Implementation of new accounting rules
 
-
   
-
   
-
     
-
       
(5
)
   
5
         
Balances, December 31, 2009
 
414
(c)
$
4
 
$
5,140
   
$
(85
)
   
$
169
   
$
7,739
   
$
12,967
 
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
$0.01 par value, authorized - 800,000,000 shares; outstanding shares 413,622,436, 408,915,305 and 407,344,972 at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(b)
Comprehensive income, which includes net income and other comprehensive income (loss), totaled approximately $1,802 million, $1,512 million and $1,313 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(c)
Outstanding and unallocated shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Trust totaled approximately 6 million, 7 million and 8 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively; the original number of shares purchased and held by the ESOP Trust was approximately 25 million shares.
















The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


 
59

 

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(millions)



   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
OPERATING REVENUES
  $ 11,491     $ 11,649     $ 11,622  
                         
OPERATING EXPENSES
                       
Fuel, purchased power and interchange
    6,220       6,749       6,726  
Other operations and maintenance
    1,496       1,438       1,454  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,097       860       846  
Taxes other than income taxes and other
    1,097       1,073       1,033  
Total operating expenses
    9,910       10,120       10,059  
                         
OPERATING INCOME
    1,581       1,529       1,563  
                         
OTHER INCOME (DEDUCTIONS)
                       
Interest expense
    (318 )     (334 )     (304 )
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
    53       35       23  
Interest income
    1       11       17  
Other - net
    (13 )     (9 )     (12 )
Total other deductions - net
    (277 )     (297 )     (276 )
                         
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    1,304       1,232       1,287  
                         
INCOME TAXES
    473       443       451  
                         
NET INCOME
  $ 831     $ 789     $ 836  




























The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


 
60

 

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(millions)

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
ELECTRIC UTILITY PLANT
           
Plant in service
  $ 28,677     $ 26,497  
Nuclear fuel
    756       613  
Construction work in progress
    1,549       1,862  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (10,578 )     (10,189 )
Electric utility plant - net
    20,404       18,783  
                 
CURRENT ASSETS
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    83       120  
Customer receivables, net of allowances of $21 and $19, respectively
    838       796  
Other receivables, net of allowances of $1 and $1, respectively
    182       143  
Materials, supplies and fossil fuel inventory
    529       563  
Regulatory assets:
               
Deferred clause and franchise expenses
    69       248  
Securitized storm-recovery costs
    69       64  
Derivatives
    68       1,109  
Other
    123       129  
Total current assets
    1,961       3,172  
                 
OTHER ASSETS
               
Special use funds
    2,408       2,158  
Prepaid benefit costs
    1,017       968  
Regulatory assets:
               
Securitized storm-recovery costs
    644       697  
Deferred clause expenses
    -       79  
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt
    29       32  
Other
    185       133  
Other
    164       153  
Total other assets
    4,447       4,220  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 26,812     $ 26,175  
                 
CAPITALIZATION
               
Common shareholder's equity
  $ 8,436     $ 8,089  
Long-term debt
    5,794       5,311  
Total capitalization
    14,230       13,400  
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Commercial paper
    818       773  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    42       263  
Accounts payable
    539       645  
Customer deposits
    607       570  
Accrued interest and taxes
    303       449  
Regulatory liabilities - deferred clause and franchise revenues
    377       11  
Derivatives
    77       1,114  
Other
    659       598  
Total current liabilities
    3,422       4,423  
                 
OTHER LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS
               
Asset retirement obligations
    1,833       1,743  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    3,509       3,105  
Regulatory liabilities:
               
Accrued asset removal costs
    2,251       2,142  
Asset retirement obligation regulatory expense difference
    671       520  
Other
    244       218  
Other
    652       624  
Total other liabilities and deferred credits
    9,160       8,352  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
               
                 
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
  $ 26,812     $ 26,175  

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


 
61

 


FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(millions)

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
Net income
  $ 831     $ 789     $ 836  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    1,097       860       846  
Nuclear fuel amortization
    127       106       83  
Deferred income taxes
    391       307       346  
Cost recovery clauses and franchise fees
    624       (111 )     (75 )
Change in prepaid option premiums and derivative settlements
    (1 )     3       142  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Customer receivables
    (42 )     11       65  
Other receivables
    42       (11 )     (32 )
Materials, supplies and fossil fuel inventory
    34       20       (25 )
Other current assets
    6       (19 )     (12 )
Other assets
    (62 )     (96 )     (50 )
Accounts payable
    (91 )     (71 )     (80 )
Customer deposits
    37       39       31  
Margin cash collateral
    6       26       75  
Income taxes
    (132 )     175       (138 )
Interest and other taxes
    10       9       26  
Other current liabilities
    (33 )     138       41  
Other liabilities
    10       (19 )     (2 )
Other - net
    17       24       86  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    2,871       2,180       2,163  
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Capital expenditures
    (2,522 )     (2,234 )     (1,826 )
Funds received from the spent fuel settlement agreement
    71       -       -  
Nuclear fuel purchases
    (195 )     (133 )     (181 )
Proceeds from sale of securities in special use funds
    3,270       1,454       1,978  
Purchases of securities in special use funds
    (3,349 )     (1,512 )     (2,186 )
Other - net
    (1 )     (2 )     1  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (2,726 )     (2,427 )     (2,214 )
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Issuances of long-term debt
    516       589       1,230  
Retirements of long-term debt
    (263 )     (241 )     (250 )
Net change in short-term debt
    45       (69 )     212  
Capital contribution from FPL Group
    -       75       -  
Dividends
    (485 )     (50 )     (1,100 )
Change in funds held for storm-recovery bond payments
    5       -       (42 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (182 )     304       50  
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (37 )     57       (1 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    120       63       64  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 83     $ 120     $ 63  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
                       
Cash paid for interest (net of amount capitalized)
  $ 305     $ 320     $ 267  
Cash paid (received) for income taxes - net
  $ 232     $ (11 )   $ 246  










The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


 
62

 

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY (a)
(millions)

 
 
Common
Stock  (b)
 
 
Additional
Paid-In Capital
 
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Common
Shareholder's
Equity
                           
Balances, December 31, 2006
$
1,373
   
$
4,318
   
$
1,848
   
$
7,539
 
Net income
 
-
     
-
     
836
         
Dividends to FPL Group
 
-
     
-
     
(1,100
)
       
Balances, December 31, 2007
 
1,373
     
4,318
     
1,584
   
$
7,275
 
Net income
 
-
     
-
     
789
         
Capital contributions from FPL Group
 
-
     
75
     
-
         
Dividends to FPL Group
 
-
     
-
     
(50
)
       
Balances, December 31, 2008
 
1,373
     
4,393
     
2,323
   
$
8,089
 
Net income
 
-
     
-
     
831
         
Dividends to FPL Group
 
-
     
-
     
(485
)
       
Other
 
-
     
-
     
1
         
Balances, December 31, 2009
$
1,373
   
$
4,393
   
$
2,670
   
$
8,436
 
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
FPL's comprehensive income is the same as reported net income.
(b)
Common stock, no par value, 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding.







































The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


 
63

 

FPL GROUP, INC. AND FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies

Basis of Presentation - FPL Group, Inc.'s (FPL Group) operations are conducted primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiary Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and its wholly-owned indirect subsidiary NextEra Energy Resources, LLC (NextEra Energy Resources) formerly known as FPL Energy, LLC.  FPL, a rate-regulated public utility, supplies electric service to approximately 4.5 million customer accounts throughout most of the east and lower west coasts of Florida.  NextEra Energy Resources invests in independent power projects through both controlled and consolidated entities and non-controlling ownership interests in joint ventures essentially all of which are accounted for under the equity method.

The consolidated financial statements of FPL Group and FPL include the accounts of their respective majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  Certain amounts included in prior years' consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.  The preparation of financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Regulation - FPL is subject to regulation by the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).  Its rates are designed to recover the cost of providing electric service to its customers including a reasonable rate of return on invested capital.  As a result of this cost-based regulation, FPL follows the accounting guidance that allows regulators to create assets and impose liabilities that would not be recorded by non-rate regulated entities.  Regulatory assets and liabilities represent probable future revenues that will be recovered from or refunded to customers through the ratemaking process.

Cost recovery clauses, which are designed to permit full recovery of certain costs and provide a return on certain assets allowed to be recovered through the various clauses, include substantially all fuel, purchased power and interchange expenses, conservation and certain environmental-related expenses, certain revenue taxes and franchise fees.  Beginning in 2009, pre-construction costs and carrying charges on construction costs for new nuclear capacity and costs incurred for FPL's solar generating facilities are also recovered through cost recovery clauses.  Revenues from cost recovery clauses are recorded when billed; FPL achieves matching of costs and related revenues by deferring the net underrecovery or overrecovery.  Any underrecovered costs or overrecovered revenues are collected from or returned to customers in subsequent periods.  Pursuant to an FPSC order, FPL was required to refund in the form of a one-time credit to retail customers' bills the 2009 year-end estimated fuel overrecovery; in January 2010, approximately $403 million was refunded to retail customers.  At December 31, 2009, approximately $356 million of retail fuel revenues were overrecovered.  The difference between the refund and the December 31, 2009 overrecovery will be collected from retail customers in a subsequent period.

If FPL were no longer subject to cost-based rate regulation, the existing regulatory assets and liabilities would be written off unless regulators specify an alternative means of recovery or refund.  In addition, the FPSC has the authority to disallow recovery of costs that it considers excessive or imprudently incurred.  The continued applicability of regulatory accounting is assessed at each reporting period.

Revenues and Rates - FPL's retail and wholesale utility rate schedules are approved by the FPSC and the FERC, respectively.  FPL records unbilled base revenues for the estimated amount of energy delivered to customers but not yet billed.  Unbilled base revenues are included in customer receivables and amounted to approximately $121 million and $114 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  FPL's operating revenues also include amounts resulting from cost recovery clauses (see Regulation), franchise fees, gross receipts taxes and surcharges related to the recovery of storm restoration costs associated with hurricanes and storm-recovery bonds (see Note 9 - FPL).  Franchise fees and gross receipts taxes are imposed on FPL; however, the FPSC allows FPL to include in the amounts charged to customers the amount of the gross receipts tax for all customers and the franchise amount for those customers located in the jurisdiction that imposes the fee.  Accordingly, franchise fees and gross receipts taxes are reported gross in operating revenues and taxes other than income taxes and other on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated statements of income and were approximately $791 million, $781 million and $755 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  FPL also collects municipal utility taxes which are reported gross in customer receivables and accounts payable on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets.

 
64

 

In January 2010, the FPSC orally ruled with respect to FPL's March 2009 petition (January 2010 rate ruling) and indicated that the ruling would be reflected in a final written order to be issued in February 2010 (final order).  The January 2010 rate ruling indicated that new retail base rates would be established for FPL effective March 1, 2010, would increase retail base rates by approximately $75 million on an annualized basis, would establish a regulatory return on common equity (ROE) of 10.0% with a range of plus or minus 100 basis points and would shift certain costs from retail base rates to the capacity cost recovery clause (capacity clause).  The January 2010 rate ruling also indicated that depreciation expense would be reduced over the next four years.  See Electric Plant, Depreciation and Amortization.  As of the date of this report, the final order remains pending.  Upon issuance of the final order, parties have the right to file motions with the FPSC for reconsideration of some or all of the final order, or to appeal some or all of the final order to the Florida Supreme Court.  In response to inquiries regarding potential inconsistencies in calculations underlying the January 2010 rate ruling, staff for the FPSC has indicated it would address any matters raised by the parties before the final order following the filing of any motions for reconsideration.  FPL cannot predict the specific treatment of any particular issue in the final order.

FPL is evaluating the impact of the January 2010 rate ruling on its financial position, including its credit quality and ability to attract capital over the long term.  FPL has suspended activities on the following projects representing approximately $10 billion of investment over the next five years until the financial impact of the final order, along with other factors, such as load-growth estimates, fuel cost forecasts, demand side management and environmental incentives, can be reviewed (see Note 14 - Commitments):

·
development of two additional nuclear units at FPL's Turkey Point site beyond what is required to receive a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license for each unit;
·
modernization of FPL's Cape Canaveral and Riviera power plants;
·
reevaluation of options related to a proposed 300-mile underground natural gas pipeline in Florida; and
·
other infrastructure projects.

FPL is also evaluating its options with respect to future regulatory actions regarding the January 2010 rate ruling and, when it is issued, the final order, as well as assessing the cost structure of its ongoing operations and reviewing other planned capital expenditures for appropriate reductions.

Under a rate agreement approved in 2005 (2005 rate agreement), retail base rates did not increase except to allow recovery of the revenue requirements of FPL's three power plants that achieved commercial operation during the term of the 2005 rate agreement.  Retail base rates increased when Turkey Point Unit No. 5 was placed in service in 2007 and when West County Energy Center (WCEC) Units Nos. 1 and 2 were placed in service in 2009.  During the term of the 2005 rate agreement, FPL did not have an authorized regulatory ROE for the purpose of addressing earnings levels; however, for all other regulatory purposes, FPL had an ROE of 11.75%.  Under the terms of the 2005 rate agreement, FPL's electric property depreciation rates were based upon the comprehensive depreciation studies it filed with the FPSC in March 2005; however, FPL reduced depreciation on its plant in service by $125 million each year, as allowed by the 2005 rate agreement.  The 2005 rate agreement also provided for a revenue sharing mechanism, whereby revenues from retail base operations in excess of certain thresholds would be shared with customers.  During the term of the 2005 rate agreement, FPL's revenues did not exceed the thresholds.

NextEra Energy Resources' revenue is recorded as electricity is delivered, which is when revenue is earned.  NextEra Energy Resources' retail energy business records unbilled revenues for the estimated amount of energy delivered to customers but not yet billed.  Unbilled revenues are included in customer receivables and amounted to approximately $47 million and $41 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Electric Plant, Depreciation and Amortization - The cost of additions to units of property of FPL and NextEra Energy Resources is added to electric utility plant.  In accordance with regulatory accounting, the cost of FPL's units of utility property retired, less estimated net salvage value, is charged to accumulated depreciation.  Maintenance and repairs of property as well as replacements and renewals of items determined to be less than units of utility property are charged to other operations and maintenance (O&M) expenses.  At December 31, 2009, the electric generating, transmission, distribution and general facilities of FPL represented approximately 46%, 13%, 37% and 4%, respectively, of FPL's gross investment in electric utility plant in service.  Substantially all of FPL's properties are subject to the lien of FPL's mortgage, which secures most debt securities issued by FPL.  A number of NextEra Energy Resources' generating facilities are encumbered by liens against their assets securing various financings.  The net book value of NextEra Energy Resources' assets serving as collateral was approximately $6 billion at December 31, 2009.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided for an option to elect a cash grant (convertible ITCs) for certain renewable energy property (renewable property).  Convertible ITCs are recorded as a reduction in property, plant and equipment on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets and are amortized as a reduction to depreciation and amortization expense over the estimated life of the related property.  At December 31, 2009, FPL Group recorded convertible ITCs of approximately $417 million ($44 million at FPL), which are included in other receivables on FPL Group’s and FPL’s consolidated balance sheets.

 
65

 

Depreciation of FPL's electric property is primarily provided on a straight-line average remaining life basis.  FPL includes in depreciation expense a provision for fossil plant dismantlement, nuclear plant decommissioning (see Decommissioning of Nuclear Plants, Dismantlement of Plants and Other Accrued Asset Removal Costs) and amortization of pre-construction costs associated with planned nuclear units recovered through a cost recovery clause.  For substantially all of FPL's property, depreciation studies are performed and filed with the FPSC at least every four years.  Under the terms of the 2005 rate agreement, FPL's electric property depreciation rates were based upon the comprehensive depreciation studies it filed with the FPSC in March 2005; however FPL reduced depreciation by $125 million annually as allowed by the 2005 rate agreement.  The weighted annual composite depreciation rate for FPL's electric plant in service, including capitalized software, but excluding the effects of decommissioning, dismantlement and the depreciation adjustments discussed above, was approximately 3.6% for each of the years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  As part of the January 2010 rate ruling, the FPSC approved new depreciation rates which became effective January 1, 2010.  These new rates are expected to decrease depreciation expense.  The January 2010 rate ruling also requires FPL to reduce depreciation expense over the next four years related to a depreciation reserve surplus totaling approximately $895 million.  NextEra Energy Resources' electric plants in service less salvage value, if any, are depreciated primarily using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.  NextEra Energy Resources' effective depreciation rates, excluding decommissioning, were 4.2%, 4.3% and 4.4% for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Nuclear Fuel - FPL leases nuclear fuel for all four of its nuclear units.  FPL Group and FPL consolidate the lessor entity, a variable interest entity.  See Note 9 - FPL.

NextEra Energy Resources' nuclear units have several contracts for the supply, conversion, enrichment and fabrication of nuclear fuel.  See Note 14 - Contracts.  NextEra Energy Resources' nuclear fuel costs are charged to fuel expense on a unit of production method.

Construction Activity - Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) is a non-cash item which represents the allowed cost of capital, including an ROE, used to finance FPL construction projects.  The portion of AFUDC attributable to borrowed funds is recorded as a reduction of interest expense and the remainder is recorded as other income.  FPSC rules limit the recording of AFUDC to projects that cost in excess of 0.5% of a utility's plant in service balance and require more than one year to complete.  FPSC rules allow construction projects below the 0.5% threshold as a component of rate base.  During 2009, 2008 and 2007, AFUDC was capitalized at a rate of 7.41%, 7.65% and 7.42%, respectively, and amounted to approximately $74 million, $53 million and $36 million, respectively.  See Note 14 - Commitments.

FPL's construction work in progress includes construction materials, progress payments on major equipment contracts, third-party engineering costs, AFUDC and other costs directly associated with the construction of various projects.  Upon completion of the projects, these costs are transferred to electric utility plant in service.  At December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, FPL recorded approximately $295 million, $194 million and $188 million, respectively, of construction-related accruals, which are included in other current liabilities, and approximately $123 million, $121 million and $107 million, respectively, of construction-related accounts payable, which are included in accounts payable on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets.  Capitalized costs associated with construction activities are charged to O&M expenses when recoverability is no longer probable.  See Regulation above for information on recovery of costs associated with new nuclear capacity and solar generating facilities.

NextEra Energy Resources capitalizes project development costs once it is probable that such costs will be realized through the ultimate construction of a power plant or sale of development rights.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, NextEra Energy Resources' capitalized development costs totaled approximately $56 million and $40 million, respectively, which are included in other assets on FPL Group's consolidated balance sheets.  These costs include land rights and other third-party costs directly associated with the development of a new project.  Upon commencement of construction, these costs either are transferred to construction work in progress or remain in other assets, depending upon the nature of the cost.  Capitalized development costs are charged to O&M expenses when recoverability is no longer probable.

NextEra Energy Resources' construction work in progress includes construction materials, prepayments on turbine generators and other equipment, third-party engineering costs, capitalized interest and other costs directly associated with the construction and development of the project.  Interest capitalized on construction projects amounted to $85 million, $55 million and $39 million during 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  NextEra Energy Resources' interest expense is based on a deemed capital structure of 50% debt for operating projects and 100% debt for projects under construction.  Upon commencement of plant operation, costs associated with construction work in progress are transferred to electric utility plant in service and other property.  At December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, NextEra Energy Resources recorded approximately $175 million, $74 million and $106 million, respectively, of construction-related accruals, which are included in other current liabilities, and approximately $90 million, $59 million and $102 million, respectively, of construction-related accounts payable which are included in accounts payable on FPL Group's consolidated balance sheets.

 
66

 

Asset Retirement Obligations - FPL Group and FPL each account for asset retirement obligations and conditional asset retirement obligations (collectively, AROs) under accounting guidance that requires a liability for the fair value of an ARO be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if it can be reasonably estimated, with the offsetting associated asset retirement costs capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived assets.  The asset retirement cost is subsequently allocated to expense using a systematic and rational method over the asset’s estimated useful life.  Changes in the ARO resulting from the passage of time are recognized as an increase in the carrying amount of the liability and as accretion expense, which is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the consolidated statements of income.  Changes resulting from revisions to the timing or amount of the original estimate of cash flows are recognized as an increase or a decrease in the asset retirement cost and ARO.  See Note 13.

Decommissioning of Nuclear Plants, Dismantlement of Plants and Other Accrued Asset Removal Costs - The components of FPL Group's and FPL's decommissioning of nuclear plants, dismantlement of plants and other accrued asset removal costs are as follows:

   
FPL
       
   
Nuclear
Decommissioning
 
Fossil
Dismantlement
 
Interim Removal
Costs and Other
 
NextEra Energy
Resources
 
FPL Group
   
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
   
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
   
(millions)
                                                             
AROs
 
$
1,807
 
$
1,713
 
$
23
 
$
26
 
$
3
 
$
4
 
$
585
 
$
540
 
$
2,418
 
$
2,283
Less capitalized ARO asset net of accumulated depreciation
   
50
   
52
   
5
   
8
   
-
   
1
   
-
   
-
   
55
   
61
Accrued asset removal costs (a)
   
196
   
176
   
318
   
306
   
1,737
   
1,660
   
-
   
-
   
2,251
   
2,142
Asset retirement obligation regulatory expense difference (a)
   
644
   
495
   
28
   
25
   
(1
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
671
   
520
Accrued decommissioning, dismantlement and other accrued asset removal costs
 
$
2,597
(b)
$
2,332
(b)
$
364
(b)
$
349
(b)
$
1,739
(b)
$
1,663
(b)
$
585
 
$
540
 
$
5,285
 
$
4,884
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Regulatory liability on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets.
(b)  
Represents total amount accrued for ratemaking purposes.

FPL - For ratemaking purposes, FPL accrues for the cost of end of life retirement and disposal of its nuclear and fossil plants over the expected service life of each unit based on nuclear decommissioning and fossil dismantlement studies periodically filed with the FPSC.  In addition, FPL accrues for interim removal costs over the life of the related assets based on depreciation studies approved by the FPSC.  In 2005, FPL suspended its annual decommissioning accrual as approved by the FPSC.  For financial reporting purposes, FPL recognizes decommissioning and dismantlement liabilities in accordance with accounting guidance that requires a liability for the fair value of an ARO be recognized in the period in which it is incurred.  Any differences between expense recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amount recoverable through rates are reported as a regulatory liability in accordance with regulatory accounting.  See Electric Plant, Depreciation and Amortization, Asset Retirement Obligations and Note 13.

Nuclear decommissioning studies are performed at least every five years and are submitted to the FPSC for approval.  FPL filed updated nuclear decommissioning studies with the FPSC in December 2005.  These studies reflect FPL's current plans, under the operating licenses, for prompt dismantlement of Turkey Point Units Nos. 3 and 4 following the end of plant operation with decommissioning activities commencing in 2032 and 2033, respectively, and provide for St. Lucie Unit No. 1 to be mothballed beginning in 2036 with decommissioning activities to be integrated with the prompt dismantlement of St. Lucie Unit No. 2 at the end of its useful life in 2043.  These studies also assume that FPL will be storing spent fuel on site pending removal to a U.S. government facility.  The studies indicate FPL's portion of the ultimate costs of decommissioning its four nuclear units, including costs associated with spent fuel storage, to be approximately $10.9 billion.  FPL's portion of the ultimate cost of decommissioning its four units, expressed in 2009 dollars, is estimated by the studies to aggregate $2.4 billion.

Restricted funds for the payment of future expenditures to decommission FPL's nuclear units are included in nuclear decommissioning reserve funds, which are included in special use funds on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets.  Consistent with regulatory treatment, marketable securities held in the decommissioning funds are classified as available for sale and are carried at market value with market adjustments, including any other than temporary impairment losses, resulting in a corresponding adjustment to the related regulatory liability accounts.  See Note 5.  Contributions to the funds were suspended in 2005.  Fund earnings, net of taxes, are reinvested in the funds.  Earnings are recognized as income/loss and an offset is recorded to reflect a corresponding increase/decrease in the related regulatory liability accounts.  As a result, there is no effect on net income.  During 2009, 2008 and 2007, fund earnings on decommissioning funds were approximately $81 million, $63 million and $81 million, respectively.  The tax effects of amounts not yet recognized for tax purposes are included in accumulated deferred income taxes.

 
67

 

Fossil fuel plant dismantlement studies are performed at least every four years and are submitted to the FPSC for approval.  FPL's latest fossil fuel plant dismantlement studies became effective January 1, 2010 and resulted in an increase in the annual expense from $15 million to $19 million.  The studies indicate that FPL's portion of the ultimate cost to dismantle its fossil units is $894 million, or $467 million expressed in 2009 dollars.  During both 2009 and 2008, with respect to costs associated with fossil dismantlement, FPL recognized approximately $2 million related to ARO accretion expense and depreciation of the capitalized ARO asset and approximately $13 million related to the non-legal obligation included in accrued asset removal costs, which equaled the $15 million accrual approved by the FPSC for dismantlement expense (included in depreciation and amortization expense in FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated statements of income).  During 2007, with respect to costs associated with fossil dismantlement, FPL recognized approximately $2 million related to ARO accretion expense and depreciation of the capitalized ARO asset, approximately $14 million related to the non-legal obligation included in accrued asset removal costs and approximately $1 million credit to adjust the total accrual to the $15 million approved by the FPSC for dismantlement expense (included in depreciation and amortization expense in FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated statements of income).

NextEra Energy Resources - NextEra Energy Resources records nuclear decommissioning liabilities for Seabrook Station (Seabrook), Duane Arnold Energy Center (Duane Arnold) and Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant (Point Beach) in accordance with accounting guidance that requires a liability for the fair value of an ARO be recognized in the period in which it is incurred.  See Note 13.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, NextEra Energy Resources' ARO related to nuclear decommissioning totaled approximately $518 million and $487 million, respectively, and was determined using various internal and external data.  NextEra Energy Resources' portion of the ultimate cost of decommissioning its nuclear plants, including costs associated with spent fuel storage, is estimated to be approximately $6.6 billion, or $1.6 billion expressed in 2009 dollars.  The liability is being accreted using the interest method through the date decommissioning activities are expected to be complete.

Seabrook's decommissioning funding plan is based on a comprehensive nuclear decommissioning study filed with the New Hampshire Nuclear Decommissioning Financing Committee (NDFC) in 2007 and is effective for four years.  There are ongoing minimum decommissioning funding requirements for Duane Arnold and Point Beach with the NRC, which NextEra Energy Resources either meets or intends to meet in the form of a guarantee for each plant.  NextEra Energy Resources' portion of Seabrook's, Duane Arnold's and Point Beach's restricted funds for the payment of future expenditures to decommission these plants is included in nuclear decommissioning reserve funds, which are included in special use funds on FPL Group's consolidated balance sheets.  Marketable securities held in the decommissioning funds are classified as available for sale and are carried at market value.  Market adjustments result in a corresponding adjustment to other comprehensive income (OCI), except for unrealized losses associated with marketable securities considered to be other than temporary, including any credit losses, which are recognized as an expense in FPL Group's consolidated statements of income.  Fund earnings are recognized in income and are reinvested in the funds either on a pretax or after-tax basis.  See Note 5.  The tax effects of amounts not yet recognized for tax purposes are included in accumulated deferred income taxes.

Major Maintenance Costs - FPL uses the accrue-in-advance method for recognizing costs associated with planned major nuclear maintenance, in accordance with regulatory treatment, and records the related accrual as a regulatory liability.  FPL expenses costs associated with planned fossil maintenance as incurred.  NextEra Energy Resources uses the deferral method to account for certain planned major maintenance costs.

FPL's estimated nuclear maintenance costs for each nuclear unit's next planned outage are accrued over the period from the end of the last outage to the end of the next planned outage.  Any difference between the estimated and actual costs is included in O&M expenses when known.  The accrued liability for nuclear maintenance costs at December 31, 2009 and 2008 totaled approximately $47 million and $58 million, respectively, and is included in regulatory liabilities - other.  For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, FPL recognized approximately $84 million, $75 million and $77 million, respectively, in nuclear maintenance costs which are included in O&M expenses in FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated statements of income.

NextEra Energy Resources' major maintenance costs for its nuclear generating units and combustion turbines are capitalized and amortized on a unit of production method over the period from the end of the last outage to the beginning of the next planned outage.  NextEra Energy Resources' capitalized major maintenance costs, net of accumulated amortization, totaled approximately $106 million and $81 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and are included in other assets.  For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, NextEra Energy Resources recognized approximately $73 million, $57 million and $43 million in major maintenance costs which are included in O&M expenses in FPL Group's consolidated statements of income.

Cash Equivalents - Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

 
68

 

Restricted Cash - At December 31, 2009 and 2008, FPL Group had approximately $134 million ($33 million for FPL) and $140 million ($40 million for FPL), respectively, of restricted cash included in other current assets on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets, essentially all of which is restricted for margin cash collateral and debt service payments.  Where offsetting positions exist, restricted cash related to margin cash collateral is netted against derivative instruments.  See Note 3.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - FPL maintains an accumulated provision for uncollectible customer accounts receivable that is estimated using a percentage, derived from historical revenue and write-off trends, of the previous five months of revenue.  Additional amounts are included in the provision to address specific items that are not considered in the calculation described above.  NextEra Energy Resources regularly reviews collectibility of its receivables and establishes a provision for losses estimated as a percentage of accounts receivable based on the historical bad debt write-off trends for its retail energy business and, when necessary, using the specific identification method for all other receivables.

Inventory - FPL values materials, supplies and fossil fuel inventory using a weighted-average cost method.  NextEra Energy Resources' materials, supplies and fossil fuel inventories are carried at the lower of weighted-average cost or market, unless evidence indicates that the weighted-average cost (even if in excess of market) will be recovered with a normal profit upon sale in the ordinary course of business.

Energy Trading - FPL Group provides full energy and capacity requirements services primarily to distribution utilities, which include load-following services and various ancillary services, in certain markets and engages in power and gas marketing and trading activities to optimize the value of electricity and fuel contracts and generating facilities, as well as to take advantage of expected favorable commodity price movements.  Trading contracts that meet the definition of a derivative are accounted for at market value and realized gains and losses from all trading contracts, including those where physical delivery is required, are recorded net for all periods presented.  See Note 3.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - FPL Group evaluates on an ongoing basis the recoverability of its assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - FPL Group's goodwill and other intangible assets are as follows:

 
Weighted Average
Useful Lives
 
December 31,
 
(Years)
 
2009
 
2008
       
(millions)
Goodwill:
               
Merchant reporting unit
     
$
72
 
$
72
Wind reporting unit
       
41
   
38
Total goodwill
     
$
113
 
$
110
                 
Other intangible assets:
               
Purchase power agreements
18
   
$
87
 
$
70
Customer lists
8
     
28
   
28
Other, primarily land and transmission rights, permits and licenses
28
     
216
   
105
Total
       
331
   
203
Less accumulated amortization
       
78
   
65
Total other intangible assets - net
     
$
253
 
$
138

NextEra Energy Resources has recorded goodwill related to various acquisitions which were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.  NextEra Energy Resources' other intangible assets are amortized, primarily on a straight-line basis, over their estimated useful lives.  For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, amortization expense was approximately $14 million, $13 million and $12 million, respectively, and is expected to be approximately $14 million, $13 million, $12 million, $9 million and $6 million for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

NextEra Energy Resources' goodwill and other intangible assets are included in other assets on FPL Group's consolidated balance sheets.  Goodwill is assessed for impairment at least annually by applying a fair value-based test.  Other intangible assets are periodically reviewed when impairment indicators are present to assess recoverability from future operations using undiscounted future cash flows.

 
69

 

Stock-Based Compensation - FPL Group accounts for stock-based payment transactions based on grant-date fair value.  See Note 11 - Stock-Based Compensation.

Retirement of Long-Term Debt - Gains and losses that result from differences in FPL's reacquisition cost and the book value of long-term debt which is retired are deferred and amortized to interest expense ratably over the remaining life of the original issue, which is consistent with its treatment in the ratemaking process.  FPL Group Capital Inc (FPL Group Capital) recognizes such differences as other income (deductions) at time of retirement.

Income Taxes - Deferred income taxes are provided on all significant temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities.  In connection with the tax sharing agreement between FPL Group and its subsidiaries, the income tax provision at each subsidiary reflects the use of the "separate return method," except that tax benefits that could not be used on a separate return basis, but are used on the consolidated tax return, are recorded by the subsidiary that generated the tax benefits.  Any remaining consolidated income tax benefits or expenses are recorded at the corporate level.  Included in other regulatory assets on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets is the revenue equivalent of the difference in accumulated deferred income taxes computed under accounting rules, as compared to regulatory accounting rules.  This amount totaled $137 million and $92 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and is being amortized in accordance with the regulatory treatment over the estimated lives of the assets or liabilities for which the deferred tax amount was initially recognized.  Investment tax credits (ITCs) for FPL are deferred and amortized to income over the approximate lives of the related property in accordance with the regulatory treatment.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, deferred ITCs were approximately $8 million and $16 million, respectively, and are included in other regulatory liabilities on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets.  NextEra Energy Resources recognizes ITCs as a reduction to income tax expense when the related energy property is placed into service.  Production tax credits (PTCs) are recognized as wind energy is generated and sold based on a per kwh rate prescribed in applicable federal and state statutes and are recorded as a reduction of current income taxes payable, unless limited by tax law in which instance they are recorded as deferred tax assets.  FPL Group and FPL record a deferred income tax benefit created by the convertible ITCs on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of renewable property.  For NextEra Energy Resources, this deferred income tax benefit is recorded in income tax expense in the year that the renewable property is placed in service.  For FPL, this deferred income tax benefit is offset by a regulatory liability, which is amortized as a reduction of depreciation expense over the approximate lives of the related renewable property in accordance with the regulatory treatment.  A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized.  All tax positions taken by FPL Group in its income tax returns that are recognized in the financial statements must satisfy a more-likely-than-not threshold.  See Note 6.

Guarantees - FPL Group's and FPL's payment guarantees and related contracts provided to unconsolidated entities entered into after December 31, 2002, for which it or a subsidiary is the guarantor, are recorded at fair value.  See Note 14 - Commitments.

Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) - FPL Group and FPL assess the variable interests they hold to determine if those entities are VIEs.  See Note 9.  In 2009, new accounting guidance was issued which modifies the consolidation model in previous guidance and expands the required disclosures related to VIEs.  The new accounting guidance became effective on January 1, 2010.  FPL Group and FPL are currently evaluating the impact of the new accounting guidance.

2.  Employee Retirement Benefits

Employee Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Plan - FPL Group sponsors a qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plan for substantially all employees of FPL Group and its subsidiaries.  FPL Group allocates net periodic pension benefit income to its subsidiaries based on the pensionable earnings of the subsidiaries' employees.  FPL Group also has a supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP), which includes a non-qualified supplemental defined benefit pension component that provides benefits to a select group of management and highly compensated employees.  FPL Group allocates net periodic SERP benefit costs to its subsidiaries based upon actuarial calculations by participant.  The impact of this SERP component is included within pension benefits in the following tables, and was not material to FPL Group's financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.  In addition to pension benefits, FPL Group sponsors a contributory postretirement plan for health care and life insurance benefits (other benefits) for retirees of FPL Group and its subsidiaries meeting certain eligibility requirements.  FPL Group allocates other benefits net periodic benefit costs to its subsidiaries based upon the number of eligible employees at each subsidiary.

 
70

 

Implementation of New Accounting Provisions Regarding Benefit Plans - Effective December 31, 2006, FPL Group adopted new recognition and disclosure provisions regarding benefit plans which require recognition of the funded status of benefit plans in the balance sheet, with changes in the funded status recognized in comprehensive income within shareholders' equity in the year in which the changes occur.  In addition, effective December 31, 2008, the new provisions required FPL Group to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the fiscal year-end.  Prior to 2008, FPL Group used a measurement date of September 30.  In lieu of remeasuring plan assets and obligations as of January 1, 2008, FPL Group elected to calculate the net periodic benefit (income) cost for the fifteen-month period from September 30, 2007 to December 31, 2008 using the September 30, 2007 measurement date.  Upon adoption of the measurement date provisions, FPL Group recorded an adjustment to increase 2008 beginning retained earnings by approximately $13 million representing three-fifteenths of net periodic benefit (income) cost for the fifteen-month period from September 30, 2007 to December 31, 2008.  Included in the adjustment to retained earnings is approximately $1 million related to the reduction in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and approximately $3 million related to the reduction in net regulatory liabilities.  Effective December 31, 2009, FPL Group adopted new accounting disclosure provisions which require expanded disclosure of plan assets and fair value measurement techniques.  See Note 4.

Since FPL Group is the plan sponsor, and its subsidiaries do not have separate rights to the plan assets or direct obligations to their employees, the results of implementing the new accounting provisions are reflected at FPL Group and not allocated to the subsidiaries.  The portion of previously unrecognized actuarial gains and losses, prior service costs or credits and transition obligations related to the recognition provision that were estimated to be allocable to FPL as net periodic benefit (income) cost in future periods and that otherwise would have been recorded in AOCI were classified as regulatory assets and liabilities at FPL Group in accordance with regulatory treatment.  In addition, adjustments to AOCI as a result of implementing the measurement date provisions that were estimated to be allocable to FPL were recorded as an adjustment to the previously established regulatory assets and liabilities.

Plan Assets, Benefit Obligations and Funded Status - The changes in assets and benefit obligations of the plans and the plans' funded status are as follows:

   
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(millions)
 
                         
Change in plan assets:
                       
Fair value of plan assets at January 1, 2009 and October 1, 2007, respectively
  $ 2,503     $ 3,577     $ 29     $ 49  
Actual return on plan assets
    656       (873 )     5       (15 )
Employer contributions (a)
    -       -       29       35  
Transfers (b)
    (29 )     (54 )     -       -  
Participant contributions
    -       -       7       8  
Benefit payments (a)
    (102 )     (147 )     (38 )     (48 )
Fair value of plan assets at December 31
  $ 3,028     $ 2,503     $ 32     $ 29  
                                 
Change in benefit obligation:
                               
Obligation at January 1, 2009 and October 1, 2007, respectively
  $ 1,604     $ 1,652     $ 367     $ 406  
Service cost
    51       67       5       7  
Interest cost
    109       127       24       31  
Participant contributions
    -       -       7       8  
Plan amendments (c)
    3       12       (1 )     -  
Actuarial losses (gains) - net
    201       (107 )     66       (37 )
Benefit payments
    (102 )     (147 )     (38 )     (48 )
Obligation at December 31 (d)
  $ 1,866     $ 1,604     $ 430     $ 367  
                                 
Funded status:
                               
Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost at FPL Group at December 31
  $ 1,162     $ 899     $ (398 )   $ (338 )
Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost at FPL at December 31
  $ 1,009     $ 961     $ (282 )   $ (286 )
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Employer contributions and benefits paid include only those amounts contributed directly to, or paid directly from, plan assets.  FPL's portion of contributions related to other benefits was $27 million and $32 million for the 2009 and 2008 plan years presented, respectively.
(b)  
Primarily represents amounts that were transferred from the qualified pension plan as reimbursement for eligible retiree medical expenses paid by FPL Group pursuant to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).
(c)  
Primarily relates to union negotiated credits, IRC transfers and various SERP and other benefits amendments.
(d)  
FPL Group's accumulated benefit obligation, which includes no assumption about future salary levels, for its pension plans at December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $1,804 million and $1,559 million, respectively.


 
71

 

FPL Group's and FPL's prepaid (accrued) benefit cost shown above are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

   
FPL Group
 
FPL
 
   
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
 
2008
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                   
(millions)
                   
                                                 
Prepaid benefit costs
  $ 1,184     $ 914     $ -     $ -     $ 1,017     $ 968     $ -     $ -  
Accrued benefit cost included in other current liabilities
    (2 )     (1 )     (29 )     (29 )     (2 )     (1 )     (24 )     (24 )
Accrued benefit cost included in other liabilities
    (20 )     (14 )     (369 )     (309 )     (6 )     (6 )     (258 )     (262 )
Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost at December 31
  $ 1,162     $ 899     $ (398 )   $ (338 )   $ 1,009     $ 961     $ (282 )   $ (286 )

FPL Group's unrecognized amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) yet to be recognized as components of prepaid (accrued) benefit cost are as follows:

   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
         
(millions)
       
Components of AOCI:
                         
Unrecognized prior service benefit (cost) (net of $2 and $1 tax benefit, respectively)
 
$
(3
)
$
(1
)
$
-
 
$
-
 
Unrecognized transition obligation (net of $1 and $1 tax benefit, respectively)
   
-
   
-
   
(1
)
 
(1
)
Unrecognized gain (loss) (net of $4 tax expense, $17 tax benefit, $6 tax benefit and none, respectively)
   
7
   
(27
)
 
(6
)
 
4
 
Total
 
$
4
(a)
$
(28
)
 
(7
) (b)
$
3
 
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Less than $1 million of prior service benefits is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.
(b)  
Less than $1 million of transition obligations is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.

FPL Group's unrecognized amounts included in regulatory assets (liabilities) yet to be recognized as components of net prepaid (accrued) benefit cost are as follows:

 
Regulatory Assets (Liabilities)
(Pension)
 
Regulatory Assets
(SERP and Other)
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
 
(millions)
 
                         
Unrecognized prior service cost
$
10
 
$
6
 
$
2
 
$
2
 
Unrecognized transition obligation
 
-
   
-
   
7
   
11
 
Unrecognized (gain) loss
 
(28
)
 
113
   
45
   
(4
)
Total
$
(18
) (a)
$
119
 
$
54
(b)
$
9
 
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Approximately $2 million of prior service benefits will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.
(b)  
Approximately $2 million of transition obligations will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.

The following table provides the weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the plans.  These rates are used in determining net periodic benefit cost in the following year.

 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
               
Discount rate
5.50%
 
6.90%
 
5.50%
 
6.90%
Salary increase
4.00%
 
4.00%
 
4.00%
 
4.00%

The projected 2010 trend assumption used to measure the expected cost of health care benefits covered by the plans for those under age 65 is 8.00% for medical and 8.50% for prescription drug benefits and for those age 65 and over is 7.50% for medical and 8.00% for prescription drug benefits.  These rates are assumed to decrease over the next 9 years for medical benefits and 11 years for prescription drug benefits to the ultimate trend rate of 5.50% and remain at that level thereafter.  The ultimate trend rate is assumed to be reached in 2018 for medical benefits and 2020 for prescription drug benefits.  Assumed health care cost trend rates have an effect on the amounts reported for postretirement plans providing health care benefits.  An increase or decrease of one percentage point in assumed health care cost trend rates would have a corresponding effect on the other benefits accumulated obligation of approximately $6 million and $5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2009.

 
72

 

FPL Group's current investment policy for the pension plan recognizes the benefit of protecting the plan's funded status, thereby avoiding the necessity of future employer contributions.  Its broad objectives are to achieve a high rate of total return with a prudent level of risk taking while maintaining sufficient liquidity and diversification to avoid large losses and preserve capital over the long term.

FPL Group's pension plan fund has a strategic asset allocation that currently targets a mix of 45% equity investments, 45% fixed income investments and 10% convertible bonds.  The fund's investment strategy emphasizes traditional investments, broadly diversified across the global equity and fixed income markets, using a combination of different investment styles and vehicles.  The pension fund's equity investments include direct equity holdings and assets classified as equity commingled vehicles.  Similarly, its fixed income investments include direct debt security holdings and assets classified as debt security commingled vehicles.  These equity and debt security commingled vehicles include common and collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, registered investment companies or other forms of pooled investment arrangements.

With regard to its other benefits plan, FPL Group's policy is to fund claims as incurred during the year through FPL Group contributions, participant contributions and plan assets.  The other benefits plan's assets are invested with a focus on assuring the availability of funds to pay benefits while maintaining sufficient diversification to avoid large losses and preserve capital.  The other benefits plan's fund has a strategic asset allocation that currently targets a mix of 60% equity investments and 40% fixed income investments.  The fund's investment strategy emphasizes traditional investments, diversified across the global equity and fixed income markets.  The fund's equity investments are comprised of assets classified as equity commingled vehicles.  Similarly, its fixed income investments are comprised of assets classified as debt security commingled vehicles.  These equity and debt commingled vehicles include common and collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, registered investment companies or other forms of pooled investment arrangements.

The fair value measurements of FPL Group's pension plan assets by fair value hierarchy level are as follows:

   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
   
(millions)
 
                         
Equity
  $ 424     $ -     $ -     $ 424  
Equity commingled vehicles (a)
    -       941       -       941  
U.S. Government and municipal bonds
    77       30       -       107  
Corporate debt securities (b)
    -       399       -       399  
Mortgage-backed securities
    -       361       -       361  
Debt security commingled vehicles (c)
    -       503       -       503  
Convertible bonds
    -       293       -       293  
Total
  $ 501     $ 2,527     $ -     $ 3,028  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Includes foreign investments of $499 million.
(b)  
Includes foreign investments of $45 million.
(c)  
Includes foreign investments of $56 million and $53 million of short-term commingled vehicles.

The fair value measurements of FPL Group's other benefits plan assets at December 31, 2009 were approximately $19 million of equity commingled vehicles ($4 million of which were foreign investments) and $13 million of debt security commingled vehicles; all of which were Level 2.

Expected Cash Flows - FPL Group anticipates paying approximately $29 million for eligible retiree medical expenses on behalf of the other benefits plan during 2010 with substantially all amounts being reimbursed through a transfer of assets from the qualified pension plan.

 
73

 

The following table provides information about benefit payments expected to be paid by the plans, net of government drug subsidy, for each of the following calendar years:

 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Benefits
 
(millions)
           
2010
$
155
 
$
35
2011
$
161
 
$
35
2012
$
165
 
$
34
2013
$
162
 
$
32
2014
$
159
 
$
31
2015 - 2019
$
801
 
$
161

Net Periodic Cost - The components of net periodic benefit (income) cost for the plans are as follows:

   
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
               
(millions)
             
                                     
Service cost
  $ 51     $ 54     $ 50     $ 5     $ 5     $ 5  
Interest cost
    109       102       94       24       25       24  
Expected return on plan assets
    (239 )     (240 )     (221 )     (3 )     (3 )     (3 )
Amortization of transition obligation
    -       -       -       4       4       4  
Amortization of prior service benefit
    (3 )     (4 )     (4 )     -       -       -  
Amortization of gains
    (23 )     (29 )     (18 )     -       -       -  
Net periodic benefit (income) cost at FPL Group
  $ (105 )   $ (117 )   $ (99 )   $ 30     $ 31     $ 30  
Net periodic benefit (income) cost at FPL
  $ (73 )   $ (84 )   $ (76 )   $ 23     $ 24     $ 25  

Other Comprehensive Income - The components of net periodic benefit income (cost) recognized in OCI for the plans are as follows:

   
Pension Benefits
   
Other Benefits
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
         
(millions)
       
                         
Prior service cost (net of $1 tax benefit for 2008)
  $ (1 )   $ (2 )   $ -     $ -  
Net gains (losses) (net of $24 tax expense, $102 tax benefit, $7 tax benefit and $2 tax expense, respectively)
    38       (162 )     (10 )     2  
Transition obligation
    -       -       (1 )     -  
Amortization of prior service benefit
    (1 )     (1 )     -       -  
Amortization of net gains (net of $3 and $3 tax benefit, respectively)
    (4 )     (5 )     -       -  
Amortization of transition obligation
    -       -       1       1  
Total
  $ 32     $ (170 )   $ (10 )   $ 3  

Regulatory Assets (Liabilities) - The components of net periodic benefit (income) cost recognized during the year in regulatory assets (liabilities) for the plans are as follows:

   
Regulatory
Assets (Liabilities)
(Pension)
   
Regulatory Assets
(SERP and Other)
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(millions)
 
                         
Prior service cost
  $ 2     $ 9     $ -     $ -  
Unrecognized (gains) losses
    (159 )     801       51       (14 )
Transition obligation
    -       -       (2 )     -  
Amortization of prior service benefit
    3       3       -       -  
Amortization of gains
    16       21       -       -  
Amortization of transition obligation
    -       -       (3 )     (3 )
Total
  $ (138 )   $ 834     $ 46     $ (17 )


 
74

 

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit (income) cost for the plans are as follows:

 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
                       
Discount rate
6.90%
 
6.25%
 
5.85%
 
6.90%
 
6.35%
 
5.90%
Salary increase
4.00%
 
4.00%
 
4.00%
 
4.00%
 
4.00%
 
4.00%
Expected long-term rate of return (a)
7.75%
 
7.75%
 
7.75%
 
8.00%
 
8.00%
 
8.00%
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
In developing the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption for its plans, FPL Group evaluated input from its actuaries as well as information available in the marketplace.  FPL Group considered the 10-year and 20-year historical median returns for a portfolio with an equity/bond asset mix similar to its funds.  FPL Group also considered its funds' historical compounded returns.  No specific adjustments were made to reflect expectations of future returns.

Assumed health care cost trend rates have an effect on the amounts reported for postretirement plans providing health care benefits.  An increase or decrease of one percentage point in assumed health care cost trend rates would have a corresponding effect on the total service and interest cost recognized at December 31, 2009 by less than $1 million.

Employee Contribution Plans - FPL Group offers employee retirement savings plans which allow eligible participants to contribute a percentage of qualified compensation through payroll deductions.  FPL Group makes matching contributions to participants' accounts.  Defined contribution expense pursuant to these plans was approximately $38 million, $37 million and $35 million for FPL Group ($28 million, $28 million and $27 million for FPL) for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  See Note 11 - Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

3.  Derivative Instruments

FPL Group and FPL use derivative instruments (primarily swaps, options, futures and forwards) to manage the commodity price risk inherent in the purchase and sale of fuel and electricity, as well as interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with long-term debt.

With respect to commodities related to FPL Group's competitive energy business, NextEra Energy Resources employs rigorous risk management procedures in order to optimize the value of its power generation assets, provide full energy and capacity requirements services primarily to distribution utilities, and engage in power and gas marketing and trading activities to take advantage of expected future favorable price movements and changes in the expected volatility of prices in the energy markets.  These risk management activities involve the use of derivative instruments executed within prescribed limits to manage the risk associated with fluctuating commodity prices.  Transactions in derivative instruments are executed on recognized exchanges or via the over the counter markets, depending on the most favorable credit and market execution factors.  For NextEra Energy Resources' power generation assets, derivative instruments are used to hedge the commodity price risk associated with the fuel inputs for requirements of the assets, where applicable, as well as to hedge the expected energy output of these assets for the portion of the output that is not covered by long term power purchase agreements (PPA).  These hedges protect NextEra Energy Resources against adverse changes in the wholesale forward commodity markets associated with its generation assets.  With regard to full energy and capacity requirements services, NextEra Energy Resources is required to vary the quantity of energy and related services based on the load demands of the customer served by the distribution utility.  For this type of transaction, derivative instruments are used to hedge the anticipated electricity quantities required to serve these customers and protect against unfavorable changes in the forward energy markets.  Additionally, NextEra Energy Resources takes positions in the energy markets based on differences between actual forward market levels and management's view of fundamental market conditions.  NextEra Energy Resources uses derivative instruments to realize value from these market dislocations, subject to strict risk management limits around market, operational and credit exposure.

Derivative instruments, when required to be marked to market, are recorded on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability measured at fair value.  At FPL, substantially all changes in the derivatives' fair value are deferred as a regulatory asset or liability until the contracts are settled, and, upon settlement, any gains or losses are passed through the fuel and purchased power cost recovery clause (fuel clause) or the capacity clause.  For FPL Group's non-rate regulated operations, predominantly NextEra Energy Resources, essentially all changes in the derivatives' fair value for power purchases and sales and trading activities are recognized on a net basis in operating revenues; fuel purchases and sales are recognized on a net basis in fuel, purchased power and interchange expense; and the equity method investees' related activity is recognized in equity in earnings of equity method investees in FPL Group's consolidated statements of income unless hedge accounting is applied.  Settlement gains and losses are included within the line items in the consolidated statements of income to which they relate.

 
75

 

While most of NextEra Energy Resources' derivative transactions are entered into for the purpose of managing commodity price risk, and to reduce the impact of volatility in interest rates stemming from changes in variable interest rates on outstanding debt, hedge accounting is only applied where specific criteria are met and it is practicable to do so.  In order to apply hedge accounting, the transaction must be designated as a hedge and it must be highly effective in offsetting the hedged risk.  Additionally, for hedges of commodity price risk, physical delivery for forecasted commodity transactions must be probable.  FPL Group believes that, where offsetting positions exist at the same location for the same time, the transactions are considered to have been netted and therefore physical delivery has been deemed not to have occurred for financial reporting purposes.  Transactions for which physical delivery is deemed not to have occurred are presented on a net basis.  Generally, the hedging instrument's effectiveness is assessed using regression analysis for commodity contracts, and nonstatistical methods including dollar value comparisons of the change in the fair value of the derivative to the change in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, for interest rate swaps.  Hedge effectiveness is tested at the inception of the hedge and on at least a quarterly basis throughout its life.  At December 31, 2009, FPL Group had cash flow hedges with expiration dates through December 2012 for energy contract derivative instruments, interest rate cash flow hedges with expiration dates through May 2024 and a foreign currency cash flow hedge that expires in December 2011.  The effective portion of the gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge is reported as a component of OCI and is reclassified into earnings in the period(s) during which the transaction being hedged affects earnings.  See Note 7.  The ineffective portion of net unrealized gains (losses) on these hedges is reported in earnings in the current period, and amounted to approximately $29 million, $25 million and $3 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  In January 2010, FPL Group discontinued hedge accounting for its cash flow hedges related to energy contract derivative instruments.

FPL Group's and FPL's mark-to-market derivative instrument assets (liabilities) are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 
FPL Group
 
FPL
 
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
 
(millions)
 
                         
Current derivative assets (a)
$
357
 
$
433
 
$
10
(b)
$
4
(b)
Noncurrent other assets (c)
 
329
   
212
   
4
   
2
 
Current derivative liabilities (d)
 
(221
)
 
(1,300
)
 
(77
)
 
(1,114
)
Noncurrent derivative liabilities (e)
 
(170
)
 
(218
)
 
(1
) (f)
 
(1
) (f)
Total mark-to-market derivative instrument liabilities
$
295
 
$
(873
)
$
(64
)
$
(1,109
)
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, FPL Group's balances reflect the netting of $4 million and $60 million (none at FPL), respectively, in margin cash collateral received from counterparties.
(b)  
Included in current other assets on FPL's consolidated balance sheets.
(c)  
At December 31, 2009, FPL Group's balance reflects the netting of $1 million (none at FPL), in margin cash collateral received from counterparties.
(d)  
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, FPL Group's balances reflect the netting of $75 million and $33 million (none at FPL), respectively, in margin cash collateral provided to counterparties.
(e)  
At December 31, 2008, FPL Group's balance reflects the netting of $25 million (none at FPL), in margin cash collateral provided to counterparties.
(f)  
Included in noncurrent other liabilities on FPL's consolidated balance sheets.

At December 31, 2009 and 2008, FPL Group had approximately $18 million and $66 million (none at FPL), respectively, in margin cash collateral received from counterparties that was not offset against derivative assets.  These amounts are included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.  Additionally, at December 31, 2009 and 2008, FPL Group had approximately $95 million and $98 million (none at FPL), respectively, in margin cash collateral provided to counterparties that was not offset against derivative liabilities.  These amounts are included in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

As discussed above, FPL Group uses derivative instruments to, among other things, manage its commodity price risk, interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk.  The table above presents FPL Group's and FPL's net derivative positions at December 31, 2009, which reflect the offsetting of positions of certain transactions within the portfolio, the contractual ability to settle contracts under master netting arrangements and the netting of margin cash collateral.  However, disclosure rules require that the following tables be presented on a gross basis.

 
76

 

The fair values of FPL Group's derivatives designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes are presented below as gross asset and liability values, as required by disclosure rules.  However, the majority of the underlying contracts are subject to master netting arrangements and would not be contractually settled on a gross basis.

   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Derivative
Assets
   
Derivative
Liabilities
 
   
(millions)
 
Commodity contracts:
           
Current derivative assets
  $ 54     $ 1  
Current derivative liabilities
    45       4  
Noncurrent other assets
    44       2  
Noncurrent derivative liabilities
    8       13  
Interest rate swaps:
               
Current derivative liabilities
    -       51  
Noncurrent other assets
    61       -  
Noncurrent derivative liabilities
    -       27  
Foreign currency swap:
               
Noncurrent other assets
    5       -  
Total
  $ 217     $ 98  

Gains (losses) related to FPL Group's cash flow hedges are recorded on FPL Group's consolidated financial statements (none at FPL) as follows:

 
Year Ended
December 31, 2009
 
Commodity
Contracts
 
Interest
Rate
Swaps
 
Foreign
Currency
Swap
 
Total
 
(millions)
                       
Gains recognized in OCI
$
197
 
$
28
 
$
3
 
$
228
Gains (losses) reclassified from AOCI
$
164
(a)
$
(39
) (b)
$
4
(c)
$
129
Gains recognized in income (d)
$
29
(a)
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
29
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Included in operating revenues.
(b)  
Included in interest expense.
(c)  
$1 million loss is included in interest expense, and the balance is included in other - net.
(d)  
Represents the ineffective portion of the hedging instrument.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, FPL Group recorded a loss of $6 million on a fair value hedge which is reflected in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income and resulted in a corresponding reduction of the related debt.

The fair values of FPL Group's and FPL's derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes are presented below as gross asset and liability values, as required by disclosure rules.  However, the majority of the underlying contracts are subject to master netting arrangements and would not be contractually settled on a gross basis.

 
December 31, 2009
 
 
FPL Group
 
FPL
 
 
Derivative
Assets
 
Derivative
Liabilities
 
Derivative
Assets
 
Derivative
Liabilities
 
 
(millions)
 
Commodity contracts:
                       
Current derivative assets
$
611
 
$
303
 
$
11
(a)
$
1
(a)
Current derivative liabilities
 
1,002
   
1,288
   
18
   
95
 
Noncurrent other assets
 
921
   
699
   
4
   
-
 
Noncurrent derivative liabilities
 
128
   
260
   
-
   
1
(b)
Foreign currency swap:
                       
Noncurrent derivative liabilities
 
-
   
6
   
-
   
-
 
Total
$
2,662
 
$
2,556
 
$
33
 
$
97
 
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Included in current other assets on FPL's consolidated balance sheets.
(b)  
Included in noncurrent other liabilities on FPL's consolidated balance sheets.


 
77

 

Gains (losses) related to FPL Group's derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recorded on FPL Group's consolidated statements of income (none at FPL) as follows:

 
Year Ended
December 31, 2009
 
 
(millions)
 
Commodity contracts:
     
Operating revenues
$
279
(a)
Fuel, purchased power and interchange
 
28
 
Foreign currency swap:
     
Other - net
 
(3
)
Total
$
304
 
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2009, FPL recorded approximately $688 million of losses related to commodity contracts as regulatory assets on its consolidated balance sheets.

The following table represents net notional volumes associated with derivative instruments that are required to be reported at fair value in FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated financial statements.  The table includes significant volumes of transactions that have minimal exposure to commodity price changes because they are variable priced agreements.  The table does not present a complete picture of FPL Group's and FPL's overall net economic exposure because FPL Group and FPL do not use derivative instruments to hedge all of their commodity exposures.  At December 31, 2009, FPL Group and FPL had derivative commodity contracts for the following net notional volumes:

Commodity Type
 
FPL Group
 
FPL
   
(millions)
         
Power
 
(23
)
mwh (a)
 
-
 mwh (a)
Natural gas
 
790
 
mmbtu (b)
 
794
 mmbtu (b)
Oil
 
1
 
barrels
 
1
 barrels
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Megawatt-hours
(b)  
One million British thermal units

At December 31, 2009, FPL Group had fifteen interest rate swaps with a notional amount totaling approximately $2.3 billion and two foreign currency swaps with a notional amount totaling approximately $290 million.

Certain of FPL Group's and FPL's derivative instruments contain credit-risk-related contingent features including, among other things, the requirement to maintain an investment grade credit rating from specified credit rating agencies and certain financial ratios, as well as credit-related cross default and material adverse change triggers.  At December 31, 2009, the aggregate fair value of FPL Group's derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position was approximately $1.0 billion ($0.1 billion for FPL).

If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements and other wholesale commodity contracts were triggered, FPL Group or FPL could be required to post collateral or settle contracts according to contractual terms which generally allow netting of contracts in offsetting positions.  Certain contracts contain multiple types of credit-related triggers.  To the extent these contracts contain a credit ratings downgrade trigger, the maximum exposure is included in the following credit ratings collateral posting requirements.  If FPL Group Capital's or FPL's credit ratings were downgraded to BBB+/Baa1 (a two level downgrade for FPL and a one level downgrade for FPL Group Capital from the current lowest rating), FPL Group would be required to post collateral such that the total posted collateral would be approximately $50 million (none at FPL).    If FPL Group Capital's and FPL's credit ratings were downgraded to below investment grade, FPL Group would be required to post additional collateral such that the total posted collateral would be approximately $1.4 billion ($0.6 billion at FPL).  Some contracts at FPL Group, including some FPL contracts, do not contain credit ratings downgrade triggers, but do contain provisions that require certain financial measures be maintained and/or have credit-related cross-default triggers.  In the event these provisions were triggered, FPL Group could be required to post additional collateral of up to approximately $500 million ($100 million at FPL).

Collateral may be posted in the form of cash or credit support.  At December 31, 2009, FPL Group had posted approximately $75 million (none at FPL) in the form of letters of credit in the normal course of business which could be applied toward the collateral requirements described above.  FPL and FPL Group Capital have bank revolving lines of credit in excess of the collateral requirements described above that would be available to support, among other things, derivative activities.  Under the terms of the bank revolving lines of credit, maintenance of a specific credit rating is not a condition to drawing on these credit facilities, although there are other conditions to drawing on these credit facilities.

 
78

 

Additionally, some contracts contain certain adequate assurance provisions where a counterparty may demand additional collateral based on subjective events and/or conditions.  Due to the subjective nature of these provisions, FPL Group and FPL are unable to determine an exact value for these items and they are not included in any of the quantitative disclosures above.

4.  Fair Value Measurements

FPL Group and FPL use several different valuation techniques to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities, relying primarily on the market approach of using prices and other market information for identical and/or comparable assets and liabilities for those assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis.  Certain derivatives and financial instruments are valued using option pricing models and take into consideration multiple inputs including commodity prices, volatility factors and discount rates, as well as counterparty credit ratings and credit enhancements.  Additionally, when observable market data is not sufficient, valuation models are developed that incorporate FPL Group's and FPL's proprietary views of market factors and conditions.  FPL Group's and FPL's assessment of the significance of any particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

FPL Group's and FPL's financial assets and liabilities and other fair value measurements made on a recurring basis by fair value hierarchy level are as follows:

   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Netting (a)
 
Total
 
   
(millions)
 
Assets:
                                               
Cash equivalents:
                                               
FPL Group - equity securities
   
$
-
     
$
79
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
79
 
FPL - equity securities
   
$
-
     
$
43
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
43
 
Special use funds:
                                               
FPL Group:
                                               
Equity securities
   
$
657
     
$
1,048
(b)
   
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
1,705
 
U.S. Government and municipal bonds
   
$
275
     
$
299
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
574
 
Corporate debt securities
   
$
-
     
$
452
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
452
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
$
-
     
$
618
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
618
 
Other debt securities
   
$
-
     
$
41
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
41
 
FPL:
                                               
Equity securities
   
$
104
     
$
920
(b)
   
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
1,024
 
U.S. Government and municipal bonds
   
$
230
     
$
278
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
508
 
Corporate debt securities
   
$
-
     
$
346
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
346
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
$
-
     
$
503
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
503
 
Other debt securities
   
$
-
     
$
27
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
27
 
Other investments:
                                               
FPL Group:
                                               
Equity securities
   
$
3
     
$
4
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
7
 
U.S. Government and municipal bonds
   
$
-
     
$
38
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
38
 
Corporate debt securities
   
$
-
     
$
35
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
35
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
$
-
     
$
31
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
31
 
Other
   
$
4
     
$
-
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
4
 
Derivatives:
                                               
FPL Group
   
$
988
     
$
1,089
     
$
801
     
$
(2,192
)
 
$
686
(c)
FPL
   
$
-
     
$
20
     
$
13
     
$
(19
)
 
$
14
(c)
Liabilities:
                                               
Derivatives:
                                               
FPL Group
   
$
1,110
     
$
1,106
     
$
437
     
$
(2,262
)
 
$
391
(c)
FPL
   
$
-
     
$
95
     
$
2
     
$
(19
)
 
$
78
(c)
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Includes the effect of the contractual ability to settle contracts under master netting arrangements and margin cash collateral payments and receipts.
(b)  
At FPL Group, approximately $918 million ($836 million at FPL) are invested in commingled funds whose underlying investments would be Level 1 if those investments were held directly by FPL Group or FPL.
(c)  
See Note 3 for a reconciliation of net derivatives to FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets.


 
79

 


   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
or Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Netting (a)
 
Total
 
   
(millions)
 
Assets:
                                               
Cash equivalents:
                                               
FPL Group
   
$
109
     
$
-
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
109
 
FPL
   
$
27
     
$
-
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
27
 
Other current assets:
                                               
FPL Group
   
$
-
     
$
17
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
17
 
Special use funds:
                                               
FPL Group
   
$
536
     
$
2,411
(b)
   
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
2,947
 
FPL
   
$
149
     
$
2,009
(b)
   
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
2,158
 
Other investments:
                                               
FPL Group
   
$
6
     
$
101
     
$
-
     
$
-
   
$
107
 
Net derivative assets (liabilities):
                                               
FPL Group
   
$
(55
)
   
$
(1,227
)
   
$
404
     
$
5
   
$
(873
) (c)
FPL
   
$
-
     
$
(1,108
)
   
$
(1
)
   
$
-
   
$
(1,109
) (c)
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Includes amounts for margin cash collateral and net option premium payments and receipts.
(b)  
At FPL Group, approximately $712 million ($650 million at FPL) are invested in commingled funds whose underlying investments would be Level 1 if those investments were held directly by FPL Group or FPL.  The remaining investments are primarily comprised of fixed income securities including municipal, mortgage-backed, corporate and governmental bonds.
(c)  
See Note 3 for a reconciliation of net derivatives to FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets.

The reconciliation of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are based on significant unobservable inputs is as follows:

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
FPL Group
   
FPL
   
FPL Group
   
FPL
 
   
(millions)
 
                         
Fair value of net derivatives based on significant unobservable inputs at December 31 of prior year
  $ 404     $ (1 )   $ (127 )   $ (10 )
Realized and unrealized gains (losses):
                               
Included in earnings (a)
    555       -       196       (1 )
Included in regulatory assets and liabilities
    7       7       5       5  
Settlements and net option premiums
    (521 )     6       152       4  
Net transfers in/out
    (81 )     (1 )     178       1  
Fair value of net derivatives based on significant unobservable inputs at December 31
  $ 364     $ 11     $ 404     $ (1 )
The amount of gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to derivatives still held at the reporting date (a)
  $ 270     $ -     $ 410     $ (1 )
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Essentially all realized and unrealized gains (losses) are reflected in operating revenues in the consolidated statements of income.

5.  Financial Instruments

FPL Group and FPL adopted new accounting and disclosure provisions related to other than temporary impairments and the fair value of financial instruments beginning April 1, 2009.  Under the new accounting provisions, an investment in a debt security is required to be assessed for an other than temporary impairment based on whether the entity has an intent to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis.  Additionally, if the entity does not expect to recover the amortized cost of a debt security, an impairment is recognized in earnings equal to the estimated credit loss.  For debt securities held as of April 1, 2009 for which an other than temporary impairment had been previously recognized but for which assessment under the new accounting provisions indicates the impairment is temporary, FPL Group recorded an adjustment to increase April 1, 2009 retained earnings by approximately $5 million with a corresponding reduction in AOCI.

The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, notes payable and commercial paper approximate their fair values.  At both December 31, 2009 and 2008, other investments of FPL Group, not included in the table below, included financial instruments of approximately $39 million, which primarily consist of notes receivable that are carried at estimated fair value or cost, which approximates fair value.  See Note 10.

 
80

 

The following estimates of the fair value of financial instruments have been made primarily using available market information.  However, the use of different market assumptions or methods of valuation could result in different estimated fair values.

   
December 31, 2009
 
December 31, 2008
 
   
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
(millions)
 
FPL Group:
     
Special use funds
 
$
3,390
(a)
$
3,390
(b)
$
2,947
 
$
2,947
(b)
Other investments:
                         
Notes receivable
 
$
534
 
$
556
(c)
$
534
 
$
524
(c)
Debt securities
 
$
104
(d)
$
104
(b)
$
105
(d)
$
105
(b)
Equity securities
 
$
45
 
$
105
(e)
$
27
 
$
43
(e)
Long-term debt, including current maturities
 
$
16,869
 
$
17,256
(f)
$
15,221
 
$
15,152
(f)
Interest rate swaps - net unrealized losses
 
$
(17
)
$
(17
) (g)
$
(78
)
$
(78
) (g)
Foreign currency swaps - net unrealized losses
 
$
(1
)
$
(1
) (g)
$
(4
)
$
(4
) (g)
                           
FPL:
                         
Special use funds
 
$
2,408
(a)
$
2,408
(b)
$
2,158
 
$
2,158
(b)
Long-term debt, including current maturities
 
$
5,836
 
$
6,055
(f)
$
5,574
 
$
5,652
(f)
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
See Note 4 for classification by major security type.  The amortized cost of debt and equity securities is $1,638 million and $1,396 million, respectively ($1,344 million and $873 million, respectively, for FPL).
(b)  
Based on quoted market prices for these or similar issues.
(c)  
Classified as held to maturity.  Based on market prices provided by external sources.  Additionally, notes receivable bear interest at variable rates based on an underlying index plus a margin and mature from 2014 to 2029.
(d)  
Classified as trading securities.  In 2008, approximately $8 million of current maturities are included in other current assets in FPL Group's consolidated balance sheet.
(e)  
Modeled internally.
(f)  
Based on market prices provided by external sources.
(g)  
Modeled internally based on market values.

Special Use Funds - The special use funds consist of FPL's storm fund assets of $123 million and FPL Group's and FPL's nuclear decommissioning fund assets of $3,267 million and $2,285 million, respectively, at December 31, 2009.  Securities held in the special use funds consist of equity and debt securities which are classified as available for sale and are carried at estimated fair value based on quoted market prices.  For FPL's special use funds, consistent with regulatory treatment, market adjustments, including any other than temporary impairment losses, result in a corresponding adjustment to the related regulatory liability accounts.  For FPL Group's non-rate regulated operations, market adjustments result in a corresponding adjustment to OCI, except for unrealized losses associated with marketable securities considered to be other than temporary, including any credit losses, which are recognized as a loss in FPL Group's consolidated statements of income.  Debt securities included in the nuclear decommissioning funds have a weighted-average maturity at December 31, 2009 of approximately seven years at both FPL Group and FPL.  FPL's storm fund primarily consists of municipal debt securities with a weighted-average maturity at December 31, 2009 of approximately three years.  The cost of securities sold is determined using the specific identification method.

The approximate realized gains and losses and proceeds from the sale of available for sale securities are as follows:

 
FPL Group
 
FPL
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
 
(millions)
 
                                     
Realized gains
  $ 108     $ 50     $ 59     $ 48     $ 38     $ 52  
Realized losses
  $ 30     $ 54     $ 40     $ 25     $ 50     $ 37  
Proceeds from sale of securities
  $ 4,592     $ 2,235     $ 2,349     $ 3,270     $ 1,454     $ 1,978  


 
81

 

The unrealized gains on available for sale securities are as follows:

   
FPL Group
   
FPL
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
         
(millions)
       
                         
Equity securities
  $ 400     $ 103     $ 240     $ 95  
Debt securities:
                               
U.S. Government and municipal bonds
  $ 14             $ 13          
Corporate debt securities
    21               16          
Mortgage-backed securities
    22               18          
Other debt securities
    1               1          
Total debt securities
  $ 58     $ 83     $ 48     $ 72  

The total unrealized losses on available for sale debt securities and the fair value of available for sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position are as follows:

   
December 31, 2009
 
   
FPL Group (a)
   
FPL (a)
 
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
 
   
(millions)
 
                         
U.S. Government and municipal bonds
  $ 6     $ 255     $ 5     $ 207  
Corporate debt securities
  $ 2     $ 104     $ 1     $ 84  
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 4     $ 225     $ 3     $ 184  
Other debt securities
  $ -     $ 10     $ -     $ 8  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
FPL Group had 47 securities in an unrealized loss position for greater than twelve months, including 18 securities for FPL.  The total unrealized loss on these securities was approximately $3 million and the fair value was approximately $37 million for FPL Group, including approximately $2 million of unrealized losses with a fair value of approximately $25 million for FPL.  Consistent with regulatory treatment for FPL, marketable securities held in special use funds are classified as available for sale and are carried at market value with market adjustments, including any other than temporary impairment losses, resulting in a corresponding adjustment to the related regulatory liability accounts.

Regulations issued by the FERC and the NRC provide general risk management guidelines to protect nuclear decommissioning funds and to allow such funds to earn a reasonable return.  The FERC regulations prohibit investments in any securities of FPL Group or its subsidiaries, affiliates or associates, excluding investments tied to market indices or mutual funds.  Similar restrictions applicable to the decommissioning funds for NextEra Energy Resources' nuclear plants are contained in the NRC operating licenses for those facilities or in NRC regulations applicable to NRC licensees not in cost-of-service environments.  With respect to the decommissioning fund for NextEra Energy Resources' Seabrook nuclear plant, decommissioning fund contributions and withdrawals are also regulated by the NDFC pursuant to New Hampshire law.

The nuclear decommissioning reserve funds are managed by investment managers who must comply with the guidelines of FPL Group and FPL and rules of the applicable regulatory authorities.  The funds' assets are invested giving consideration to taxes, liquidity, risk, diversification and other prudent investment objectives.

Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Swaps - FPL Group and its subsidiaries use a combination of fixed rate and variable rate debt to manage interest rate exposure.  Interest rate swaps are used to mitigate and adjust interest rate exposure when deemed appropriate based upon market conditions or when required by financing agreements.  In addition, FPL Group Capital entered into a cross currency basis swap to hedge against currency movements with respect to both interest and principal payments on a loan and a cross currency swap to hedge against currency and interest rate movements with respect to both interest and principal payments on a loan.

 
82

 

6.  Income Taxes

The components of income taxes are as follows:

   
FPL Group
   
FPL
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(millions)
 
Federal:
                                   
Current (a)
  $ (18 )   $ (132 )   $ (35 )   $ 63     $ 117     $ 98  
Deferred
    298       557       356       350       274       302  
Amortization of ITCs - FPL
    (8 )     (15 )     (15 )     (8 )     (15 )     (15 )
Total federal
    272       410       306       405       376       385  
State:
                                               
Current (a)
    77       29       16       57       34       22  
Deferred
    (22 )     11       46       11       33       44  
Total state
    55       40       62       68       67       66  
Total income taxes
  $ 327     $ 450     $ 368     $ 473     $ 443     $ 451  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Includes provision for unrecognized tax benefits.

A reconciliation between the effective income tax rates and the applicable statutory rates is as follows:

   
FPL Group
   
FPL
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                                     
Statutory federal income tax rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
Increases (reductions) resulting from:
                                               
State income taxes - net of federal income tax benefit
    1.9       1.3       2.4       3.4       3.5       3.4  
Allowance for other funds used during construction
    (1.0 )     (0.6 )     (0.6 )     (1.5 )     (1.1 )     (0.8 )
Amortization of ITCs - FPL
    (0.4 )     (0.7 )     (0.9 )     (0.6 )     (1.2 )     (1.2 )
PTCs and ITCs - NextEra Energy Resources
    (13.1 )     (12.7 )     (13.7 )     -       -       -  
Convertible ITCs - NextEra Energy Resources
    (4.3 )     -       -       -       -       -  
Manufacturers' deduction
    -       -       -       -       -       (0.1 )
Amortization of deferred regulatory credit - income taxes
    (0.3 )     (0.2 )     (0.2 )     (0.5 )     (0.3 )     (0.3 )
Other - net
    (0.9 )     (0.5 )     (0.1 )     0.5       -       (0.9 )
Effective income tax rate
    16.9 %     21.6 %     21.9 %     36.3 %     35.9 %     35.1 %


 
83

 

The income tax effects of temporary differences giving rise to consolidated deferred income tax liabilities and assets are as follows:

 
FPL Group
 
FPL
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
(millions)
Deferred tax liabilities:
                     
Property-related
$
6,968
 
$
5,650
 
$
4,202
 
$
3,687
Investment-related
 
-
   
139
   
-
   
-
Pension
 
457
   
354
   
392
   
373
Regulatory asset - pension and other benefits
 
14
   
49
   
-
   
-
Deferred fuel costs
 
-
   
99
   
-
   
99
Storm reserve deficiency
 
279
   
312
   
279
   
312
Other
 
674
   
451
   
157
   
199
Total deferred tax liabilities
 
8,392
   
7,054
   
5,030
   
4,670
                       
Deferred tax assets and valuation allowance:
                     
Decommissioning reserves
 
379
   
297
   
313
   
297
Postretirement benefits
 
183
   
157
   
133
   
131
Net operating loss carryforwards
 
270
(a)
 
60
   
-
   
-
Tax credit carryforwards
 
1,364
(b)
 
899
(b)
 
-
   
-
ARO and accrued asset removal costs
 
896
   
874
   
811
   
776
Other
 
683
   
605
   
249
   
353
Valuation allowance (c)
 
(129
)
 
(137
)
 
-
   
-
Net deferred tax assets
 
3,646
   
2,755
   
1,506
   
1,557
Net accumulated deferred income taxes
$
4,746
 
$
4,299
 
$
3,524
 
$
3,113
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Amount is presented net of $26 million of tax carryforwards that are available to offset FPL Group's liability for unrecognized tax benefits.
(b)  
Amount is presented net of $58 million and $49 million, respectively, of tax carryforwards that are available to offset FPL Group's liability for unrecognized tax benefits.
(c)  
Amount relates to deferred state tax credits and state operating loss carryforwards.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

   
FPL Group
 
FPL
 
   
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
2009
   
2008
 
       
(millions)
       
                         
Other current assets
  $ 128     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Other current liabilities
    14       68       15       8  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    4,860       4,231       3,509       3,105  
Net accumulated deferred income taxes
  $ 4,746     $ 4,299     $ 3,524     $ 3,113  

The components of FPL Group's deferred tax assets relating to net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards at December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 
Amount
 
Expiration
Dates
 
(millions)
   
         
Net operating loss carryforwards:
       
Federal
$
179
(a)
2025 - 2029
State
 
85
 
2010 - 2029
Foreign
 
6
 
2027 - 2029
Net operating loss carryforwards
$
270
   
         
Tax credit carryforwards:
       
Federal
$
1,203
(b)
2025 - 2029
State
 
161
 
2010 - 2028
Net tax credit carryforwards
$
1,364
   
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Amount is presented net of $26 million of tax carryforwards that are available to offset FPL Group's liability for unrecognized tax benefits.
(b)  
Amount is presented net of $58 million of tax carryforwards that are available to offset FPL Group's liability for unrecognized tax benefits.


 
84

 

The majority of the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits represent tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility.  A disallowance of the shorter deductibility period for these tax positions would not affect the annual effective income tax rate.  Included in the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2009 is approximately $5 million at FPL Group ($1 million at FPL) that, if disallowed, could impact the annual effective income tax rate.

FPL Group recognizes interest income (expense) related to unrecognized tax benefits (liabilities) in interest income and interest expense, respectively, net of the amount deferred at FPL.  At FPL, the offset to accrued interest receivable (payable) on income taxes is classified as a regulatory liability (regulatory asset) which will be amortized to income (expense) over a five-year period upon settlement in accordance with regulatory treatment.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, FPL Group accrued approximately $135 million and $111 million for net interest receivable ($38 million and $23 million for FPL), respectively.  For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, FPL Group recorded $9 million and $10 million of interest, $13 million and $14 million of which was recognized as interest income in FPL Group's consolidated statements of income and $(4) million and $(4) million, respectively, in regulatory liabilities on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets.

A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

   
FPL Group
   
FPL
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(millions)
 
                                     
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 249     $ 320     $ 316     $ 217     $ 281     $ 274  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
    24       14       71       24       13       71  
Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year
    -       (44 )     -       -       (44 )     -  
Additions for tax positions of the prior years
    26       91       13       26       89       13  
Reductions for tax positions of the prior years
    (20 )     (40 )     (80 )     (20 )     (30 )     (77 )
Reductions relating to settlements with taxing authorities
    -       (92 )     -       -       (92 )     -  
Balance at end of year
    279       249       320       247       217       281  
Tax carryforwards, deposits and other receivables
    (239 )     (219 )     (249 )     (192 )     (176 )     -  
Balance at end of year, net
  $ 40     $ 30     $ 71     $ 55     $ 41     $ 281  

FPL Group and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states, the most significant of which is Florida.  FPL Group and FPL are effectively no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local examinations by taxing authorities for years before 2003.  FPL Group is planning to appeal an adverse court decision related to FPL Group's and FPL's method for deducting certain repairs related to years prior to 2000 and the denial of a refund claim related to ITCs.  FPL Group is planning to file refund claims with respect to its U.S. income tax returns for 2000 through 2002, primarily related to deductions for repairs and depreciation deductions attributable to an acquired power plant.  FPL Group is also disputing certain adjustments proposed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to its U.S. income tax returns for 2003 through 2005.  These IRS proposed adjustments primarily relate to FPL Group's and FPL's method for certain deductions for repairs, casualty losses and capitalizing indirect service costs.  Additionally, income tax returns for 2006, 2007 and 2008 are under examination.  As such, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits and related interest accruals may change within the next twelve months; however, FPL Group and FPL do not expect these changes to have a significant impact on FPL Group's or FPL's financial statements.

 
85

 

7.  Comprehensive Income

The components of FPL Group's comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

       
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
   
Net
Income
 
Net
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
On Cash
Flow Hedges
 
Pension
and
Other
Benefits
 
Other
 
Total
 
Comprehensive
Income
   
(millions)
                                         
Balances, December 31, 2006
       
$
(25
)
$
98
 
$
42
 
$
115
         
Net income of FPL Group
 
$
1,312
                           
$
1,312
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on commodity cash flow hedges:
                                       
Effective portion of net unrealized losses (net of $37 tax benefit)
         
(55
)
 
-
   
-
   
(55
)
   
(55
)
Reclassification from OCI to net income (net of $16 tax expense)
         
23
   
-
   
-
   
23
     
23
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate cash flow hedges:
                                       
Effective portion of net unrealized losses (net of $13 tax benefit)
         
(19
)
 
-
   
-
   
(19
)
   
(19
)
Reclassification from OCI to net income (net of $2 tax benefit)
         
(5
)
 
-
   
-
   
(5
)
   
(5
)
Net unrealized gains on available for sale securities (net of $8 tax expense)
         
-
   
-
   
12
   
12
     
12
 
Defined benefit pension and other benefit plans (net of $28 tax expense)
         
-
   
45
   
-
   
45
     
45
 
Balances, December 31, 2007
         
(81
)
 
143
   
54
   
116
   
$
1,313
 
Net income of FPL Group
 
$
1,639
                           
$
1,639
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on commodity cash flow hedges:
                                       
Effective portion of net unrealized gains (net of $31 tax expense)
         
45
   
-
   
-
   
45
     
45
 
Reclassification from OCI to net income (net of $62 tax expense)
         
84
   
-
   
-
   
84
     
84
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate cash flow hedges:
                                       
Effective portion of net unrealized losses (net of $31 tax benefit)
         
(49
)
 
-
   
-
   
(49
)
   
(49
)
Reclassification from OCI to net income (net of $4 tax expense)
         
6
   
-
   
-
   
6
     
6
 
Net unrealized losses on available for sale securities (net of $30 tax benefit)
         
-
   
-
   
(46
)
 
(46
)
   
(46
)
Reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings
         
-
   
-
   
(1
)
 
(1
)
   
-
 
Defined benefit pension and other benefit plans (net of $104 tax benefit)
         
-
   
(168
)
 
-
   
(168
)
   
(167
)
Balances, December 31, 2008
         
5
   
(25
)
 
7
   
(13
)
 
$
1,512
 
Net income of FPL Group
 
$
1,615
                           
$
1,615
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on commodity cash flow hedges:
                                       
Effective portion of net unrealized gains (net of $78 tax expense)
         
118
   
-
   
-
   
118
     
118
 
Reclassification from OCI to net income (net of $63 tax benefit) (a)
         
(98
)
 
-
   
-
   
(98
)
   
(98
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate cash flow hedges:
                                       
Effective portion of net unrealized gains (net of $10 tax expense)
         
17
   
-
   
-
   
17
     
17
 
Reclassification from OCI to net income (net of $15 tax expense)
         
25
   
-
   
-
   
25
     
25
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency cash flow hedge:
                                       
Effective portion of net unrealized gains (net of $2 tax expense)
         
2
   
-
   
-
   
2
     
2
 
Reclassification from AOCI to net income (net of $2 tax benefit)
         
(2
)
 
-
   
-
   
(2
)
   
(2
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities:
                                       
Net unrealized gains on securities still held (net of $77 tax expense)
         
-
   
-
   
119
   
119
     
119
 
Reclassification from OCI to net income (net of $17 tax benefit)
         
-
   
-
   
(27
)
 
(27
)
   
(27
)
Reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings
         
-
   
-
   
(5
)
 
(5
)
   
-
 
Defined benefit pension and other benefit plans (net of $14 tax expense)
         
-
   
22
   
-
   
22
     
22
 
Net unrealized gains on foreign currency translation (net of $5 tax expense)
         
-
   
-
   
11
   
11
     
11
 
Balances, December 31, 2009
       
$
67
(b)
$
(3
) (c)
$
105
 
$
169
   
$
1,802
 
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Includes amounts reclassified into earnings due to discontinuance of cash flow hedges of approximately $3 million (net of $2 million tax benefit) for which the hedged transactions are no longer probable of occurring.
(b)  
Approximately $39 million of gains is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months as either the hedged fuel is consumed, electricity is sold or interest payments are made.  Such amount assumes no change in fuel prices, power prices or interest rates.
(c)  
Less than $1 million of prior service benefits and less than $1 million of transition obligations is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.


 
86

 

8.    Jointly-Owned Electric Plants

Certain FPL Group subsidiaries own undivided interests in the jointly-owned facilities described below, and are entitled to a proportionate share of the output from those facilities.  FPL and NextEra Energy Resources are responsible for their share of the operating costs, as well as providing their own financing.  Accordingly, each subsidiary includes its proportionate share of the facilities and related revenues and expenses in the appropriate balance sheet and statement of income captions.  FPL Group's and FPL's respective shares of direct expenses for these facilities are included in fuel, purchased power and interchange, O&M expenses, depreciation and amortization expense and taxes other than income taxes and other on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated statements of income.

FPL Group's and FPL's proportionate ownership interest in jointly-owned facilities is as follows:

 
December 31, 2009
 
Ownership
Interest
 
Gross
Investment (a)
 
Accumulated
Depreciation (a)
 
Construction Work
in Progress
   
(millions)
                             
FPL:
                           
St. Lucie Unit No. 2
85
%
 
$
1,345
   
$
672
   
$
101
 
St. Johns River Power Park units and coal terminal
20
%
 
$
391
   
$
218
   
$
1
 
Scherer Unit No. 4
76
%
 
$
599
   
$
405
   
$
227
 
Transmission substation assets located in Seabrook, New Hampshire
88.23
%
 
$
66
   
$
11
   
$
11
 
NextEra Energy Resources:
                           
Duane Arnold
70
%
 
$
345
   
$
48
   
$
29
 
Seabrook
88.23
%
 
$
823
   
$
122
   
$
53
 
Wyman Station Unit No. 4
84.35
%
 
$
103
   
$
36
   
$
1
 
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Excludes nuclear fuel.

9.    Variable Interest Entities

Accounting guidance requires the consolidation of entities which are determined to be VIEs when the reporting company determines that it will absorb a majority of the VIE's expected losses, receive a majority of the VIE's residual returns, or both.  The company that is required to consolidate the VIE is called the primary beneficiary.  Conversely, the reporting company would not consolidate VIEs in which it has a majority ownership interest when the company is not considered to be the primary beneficiary.  Variable interests are contractual, ownership or other monetary interests in an entity that change as the fair value of the entity's net assets, excluding variable interests, change.  An entity is considered to be a VIE when its capital is insufficient to permit it to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or its equity investors, as a group, lack the characteristics of having a controlling financial interest.  As of December 31, 2009, FPL Group has two VIEs which it consolidates.

FPL - FPL is considered the primary beneficiary of, and therefore consolidates, a VIE from which it leases nuclear fuel for its nuclear units.  FPL is considered the primary beneficiary of this VIE because in the case of default by the VIE on its debt, FPL would be required to purchase the VIE's nuclear fuel and because FPL guarantees the VIE's debt.  For ratemaking purposes, these leases are treated as operating leases.  For financial reporting, the cost of nuclear fuel is capitalized and amortized to fuel expense on a unit of production method except for the interest component, which is recorded as interest expense.  These charges, as well as a charge for spent nuclear fuel, are recovered through the fuel clause.  FPL makes quarterly payments to the lessor for the lease commitments.  The lessor has issued commercial paper to fund the procurement of nuclear fuel and FPL has provided a $600 million guarantee to support the commercial paper program.  Under certain lease termination circumstances, the associated debt, which consists primarily of commercial paper (approximately $425 million and $347 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively) would become due.  The consolidated assets of the VIE consist primarily of nuclear fuel, which had a net carrying value of approximately $389 million and $338 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

FPL is considered the primary beneficiary of, and therefore consolidates, a VIE that is a wholly-owned bankruptcy remote special purpose subsidiary that it formed in 2007 for the sole purpose of issuing storm-recovery bonds pursuant to the securitization provisions of the Florida Statutes and an FPSC financing order.  Four hurricanes in 2005 and three hurricanes in 2004 caused major damage in parts of FPL's service territory.  Storm restoration costs incurred by FPL during 2005 and 2004 exceeded the amount in FPL's funded storm and property insurance reserve, resulting in a storm reserve deficiency.  In 2007, the VIE issued $652 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured bonds (storm-recovery bonds), primarily for the after-tax equivalent of the total of FPL's unrecovered balance of the 2004 storm restoration costs, the 2005 storm restoration costs and approximately $200 million to reestablish FPL's storm and property insurance reserve.  See Note 12.

 
87

 

In connection with this financing, net proceeds, after debt issuance costs, to the VIE (approximately $644 million) were used to acquire the storm-recovery property, which includes the right to impose, collect and receive a storm-recovery charge from all customers receiving electric transmission or distribution service from FPL under rate schedules approved by the FPSC or under special contracts, certain other rights and interests that arise under the financing order issued by the FPSC and certain other collateral pledged by the VIE that issued the bonds.  The storm-recovery bonds are payable only from and secured by the storm-recovery property.  FPL, as the servicer, collects storm-recovery charges on behalf of the VIE through a surcharge to retail customers and remits them to the trustee under the indenture pursuant to which the storm-recovery bonds were issued for payment of fees and expenses and payment of principal and interest on the storm-recovery bonds.  The revenues from the storm-recovery bonds surcharge and a 2004 storm damage surcharge through which FPL had been recovering underrecovered 2004 storm restoration costs prior to the issuance of these storm-recovery bonds are included in operating revenues on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated statements of income.  For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, both the amount billed to retail customers related to the 2004 storm damage surcharge and/or the storm-recovery bonds surcharge amounted to approximately $91 million, $97 million and $94 million, respectively.  The VIE is consolidated for financial reporting purposes; however, the storm-recovery bonds do not constitute a debt, liability or other legal obligation of, or interest in, FPL or any of its affiliates other than the VIE that issued the storm-recovery bonds.  The assets of the VIE that issued the storm-recovery bonds, including the storm-recovery property, are not available to pay creditors of FPL or any of its affiliates other than the VIE that issued the storm-recovery bonds.  The consolidated assets of the VIE were approximately $588 million and $628 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and consisted primarily of storm-recovery property, which is included in securitized storm-recovery costs on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets.

In connection with this financing, the net proceeds to FPL from the sale of the storm-recovery property were used primarily to reimburse FPL for its estimated net of tax storm reserve deficiency as of May 31, 2007 (approximately $517 million) and provide for a storm and property insurance reserve fund of approximately $127 million net of tax.  Securities held in the storm and property insurance reserve fund are carried at market value with market adjustments resulting in a corresponding adjustment to the storm and property insurance reserve.  Fund earnings, net of taxes, are reinvested in the fund.  The tax effects of amounts not yet recognized for tax purposes are included in accumulated deferred income taxes.  The storm and property insurance reserve fund is included in special use funds on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets and was approximately $123 million at both December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Upon the issuance of the storm-recovery bonds, the storm reserve deficiency was reclassified to securitized storm-recovery costs on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets.  As storm-recovery charges are billed to customers, the securitized storm-recovery costs are amortized, the amount of which is included in storm cost amortization on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated statements of income.

The storm and property insurance reserve of approximately $200 million that was reestablished in the FPSC financing order is not reflected in FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2009 or 2008 because the associated regulatory asset does not meet the specific recognition criteria under regulatory accounting guidance.  As a result, the storm and property insurance reserve will be recognized as a regulatory liability as the storm-recovery charges are billed to customers and charged to storm cost amortization on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated statements of income.  Although FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2009 reflect a storm and property insurance reserve of approximately $23 million (included in regulatory liabilities - other on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets), FPL has the capacity to absorb up to approximately $198 million in future prudently incurred storm restoration costs without seeking recovery through a rate adjustment from the FPSC.

FPL identified one potential VIE, which is considered a qualifying facility as defined by the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, as amended (PURPA).  PURPA requires FPL to purchase the electricity output of the project.  FPL entered into a PPA in 1990 with this 250 megawatt (mw) coal-fired qualifying facility to purchase substantially all of the project's electrical output over a substantial portion of its estimated useful life.  FPL absorbs a portion of the project’s variability related to changes in the market price of coal through the price it pays per mwh (energy payment).  After making exhaustive efforts, FPL was unable to obtain the information from the project necessary to determine whether the project is a VIE or whether FPL is the primary beneficiary of the project.  The PPA with the project contains no provision which legally obligates the project to release this information to FPL.  The energy payments paid by FPL will fluctuate as coal prices change.  This fluctuation does not expose FPL to losses since the energy payments paid by FPL to the project are passed on to FPL's customers through the fuel clause as approved by the FPSC.  Notwithstanding the fact that FPL's energy payments are recovered through the fuel clause, if the project was determined to be a VIE, the absorption of some of the project's fuel price variability might cause FPL to be considered the primary beneficiary.  During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, FPL purchased 1,604,735 mwh, 1,725,798 mwh and 1,694,810 mwh, respectively, from the project at a total cost of approximately $173 million, $158 million and $153 million, respectively.  FPL will continue to make exhaustive efforts to obtain the necessary information from the potential VIE in order to determine if it is a VIE and, if so, whether FPL is the primary beneficiary.

 
88

 

Additionally, FPL entered into a PPA in 1995 with a 330 mw coal-fired qualifying facility to purchase substantially all of the project's electrical output over a substantial portion of its estimated useful life.  FPL absorbs a portion of the project’s variability related to changes in the market price of coal through the energy payment.  After making exhaustive efforts, FPL determined that the project is a VIE, however, FPL was unable to obtain the information necessary to determine if FPL is the project’s primary beneficiary.  The PPA with the project contains no provisions which legally obligate the project to release this information to FPL.  The energy payments paid by FPL will fluctuate as coal prices changes.  This fluctuation does not expose FPL to losses since the energy payments paid by FPL to the project are passed on to FPL’s customers through the fuel clause as approved by the FPSC.  During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, FPL purchased 1,485,662 mwh, 2,317,345 mwh and 2,320,991 mwh, respectively, from the project at a total cost of approximately $205 million, $227 million and $220 million, respectively.  FPL will continue to make exhaustive efforts to obtain the necessary information from the project in order to determine if FPL is the primary beneficiary.

FPL Group - In 2004, a trust created by FPL Group sold $300 million of 5 7/8% preferred trust securities to the public and $9 million of common trust securities to FPL Group.  The trust is considered a VIE because FPL Group's investment through the common trust securities is not considered equity at risk.  The proceeds from the sale of the preferred and common trust securities were used to buy 5 7/8% junior subordinated debentures maturing in March 2044 from FPL Group Capital.  The trust exists only to issue its preferred trust securities and common trust securities and to hold the junior subordinated debentures of FPL Group Capital as trust assets.  FPL Group has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the preferred trust securities and the junior subordinated debentures.  Since FPL Group, as the common security holder, is not considered to have equity at risk and will therefore not absorb any variability of the trust, FPL Group is not the primary beneficiary and does not consolidate the trust.  FPL Group includes the junior subordinated debentures issued by FPL Group Capital on its consolidated balance sheets.  The junior subordinated debentures are FPL Group's maximum exposure to loss.  See Note 12.

10.  Investments in Partnerships and Joint Ventures

NextEra Energy Resources   - NextEra Energy Resources has non-controlling non-majority owned interests in various partnerships and joint ventures, essentially all of which are electricity producers.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, NextEra Energy Resources' investment in partnerships and joint ventures totaled approximately $173 million and $189 million, respectively, which is included in other investments on FPL Group's consolidated balance sheets.  NextEra Energy Resources' interest in these partnerships and joint ventures range from approximately 5.5% to 50%.  At December 31, 2009, the principal operating entities included in NextEra Energy Resources' investments in partnerships and joint ventures were Northeast Energy, LP, Luz Solar Partners Ltd., V, Mojave 16/17/18 LLC, Luz Solar Partners Ltd., III, and Luz Solar Partners Ltd., IV and in 2008 also included TPC Windfarms LLC.

Summarized combined information for these principal entities is as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(millions)
 
             
Net income
  $ 74     $ 145  
Total assets
  $ 716     $ 841  
Total liabilities
  $ 353     $ 435  
Partners'/members' equity
  $ 363     $ 407  
                 
NextEra Energy Resources' share of underlying equity in the principal entities
  $ 179     $ 202  
Difference between investment carrying amount and underlying equity in net assets (a)
    (14 )     (18 )
NextEra Energy Resources' investment carrying amount for the principal entities
  $ 165     $ 184  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
The majority of the difference between the investment carrying amount and the underlying equity in net assets is being amortized over the remaining life of the investee's assets.

Certain subsidiaries of NextEra Energy Resources provide services to the partnerships and joint ventures, including operations and maintenance and business management services.  FPL Group's operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 include approximately $21 million, $21 million and $20 million, respectively, related to such services.  The net receivables at December 31, 2009 and 2008, for these services, as well as for affiliate energy commodity transactions, payroll and other payments made on behalf of these investees, were approximately $29 million and $33 million, respectively, and are included in other current assets on FPL Group's consolidated balance sheets.

 
89

 

Notes receivable (long- and short-term) include approximately $16 million and $24 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, due from partnerships and joint ventures in which NextEra Energy Resources has an ownership interest.  Approximately $6 million of the notes receivable balance at December 31, 2009 mature in 2011 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 8.5%.  The remaining $10 million mature in 2014 and bear interest at a variable rate which averaged approximately 10.4% in 2009.  Approximately $11 million of the notes receivable balance at December 31, 2008 mature in 2011 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 8.5%.  The remaining $13 million mature in 2014 and bear interest at a variable rate which averaged approximately 13.4% in 2008.  Interest income related to notes receivable totaled approximately $2 million, $4 million and $4 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and is included in interest income in FPL Group's consolidated statements of income.  Interest receivable associated with these notes as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 was not material.

Sale of Differential Membership Interests - In December 2007, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources sold its Class B membership interests in a subsidiary that owns five wind facilities totaling 598 mw of wind generation for approximately $705 million.  In exchange for the cash received, the holders of the Class B membership interests will receive a portion of the economic attributes of the facilities, including tax attributes, for a variable period.  Recognition of the proceeds from the sale of the differential membership interests was deferred and is recorded in other liabilities on FPL Group's consolidated balance sheets.  The deferred amount totaled $700 million and $706 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and is being recognized as an adjustment to taxes other than income taxes and other in FPL Group's consolidated statements of income as the members receive their portion of the economic attributes.  FPL Group continues to operate and manage the wind facilities, and consolidates the entity that owns the wind facilities.

11.    Common and Preferred Stock

Earnings Per Share - The reconciliation of FPL Group's basic and diluted earnings per share of common stock is as follows:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(millions, except per share amounts)
 
                   
Numerator - net income
  $ 1,615     $ 1,639     $ 1,312  
Denominator:
                       
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - basic
    404.4       400.1       397.7  
Restricted stock, performance share awards, options, warrants and equity units (a)
    2.8       2.6       2.9  
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - assuming dilution
    407.2       402.7       400.6  
                         
Earnings per share of common stock:
                       
Basic
  $ 3.99     $ 4.10     $ 3.30  
Assuming dilution
  $ 3.97     $ 4.07     $ 3.27  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Performance share awards are included in diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding based upon what would be issued if the end of the reporting period was the end of the term of the award.  Restricted stock, performance share awards, options, warrants and equity units are included in diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding by applying the treasury stock method.

Restricted stock, performance share awards and common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options which were not included in the denominator above due to their antidilutive effect were approximately 0.8 million, 0.5 million and 0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

On January 1, 2009, FPL Group adopted accounting guidance which required companies to treat unvested stock-based payment awards that have non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents as participating securities.  Therefore, these participating securities had to be included in the computation of earnings per share, pursuant to the two-class method described in the accounting guidance.  The effect of the retrospective application of the new accounting guidance was a reduction of less than $0.01 per share on FPL Group's earnings per share, assuming dilution, for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.

Common Stock Dividend Restrictions - FPL Group's charter does not limit the dividends that may be paid on its common stock.  FPL's mortgage securing FPL's first mortgage bonds contains provisions which, under certain conditions, restrict the payment of dividends and other distributions to FPL Group.  These restrictions do not currently limit FPL's ability to pay dividends to FPL Group.

 
90

 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan - The employee retirement savings plans of FPL Group include a leveraged ESOP feature.  Shares of common stock held by the trust for the employee retirement savings plans (Trust) are used to provide all or a portion of the employers' matching contributions.  Dividends received on all shares, along with cash contributions from the employers, are used to pay principal and interest on an ESOP loan held by a subsidiary of FPL Group Capital.  Dividends on shares allocated to employee accounts and used by the Trust for debt service are replaced with shares of common stock, at prevailing market prices, in an equivalent amount.  For purposes of computing basic and fully diluted earnings per share, ESOP shares that have been committed to be released are considered outstanding.

ESOP-related compensation expense of approximately $42 million, $40 million and $35 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, was recognized based on the fair value of shares allocated to employee accounts during the period.  Interest income on the ESOP loan is eliminated in consolidation.  ESOP-related unearned compensation included as a reduction of common shareholders' equity at December 31, 2009 was approximately $85 million, representing unallocated shares at the original issue price.  The fair value of the ESOP-related unearned compensation account using the closing price of FPL Group common stock at December 31, 2009 was approximately $308 million.

Stock-Based Compensation - FPL Group accounts for stock-based payment transactions based on grant-date fair value.  Net income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 includes approximately $51 million, $47 million and $39 million, respectively, of compensation costs and $20 million, $18 million and $15 million, respectively, of income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation arrangements.  Compensation cost capitalized as part of the cost of an asset for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was approximately $3 million and $2 million, respectively.  No compensation cost was capitalized in the year ended December 31, 2007.  As of December 31, 2009, there were approximately $67 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested/nonexercisable stock-based compensation arrangements.  These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.  For awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2005, compensation costs for awards with graded vesting are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.  For awards granted prior to that date, compensation costs for awards with graded vesting are recognized using the graded vesting attribution method.

At December 31, 2009, approximately 26 million shares of common stock were authorized and approximately 13 million were available for awards (including outstanding awards) to officers, employees and non-employee directors of FPL Group and its subsidiaries under FPL Group's amended and restated long-term incentive plan and non-employee directors stock plans.  FPL Group satisfies restricted stock and performance share awards by issuing new shares of its common stock or by purchasing shares of its common stock in the open market.  FPL Group satisfies stock option exercises by issuing new shares of its common stock and generally grants most of its stock options in the first quarter of each year.

Restricted Stock and Performance Share Awards   - Restricted stock typically vests within three years after the date of grant and is subject to, among other things, restrictions on transferability prior to vesting.  The fair value of restricted stock is measured based upon the closing market price of FPL Group common stock as of the date of grant.  Performance share awards are typically payable at the end of a three-year performance period if the specified performance criteria are met.  The fair value of performance share awards is estimated based upon the closing market price of FPL Group common stock as of the date of grant less the present value of expected dividends, multiplied by an estimated performance multiple determined on the basis of historical experience, which is subsequently trued up based on actual performance.

The activity in restricted stock and performance share awards for the year ended December 31, 2009 was as follows:

 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share
             
Restricted Stock:
           
Nonvested balance, January 1, 2009
956,697
   
$
57.51
 
Granted
586,695
   
$
51.50
 
Vested
(345,695
)
 
$
53.50
 
Forfeited
(54,415
)
 
$
58.97
 
Nonvested balance, December 31, 2009
1,143,282
   
$
55.55
 
             
Performance Share Awards:
           
Nonvested balance, January 1, 2009
1,044,486
   
$
50.31
 
Granted
717,840
   
$
42.66
 
Vested
(544,051
)
 
$
37.99
 
Forfeited
(60,932
)
 
$
53.24
 
Nonvested balance, December 31, 2009
1,157,343
   
$
51.20
 


 
91

 

The weighted-average grant date fair value per share of restricted stock granted for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $62.66 and $61.08, respectively.  The weighted-average grant date fair value per share of performance share awards granted for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $51.48 and $45.04, respectively.

The total fair value of restricted stock and performance share awards vested was $46 million, $64 million and $51 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Options - Options typically vest within three years after the date of grant and have a maximum term of ten years.  The exercise price of each option granted equals the closing market price of FPL Group common stock on the date of grant.  The fair value of the options is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and based on the following assumptions:

 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
                 
Expected volatility (a)
19.02 - 20.23
%
 
17.33
%
 
16.60
%
Expected dividends
3.35 - 3.71
%
 
2.75
%
 
2.54
%
Expected term (years)
6
(b)
 
6
(c)
 
6
(c)
Risk-free rate
2.68 - 2.97
%
 
3.24
%
 
4.64
%
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Based on historical experience.
(b)  
Based on historical exercise and post-vesting cancellation experience adjusted for outstanding awards.
(c)  
FPL Group used the "simplified" method to calculate the expected term.

Option activity for the year ended December 31, 2009 was as follows:

 
Shares
Underlying
Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Per Share
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(millions)
                           
Balance, January 1, 2009
5,581,214
 
$
33.71
                 
Granted
521,314
 
$
51.59
                 
Exercised
(358,265
)
$
28.84
                 
Forfeited
-
 
$
-
                 
Expired
(5,000
)
$
28.38
                 
Balance, December 31, 2009
5,739,263
 
$
35.65
     
4.0
   
$
104
 
                           
Exercisable, December 31, 2009
4,952,965
 
$
32.50
     
4.3
   
$
91
 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted was $6.79, $9.90 and $10.96 per share for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was approximately $9 million, $17 million and $26 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Cash received from option exercises was approximately $10 million, $14 million and $23 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The tax benefits realized from options exercised were approximately $3 million, $6 million and $6 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Continuous Offering of FPL Group Common Stock - In January 2009, FPL Group entered into an agreement under which FPL Group may offer and sell, from time to time, FPL Group common stock having a gross sales price of up to $400 million.  During 2009, FPL Group received gross proceeds through the sale and issuance of common stock under this agreement of approximately $160 million consisting of 2,890,000 shares at an average price of $55.53.

Preferred Stock - FPL Group's charter authorizes the issuance of 100 million shares of serial preferred stock, $0.01 par value, none of which are outstanding.  FPL's charter authorizes the issuance of 10,414,100 shares of preferred stock, $100 par value; 5 million shares of subordinated preferred stock, no par value and 5 million shares of preferred stock, no par value, none of which are outstanding.

 
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12.  Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(millions)
 
FPL:
           
First mortgage bonds:
           
Maturing 2013 through 2017 - 4.85% to 5.55%
  $ 700     $ 925  
Maturing 2033 through 2039 - 4.95% to 6.20%
    3,940       3,440  
Storm-recovery bonds - maturing 2013 through 2021 - 5.0440% to 5.2555% (a)
    572       611  
Pollution control, solid waste disposal and industrial development revenue bonds - maturing 2020 through 2029 - variable, 0.2% and 1.3% weighted-average interest rates, respectively (b)
    633       633  
Other long-term debt - maturing 2011 through 2040 - 4.000% to 5.250%
    24       -  
Unamortized discount
    (33 )     (35 )
Total long-term debt of FPL
    5,836       5,574  
Less current maturities of long-term debt
    42       263  
Long-term debt of FPL, excluding current maturities
    5,794       5,311  
FPL Group Capital:
               
Debentures - maturing 2011 through 2019 - 5.35% to 7 7/8%
    1,850       1,975  
Debentures - maturing 2011 through 2012 - variable, 0.9% and 2.8% weighted-average interest rate, respectively (c)
    450       250  
Debentures, related to FPL Group's equity units - maturing 2014 - 3.60%
    350       -  
Junior Subordinated Debentures - maturing 2044 through 2069 - 5 7/8% to 8.75%
    2,353       2,009  
Senior secured bonds - maturing 2030 - 7.500% (d)
    500       -  
Term loans - maturing 2010 through 2011 - variable, 1.0% and 1.5% weighted-average interest rate, respectively (c)
    910       1,070  
Japanese yen denominated term loan - maturing 2011 - variable, 3.3% and 3.7% weighted-average interest rate, respectively (c)
    287       138  
Fair value swap
    14       21  
Unamortized premium (discount)
    (3 )     1  
Total long-term debt of FPL Group Capital
    6,711       5,464  
Less current maturities of long-term debt
    200       835  
Long-term debt of FPL Group Capital, excluding current maturities
    6,511       4,629  
NextEra Energy Resources:
               
Senior secured limited recourse bonds - maturing 2017 through 2024 - 5.608% to 7.52%
    815       903  
Senior secured limited recourse notes - maturing 2013 through 2037 - 6.31% to 7.59%
    1,673       1,702  
Other long-term debt - maturing 2010 through 2023 - primarily limited recourse and variable, 2.4% and 4.1% weighted-average interest rates, respectively (c)
    1,833       1,449  
Canadian dollar denominated term loan - variable, 2.3% (c)
    -       128  
Unamortized premium
    1       -  
Total long-term debt of NextEra Energy Resources
    4,322       4,182  
Less current maturities of long-term debt
    327       289  
Long-term debt of NextEra Energy Resources, excluding current maturities
    3,995       3,893  
Total long-term debt
  $ 16,300     $ 13,833  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Principal on the storm-recovery bonds is due on the final maturity date (the date by which the principal must be repaid to prevent a default) for each tranche, however, it began being paid semiannually and sequentially on February 1, 2008, when the first semiannual interest payment became due.
(b)  
Tax exempt bonds that permit individual bond holders to tender the bonds for purchase at any time prior to maturity.  In the event bonds are tendered for purchase, they would be remarketed by a designated remarketing agent in accordance with the related indenture.  If the remarketing is unsuccessful, FPL would be required to purchase the tax exempt bonds.  As of December 31, 2009, all tax exempt bonds tendered for purchase have been successfully remarketed.  FPL's bank revolving lines of credit are available to support the purchase of tax exempt bonds.
(c)  
Variable rate is based on an underlying index plus a margin.  Interest rate swap agreements have been entered into for some of these debt issuances.
(d)  
Collateralized by a third-party note receivable held by a wholly-owned subsidiary of FPL Group Capital.  See Note 5.

Minimum annual maturities of long - term debt for FPL Group are approximately $569 million, $2,239 million, $627 million, $1,136 million and $676 million for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.  The respective amounts for FPL are approximately $42 million, $46 million, $50 million, $453 million and $56 million.

At December 31, 2009, commercial paper borrowings had a weighted-average interest rate of 0.19% (0.19% for FPL), and at December 31, 2008, commercial paper and short-term borrowings had a weighted-average interest rate of 2.10% (0.92% for FPL).  Available lines of credit aggregated approximately $6.4 billion ($3.9 billion for FPL Group Capital and $2.5 billion for FPL) at December 31, 2009 and were available to support FPL's and FPL Group Capital's commercial paper programs.  These facilities provide for the issuance of letters of credit of up to approximately $6.4 billion.  The issuance of letters of credit is subject to the aggregate commitment under the applicable facility.  While no direct borrowings were outstanding at December 31, 2009, letters of credit totaling $492 million and $3 million were outstanding under the FPL Group Capital and FPL credit facilities, respectively.

 
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FPL Group has guaranteed certain payment obligations of FPL Group Capital, including most of those under FPL Group Capital's debt, including all of its debentures and commercial paper issuances, as well as most of its guarantees.  FPL Group Capital has guaranteed certain debt and other obligations of NextEra Energy Resources and its subsidiaries.

In 2008, FPL entered into a reclaimed water agreement with Palm Beach County, Florida (PBC) to provide FPL's WCEC with reclaimed water for cooling purposes beginning in January 2011.  Under the reclaimed water agreement, FPL is to construct a reclaimed water system, including modifications to an existing treatment plant and a water pipeline, that PBC will legally own and operate.  The reclaimed water agreement also requires PBC to issue bonds for the purpose of paying the costs associated with the construction of the reclaimed water system.  In 2009, PBC issued approximately $68 million principal amount of Palm Beach County, Florida Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds.  Under the reclaimed water agreement, FPL will pay PBC an operating fee for the reclaimed water delivered which will be used by PBC to, among other things, service the principal of, and interest on, the bonds.  The portion of the operating fee related to PBC's servicing principal of, and interest on, the bonds will be paid by FPL, beginning October 2011, until final maturity of the bonds.  FPL does not have a direct obligation to the bondholders; however, if FPL or PBC were to terminate the reclaimed water agreement, FPL would be obligated to continue to pay the portion of the operating fee intended to reimburse PBC for costs related to issuance of the bonds, including amounts to be used by PBC to service the principal of, and interest on, the bonds.  In the event of a default by PBC under the reclaimed water agreement, FPL would have certain rights, including, among other things, the right to appoint a third-party contractor to repair, and restore operations of, the reclaimed water treatment plant, and, in the event of a termination of the reclaimed water agreement by FPL relating to a PBC default, the right to assume ownership of the reclaimed water pipeline from PBC.  For financial reporting purposes, FPL is considered the owner of the reclaimed water system and FPL and FPL Group are recording electric utility plant in service and other property as costs are incurred and long-term debt as costs are eligible for reimbursement by PBC to FPL (see table above).

In 2009, FPL Group sold $350 million of equity units (initially consisting of Corporate Units).  Each equity unit has a stated amount of $50 and consists of a purchase contract issued by FPL Group and, initially, a 1/20, or 5%, undivided beneficial ownership interest in $1,000 principal amount of a Series C Debenture due June 1, 2014 issued by FPL Group Capital (see table above).  Total annual distributions on the equity units will be at the rate of 8.375%, consisting of interest on the debentures (3.60% per year) and payments under the stock purchase contracts (4.775% per year).  The interest rate on the debentures is expected to be reset on or after December 1, 2011.  Each stock purchase contract will require the holder to purchase FPL Group common stock for cash, which can be satisfied from proceeds raised from remarketing the FPL Group Capital debentures, based on a price per share range of $55.67 to $66.80 (subject to adjustment under certain circumstances) no later than the settlement date of June 1, 2012.  The undivided beneficial ownership interest in the FPL Group Capital debenture that is a component of each Corporate Unit is pledged to FPL Group to secure the holder’s obligation to purchase common stock under the related purchase contract.  If a successful remarketing does not occur on or before the third business day prior to the settlement date, and a holder has not notified FPL Group of its intention to settle the stock purchase contract with cash, FPL Group would exercise its rights as a secured party in the debentures to satisfy in full the holders’ obligations to purchase FPL Group common stock under the related purchase contracts on the settlement date.  The debentures are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by FPL Group.

Prior to the issuance of FPL Group's common stock, the purchase contracts will be reflected in FPL Group's diluted earnings per share calculations using the treasury stock method.  Under this method, the number of shares of FPL Group common stock used in calculating diluted earnings per share is deemed to be increased by the excess, if any, of the number of shares that would be issued upon settlement of the purchase contracts over the number of shares that could be purchased by FPL Group in the market, at the average market price during the period, using the proceeds receivable upon settlement.

In February 2010, FPL issued $500 million principal amount of 5.69% first mortgage bonds maturing in 2040.

13.  Asset Retirement Obligations

FPL's ARO relates primarily to the nuclear decommissioning obligation of its nuclear units.  FPL's AROs other than nuclear decommissioning are not significant.  The accounting provisions result in timing differences in the recognition of legal asset retirement costs for financial reporting purposes and the method the FPSC allows FPL to recover in rates.  NextEra Energy Resources' ARO relates primarily to the nuclear decommissioning obligation of its nuclear plants and obligations for the dismantlement of its wind facilities located on leased property.  See Note 1 - Decommissioning of Nuclear Plants, Dismantlements of Plants and Other Accrued Asset Removal Costs.

 
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A rollforward of FPL Group's and FPL's ARO is as follows:

 
FPL
 
NextEra Energy Resources
 
FPL Group
 
       
(millions)
       
                       
Balance, December 31, 2007
$
1,653
   
$
504
   
$
2,157
 
Liabilities incurred
 
-
     
6
     
6
 
Accretion expense
 
91
     
33
     
124
 
Liabilities settled
 
-
     
(2
)
   
(2
)
Revision in estimated cash flows - net
 
(1
)
   
(1
)
   
(2
)
Balance, December 31, 2008
 
1,743
     
540
     
2,283
 
Liabilities incurred
 
-
     
4
     
4
 
Accretion expense
 
96
     
36
     
132
 
Revision in estimated cash flows - net
 
(6
)
   
5
     
(1
)
Balance, December 31, 2009
$
1,833
   
$
585
   
$
2,418
 

Restricted funds for the payment of future expenditures to decommission FPL Group's and FPL's nuclear units included in special use funds on FPL Group's and FPL's consolidated balance sheets are as follows (see Note 5):

   
FPL
 
NextEra Energy Resources
   
FPL Group
 
       
(millions)
       
                   
Balance, December 31, 2009
  $ 2,285     $ 982     $ 3,267  
Balance, December 31, 2008
  $ 2,035     $ 789     $ 2,824  

FPL Group and FPL have identified but not recognized ARO liabilities related to electric transmission and distribution and telecommunications assets resulting from easements over property not owned by FPL Group or FPL.  In addition, FPL Group has identified but not recognized ARO liabilities related to the majority of NextEra Energy Resources' hydro facilities.  These easements are generally perpetual and, along with the hydro facilities, only require retirement action upon abandonment or cessation of use of the property or facility for its specified purpose.  The ARO liability is not estimable for such easements and hydro facilities as FPL Group and FPL intend to use these properties and facilities indefinitely.  In the event FPL Group and FPL decide to abandon or cease the use of a particular easement and/or hydro facility, an ARO liability would be recorded at that time.

 
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14.  Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments - FPL Group and its subsidiaries have made commitments in connection with a portion of their projected capital expenditures.  Capital expenditures at FPL include, among other things, the cost for construction or acquisition of additional facilities and equipment to meet customer demand, as well as capital improvements to and maintenance of existing facilities.  At NextEra Energy Resources, capital expenditures include, among other things, the cost, including capitalized interest, for construction of wind and solar projects and the procurement of nuclear fuel.  FPL FiberNet, LLC's (FPL FiberNet) capital expenditures primarily include costs to meet customer-specific requirements and maintain its fiber-optic network.

At December 31, 2009, estimated planned capital expenditures for 2010 through 2014 were estimated as follows:

   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
Total
 
   
(millions)
 
FPL:
                                   
Generation: (a)
                                   
New (b) (c)
  $ 1,120     $ 985     $ 305     $ 5     $ -     $ 2,415  
Existing
    530       490       390       320       330       2,060  
Transmission and distribution
    440       460       480       480       480       2,340  
Nuclear fuel
    105       200       175       250       205       935  
General and other
    260       270       270       260       130       1,190  
Total (d)
  $ 2,455     $ 2,405     $ 1,620     $ 1,315     $ 1,145     $ 8,940  
                                                 
NextEra Energy Resources:
                                               
Wind (e)
  $ 1,895     $ 15     $ 15     $ 10     $ 5     $ 1,940  
Nuclear (f)
    560       325       315       255       235       1,690  
Natural gas
    75       75       70       50       20       290  
Solar
    195       440       485       95       -       1,215  
Other
    65       60       45       45       50       265  
Total
  $ 2,790     $ 915     $ 930     $ 455     $ 310     $ 5,400  
                                                 
FPL FiberNet
  $ 30     $ 20     $ 20     $ 20     $ 20     $ 110  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Includes AFUDC of approximately $47 million, $27 million and $4 million in 2010 to 2012, respectively.
(b)  
Includes land, generating structures, transmission interconnection and integration and licensing.
(c)  
Includes pre-construction costs and carrying charges (equal to a pretax AFUDC rate) on construction costs recoverable through the capacity clause of approximately $147 million, $390 million and $37 million in 2010 to 2012, respectively.
(d)  
Excludes capital expenditures of approximately $685 million in 2010, $1,310 million in 2011, $2,505 million in 2012, $2,605 million in 2013 and $1,805 million in 2014 for the following: (1) construction costs for the two additional nuclear units at FPL's Turkey Point site beyond what is required to receive an NRC license for each unit, (2) modernization of the Cape Canaveral and Riviera power plants and (3) other infrastructure projects.  See Note 1 - Revenue and Rates.
(e)  
Includes capital expenditures for new wind projects that have been identified and related transmission.  NextEra Energy Resources expects to add new wind generation of approximately 1,000 mw in 2010 and 1,000 mw to 1,500 mw in each of 2011 and 2012, subject to, among other things, continued public policy support, support for the construction and availability of sufficient transmission facilities and capacity, continued market demand, supply chain expansion and access to capital at reasonable cost and on reasonable terms.  The cost of the planned wind additions for 2011 and 2012 is estimated to be approximately $2.2 billion to $3.3 billion in each year, which is not included in the table above.
(f)  
Includes nuclear fuel.

FPL Group has guaranteed certain payment obligations of FPL Group Capital, including most payment obligations under FPL Group Capital's debt and guarantees.  Additionally, at December 31, 2009, subsidiaries of FPL Group, other than FPL, in the normal course of business, have guaranteed certain debt service and fuel payments of non-consolidated entities of NextEra Energy Resources.  The terms of the guarantees are equal to the terms of the related agreements/contracts, with remaining terms ranging from less than two years to nine years.  The maximum potential amount of future payments that could be required under these guarantees at December 31, 2009 was approximately $54 million.  At December 31, 2009, FPL Group did not have any liabilities recorded for these guarantees.  In certain instances, FPL Group can seek recourse from third parties for amounts paid under the guarantees.  At December 31, 2009, the fair value of these guarantees was not material.

 
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Contracts - In addition to the estimated planned capital expenditures included in the table in Commitments above, FPL has commitments under long-term purchased power and fuel contracts.  FPL is obligated under take-or-pay purchased power contracts with JEA and with subsidiaries of The Southern Company (Southern subsidiaries) to pay for approximately 1,300 mw of power annually through mid-2010, approximately 1,330 mw annually from mid-2010 to mid-2015 and 375 mw annually thereafter through 2021, and one of the Southern subsidiaries' contracts is subject to minimum quantities.  FPL also has various firm pay-for-performance contracts to purchase approximately 700 mw from certain cogenerators and small power producers (qualifying facilities) with expiration dates ranging from March 2010 through 2032.  The purchased power contracts provide for capacity and energy payments.  Energy payments are based on the actual power taken under these contracts.  Capacity payments for the pay-for-performance contracts are subject to the qualifying facilities meeting certain contract conditions.  FPL has one agreement with an electricity supplier to purchase approximately 155 mw of power with an expiration date of May 2012.  In general, the agreement requires FPL to make a capacity payment and supply the fuel consumed by the plant under the contract.  FPL has contracts with expiration dates through 2032 for the purchase and transportation of natural gas and coal, and storage of natural gas.

NextEra Energy Resources has entered into several contracts primarily for the purchase of wind turbines and towers, solar reflectors, steam generators and heat collection elements and related construction activities, as well as for the supply, conversion, enrichment and fabrication of nuclear fuel, with expiration dates ranging from March 2010 through 2022, approximately $2.1 billion of which is included in the estimated planned capital expenditures table in Commitments above.  In addition, NextEra Energy Resources has contracts primarily for the purchase, transportation and storage of natural gas and firm transmission service with expiration dates ranging from March 2010 through 2033.

The required capacity and/or minimum payments under these contracts as of December 31, 2009 were estimated as follows:

   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
Thereafter
 
FPL:
 
(millions)
 
Capacity payments: (a)
                                   
JEA and Southern subsidiaries (b)
  $ 230     $ 215     $ 215     $ 215     $ 195     $ 365  
Qualifying facilities (b)
  $ 300     $ 270     $ 290     $ 270     $ 270     $ 2,900  
Other electricity suppliers (b)
  $ 10     $ 10     $ 5     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Minimum payments, at projected prices:
                                               
Southern subsidiaries - energy (b)
  $ 40     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Natural gas, including transportation and storage (c)
  $ 2,405     $ 1,570     $ 550     $ 510     $ 505     $ 3,820  
Oil
  $ -     $ 60     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Coal (c)
  $ 70     $ 25     $ 10     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                                 
NextEra Energy Resources (d)
  $ 1,710     $ 220     $ 225     $ 80     $ 60     $ 795  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Capacity payments under these contracts, the majority of which are recoverable through the capacity clause, totaled approximately $603 million, $584 million and $578 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(b)  
Energy payments under these contracts, which are recoverable through the fuel clause, totaled approximately $439 million, $510 million and $447 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(c)  
Recoverable through the fuel clause.
(d)  
Includes termination payments primarily associated with wind turbine contracts beyond 2010.

In addition, FPL has entered into several long-term agreements for storage capacity and transportation of natural gas from facilities that have not yet started construction or, if started, have not yet completed construction.  These agreements range from 15 to 25 years in length and contain firm commitments by FPL totaling up to approximately $175 million annually or $4.3 billion over the terms of the agreements.  These firm commitments are contingent upon the occurrence of certain events, including completion of construction of the facilities in 2011.

Insurance  - Liability for accidents at nuclear power plants is governed by the Price-Anderson Act, which limits the liability of nuclear reactor owners to the amount of insurance available from both private sources and an industry retrospective payment plan.  In accordance with this Act, FPL Group maintains $375 million of private liability insurance per site, which is the maximum obtainable, and participates in a secondary financial protection system, which provides up to $12.6 billion of liability insurance coverage per incident at any nuclear reactor in the United States.  Under the secondary financial protection system, FPL Group is subject to retrospective assessments of up to $940 million ($470 million for FPL), plus any applicable taxes, per incident at any nuclear reactor in the United States, payable at a rate not to exceed $140 million ($70 million for FPL) per incident per year.  FPL Group and FPL are contractually entitled to recover a proportionate share of such assessments from the owners of minority interests in Seabrook, Duane Arnold and St. Lucie Unit No. 2, which approximates $14 million, $35 million and $18 million, plus any applicable taxes, per incident, respectively.

 
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FPL Group participates in nuclear insurance mutual companies that provide $2.75 billion of limited insurance coverage per occurrence per site for property damage, decontamination and premature decommissioning risks at its nuclear plants.  The proceeds from such insurance, however, must first be used for reactor stabilization and site decontamination before they can be used for plant repair.  FPL Group also participates in an insurance program that provides limited coverage for replacement power costs if a nuclear plant is out of service for an extended period of time because of an accident.  In the event of an accident at one of FPL Group's or another participating insured's nuclear plants, FPL Group could be assessed up to $175 million ($102 million for FPL), plus any applicable taxes, in retrospective premiums.  FPL Group and FPL are contractually entitled to recover a proportionate share of such assessments from the owners of minority interests in Seabrook, Duane Arnold and St. Lucie Unit No. 2, which approximates $2 million, $4 million and $4 million, plus any applicable taxes, respectively.

Due to the high cost and limited coverage available from third-party insurers, FPL does not have insurance coverage for a substantial portion of its transmission and distribution property and FPL Group has no insurance coverage for FPL FiberNet's fiber-optic cable located throughout Florida.  Should FPL's future storm restoration costs exceed the reserve amount established through the issuance of storm-recovery bonds, FPL may recover storm restoration costs, subject to prudence review by the FPSC, either through securitization provisions pursuant to Florida law or through surcharges approved by the FPSC.

In the event of a loss, the amount of insurance available might not be adequate to cover property damage and other expenses incurred.  Uninsured losses and other expenses, to the extent not recovered from customers in the case of FPL, would be borne by FPL Group and FPL and could have a material adverse effect on FPL Group's and FPL's financial condition and results of operations.

Legal Proceedings - In November 1999, the Attorney General of the United States, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), brought an action in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against Georgia Power Company and other subsidiaries of The Southern Company for certain alleged violations of the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) provisions and the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) of the Clean Air Act.  In May 2001, the EPA amended its complaint to allege, among other things, that Georgia Power Company constructed and is continuing to operate Scherer Unit No. 4, in which FPL owns a 76% interest, without obtaining a PSD permit, without complying with NSPS requirements, and without applying best available control technology for nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides and particulate matter as required by the Clean Air Act.  It also alleges that unspecified major modifications have been made at Scherer Unit No. 4 that require its compliance with the aforementioned Clean Air Act provisions.  The EPA seeks injunctive relief requiring the installation of best available control technology and civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day for each violation from an unspecified date after June 1, 1975 through January 30, 1997.  The EPA has made revisions to its civil penalty rule such that the maximum penalty is $27,500 per day for each violation from January 31, 1997 through March 15, 2004, $32,500 per day for each violation from March 16, 2004 through January 12, 2009 and $37,500 per day for each violation thereafter.  Georgia Power Company has answered the amended complaint, asserting that it has complied with all requirements of the Clean Air Act, denying the plaintiff's allegations of liability, denying that the plaintiff is entitled to any of the relief that it seeks and raising various other defenses.  In June 2001, a federal district court stayed discovery and administratively closed the case and the EPA has not yet moved to reopen the case.  In April 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court in a separate unrelated case rejected an argument that a "major modification" occurs at a plant only when there is a resulting increase in the hourly rate of air emissions.  Georgia Power Company has made a similar argument in defense of its case, but has other factual and legal defenses that are unaffected by the Supreme Court's decision.

In February 2009, Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) filed a petition for review with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia (DC Circuit) asking the DC Circuit to reverse and remand orders of the FERC denying FMPA's request for certain credits for transmission facilities owned by FMPA members.  This matter arose from a 1993 FPL filing of a comprehensive restructuring of its then-existing tariff structure.  All issues in this case have been closed by the FERC.  If FMPA is successful in its petition, any reduction in FPL's network service rates also would apply effective January 1, 2004 to Seminole Electric Cooperative Inc. (Seminole), FPL's other network customer.  FPL's position, which was approved by the FERC, was to reduce its current network service rates by $0.04 per kilowatt (kw) per month, which resulted in FPL issuing refunds of approximately $4 million to FMPA and $2 million to Seminole in March 2008.   FMPA's position is that FPL's rates should be reduced by an additional $0.20 per kw per month, which, if upheld, would result in an additional refund obligation to FMPA of approximately $27 million, and approximately $17 million to Seminole, at December 31, 2009.

 
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In 1995 and 1996, FPL Group, through an indirect subsidiary, purchased from Adelphia Communications Corporation (Adelphia) 1,091,524 shares of Adelphia common stock and 20,000 shares of Adelphia preferred stock (convertible into 2,358,490 shares of Adelphia common stock) for an aggregate price of approximately $35,900,000.  On January 29, 1999, Adelphia repurchased all of these shares for $149,213,130 in cash.  In June 2004, Adelphia, Adelphia Cablevision, L.L.C. and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Adelphia filed a complaint against FPL Group and its indirect subsidiary in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York.  The complaint alleges that the repurchase of these shares by Adelphia was a fraudulent transfer, in that at the time of the transaction Adelphia (i) was insolvent or was rendered insolvent, (ii) did not receive reasonably equivalent value in exchange for the cash it paid, and (iii) was engaged or about to engage in a business or transaction for which any property remaining with Adelphia had unreasonably small capital.  The complaint seeks the recovery for the benefit of Adelphia's bankruptcy estate of the cash paid for the repurchased shares, plus interest.  FPL Group has filed an answer to the complaint.  FPL Group believes that the complaint is without merit because, among other reasons, Adelphia will be unable to demonstrate that (i) Adelphia's repurchase of shares from FPL Group, which repurchase was at the market value for those shares, was not for reasonably equivalent value, (ii) Adelphia was insolvent at the time of the repurchase, or (iii) the repurchase left Adelphia with unreasonably small capital.  The case is in discovery and has been scheduled for trial in June 2011.

In October 2004, TXU Portfolio Management Company (TXU) served FPL Energy Pecos Wind I, LP, FPL Energy Pecos Wind I GP, LLC, FPL Energy Pecos Wind II, LP, FPL Energy Pecos Wind II GP, LLC and Indian Mesa Wind Farm, LP (NextEra Energy Resources Affiliates) as defendants in a civil action filed in the District Court in Dallas County, Texas.  FPL Energy, LLC, now known as NextEra Energy Resources, was added as a defendant in 2005.  The petition alleged that the NextEra Energy Resources Affiliates had a contractual obligation to produce and sell to TXU a minimum quantity of renewable energy credits each year and that the NextEra Energy Resources Affiliates failed to meet this obligation.  The plaintiff asserted claims for breach of contract and declaratory judgment and sought damages of approximately $34 million.  The NextEra Energy Resources Affiliates filed their answer and counterclaim in 2004, denying the allegations.  The counterclaim, as amended, asserted claims for conversion, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of warranty, conspiracy, breach of contract and fraud and sought termination of the contract and damages.  Following a jury trial in 2007, among other findings, both TXU and the NextEra Energy Resources Affiliates were found to have breached the contract.  In August 2008, the judge issued a final judgment pursuant to which the contract is not terminated and neither party will recover any damages.  In November 2008, TXU appealed the final judgment to the Fifth District Court of Appeals in Dallas, Texas.

FPL Group and FPL are vigorously defending, and believe that they or their affiliates have meritorious defenses to, the lawsuits described above.  In addition to the legal proceedings discussed above, FPL Group and its subsidiaries, including FPL, are involved in other legal and regulatory proceedings, actions and claims in the ordinary course of their businesses.  Generating plants in which FPL Group or FPL have an ownership interest are also involved in legal and regulatory proceedings, actions and claims, the liabilities from which, if any, would be shared by FPL Group or FPL.  In the event that FPL Group and FPL, or their affiliates, do not prevail in the lawsuits described above or these other legal and regulatory proceedings, actions and claims, there may be a material adverse effect on their financial statements.  While management is unable to predict with certainty the outcome of the lawsuits described above or these other legal and regulatory proceedings, actions and claims, based on current knowledge it is not expected that their ultimate resolution, individually or collectively, will have a material adverse effect on the financial statements of FPL Group or FPL.

 
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15.  Segment Information

FPL Group's reportable segments include FPL, a rate-regulated utility, and NextEra Energy Resources, a competitive energy business.  Corporate and Other represents other business activities, other segments that are not separately reportable and eliminating entries.  FPL Group's operating revenues derived from the sale of electricity represented approximately 98%, 96% and 98% of FPL Group's operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.  Less than 1% of operating revenues were from foreign sources for each of the three years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, less than 1% of long-lived assets were located in foreign countries.

FPL Group's segment information is as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
FPL
   
NextEra
Energy
Resources (a)
   
Corp.
and
Other
   
Total
   
FPL
   
NextEra
Energy
Resources (a)
   
Corp.
and
Other
   
Total
   
FPL
   
NextEra
Energy
Resources (a)
   
Corp.
and
Other
   
Total
 
                           
(millions)
                         
                                                                         
Operating revenues
  $ 11,491     $ 3,997     $ 155     $ 15,643     $ 11,649     $ 4,570     $ 191     $ 16,410     $ 11,622     $ 3,474     $ 167     $ 15,263  
Operating expenses
  $ 9,910     $ 2,984     $ 155     $ 13,049     $ 10,120     $ 3,275     $ 190     $ 13,585     $ 10,059     $ 2,753     $ 168     $ 12,980  
Interest expense
  $ 318     $ 354     $ 177     $ 849     $ 334     $ 311     $ 168     $ 813     $ 304     $ 312     $ 146     $ 762  
Interest income
  $ 1     $ 23     $ 54     $ 78     $ 11     $ 27     $ 34     $ 72     $ 17     $ 40     $ 32     $ 89  
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 1,097     $ 651     $ 17     $ 1,765     $ 860     $ 565     $ 17     $ 1,442     $ 846     $ 473     $ 16     $ 1,335  
Equity in earnings of equity method investees
  $ -     $ 52     $ -     $ 52     $ -     $ 93     $ -     $ 93     $ -     $ 68     $ -     $ 68  
Income tax expense (benefit)  (b)
  $ 473     $ (102 )   $ (44 )   $ 327     $ 443     $ 80     $ (73 )   $ 450     $ 451     $ (35 )   $ (48 )   $ 368  
Net income (loss)
  $ 831     $ 849     $ (65 )   $ 1,615     $ 789     $ 915     $ (65 )   $ 1,639     $ 836     $ 540     $ (64 )   $ 1,312  
Capital expenditures, independent power investments and nuclear fuel purchases
  $ 2,717     $ 3,235     $ 54     $ 6,006     $ 2,367     $ 2,829     $ 40     $ 5,236     $ 2,007     $ 2,981     $ 31     $ 5,019  
Property, plant and equipment
  $ 30,982     $ 18,844     $ 343     $ 50,169     $ 28,972     $ 16,268     $ 288     $ 45,528     $ 27,251     $ 13,534     $ 255     $ 41,040  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
  $ 10,578     $ 3,341     $ 172     $ 14,091     $ 10,189     $ 2,771     $ 157     $ 13,117     $ 10,081     $ 2,167     $ 140     $ 12,388  
Total assets
  $ 26,812     $ 20,136     $ 1,510     $ 48,458     $ 26,175     $ 17,157     $ 1,489     $ 44,821     $ 24,044     $ 14,505     $ 1,574     $ 40,123  
Investment in equity method investees
  $ -     $ 173     $ 10     $ 183     $ -     $ 189     $ 9     $ 198     $ -     $ 216     $ 9     $ 225  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
NextEra Energy Resources' interest expense is based on a deemed capital structure of 50% debt for operating projects and 100% debt for projects under construction.  For these purposes, the deferred credit associated with differential membership interests sold by a NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary in December 2007 is included with debt.  Residual non-utility interest expense is included in Corporate and Other.
(b)  
NextEra Energy Resources' tax expense (benefit) includes PTCs that were recognized based on its tax sharing agreement with FPL Group.  See Note 1 - Income Taxes.

16.  Summarized Financial Information of FPL Group Capital

FPL Group Capital, a 100% owned subsidiary of FPL Group, provides funding for and holds ownership interest in FPL Group's operating subsidiaries other than FPL.  Most of FPL Group Capital's debt, including its debentures, and payment guarantees are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by FPL Group.  Condensed consolidating financial information is as follows:

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income

   
Year Ended
December 31, 2009
   
Year Ended
December 31, 2008
   
Year Ended
December 31, 2007
 
   
FPL
Group
(Guaran-
tor)
   
FPL
Group
Capital
   
Other (a)
   
FPL
Group
Consoli-
dated
   
FPL
Group
(Guaran-
tor)
   
FPL
Group
Capital
   
Other (a)
   
FPL
Group
Consoli-
dated
   
FPL
Group
(Guaran-
tor)
   
FPL
Group
Capital
   
Other (a)
   
FPL
Group
Consoli-
dated
 
   
(millions)
 
                                                                         
Operating revenues
  $ -     $ 4,164     $ 11,479     $ 15,643     $ -     $ 4,770     $ 11,640     $ 16,410     $ -     $ 3,646     $ 11,617     $ 15,263  
Operating expenses
    -       (3,151 )     (9,898 )     (13,049 )     -       (3,474 )     (10,111 )     (13,585 )     -       (2,926 )     (10,054 )     (12,980 )
Interest expense
    (17 )     (531 )     (301 )     (849 )     (18 )     (479 )     (316 )     (813 )     (19 )     (458 )     (285 )     (762 )
Other income (deductions) - net
    1,632       160       (1,595 )     197       1,663       44       (1,630 )     77       1,322       133       (1,296 )     159  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    1,615       642       (315 )     1,942       1,645       861       (417 )     2,089       1,303       395       (18 )     1,680  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    -       (145 )     472       327       6       2       442       450       (9 )     (75 )     452       368  
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,615     $ 787     $ (787 )   $ 1,615     $ 1,639     $ 859     $ (859 )   $ 1,639     $ 1,312     $ 470     $ (470 )   $ 1,312  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Represents FPL and consolidating adjustments.


 
100

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

   
December 31, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
   
FPL
Group
(Guaran-
tor)
   
FPL
Group
Capital
   
Other (a)
   
FPL
Group
Consoli-
dated
   
FPL
Group
(Guaran-
tor)
   
FPL
Group
Capital
   
Other (a)
   
FPL
Group
Consoli-
dated
 
   
(millions)
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
                                               
Electric utility plant in service and other property
  $ 2     $ 19,185     $ 30,982     $ 50,169     $ 2     $ 16,554     $ 28,972     $ 45,528  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    -       (3,513 )     (10,578 )     (14,091 )     -       (2,928 )     (10,189 )     (13,117 )
Total property, plant and equipment - net
    2       15,672       20,404       36,078       2       13,626       18,783       32,411  
CURRENT ASSETS
                                                               
Cash and cash equivalents
    -       156       82       238       -       414       121       535  
Receivables
    453       1,247       547       2,247       339       948       420       1,707  
Other
    4       1,258       590       1,852       19       1,016       2,115       3,150  
Total current assets
    457       2,661       1,219       4,337       358       2,378       2,656       5,392  
OTHER ASSETS
                                                               
Investment in subsidiaries
    12,785       -       (12,785 )     -       11,511       -       (11,511 )     -  
Other
    557       3,257       4,229       8,043       251       2,695       4,072       7,018  
Total other assets
    13,342       3,257       (8,556 )     8,043       11,762       2,695       (7,439 )     7,018  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 13,801     $ 21,590     $ 13,067     $ 48,458     $ 12,122     $ 18,699     $ 14,000     $ 44,821  
                                                                 
CAPITALIZATION
                                                               
Common shareholders' equity
  $ 12,967     $ 4,349     $ (4,349 )   $ 12,967     $ 11,681     $ 3,422     $ (3,422 )   $ 11,681  
Long-term debt
    -       10,506       5,794       16,300       -       8,522       5,311       13,833  
Total capitalization
    12,967       14,855       1,445       29,267       11,681       11,944       1,889       25,514  
CURRENT LIABILITIES
                                                               
Debt due within one year
    -       1,729       860       2,589       -       2,217       1,036       3,253  
Accounts payable
    -       453       539       992       -       421       641       1,062  
Other
    417       1,170       1,281       2,868       265       887       2,222       3,374  
Total current liabilities
    417       3,352       2,680       6,449       265       3,525       3,899       7,689  
OTHER LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS
                                                               
Asset retirement obligations
    -       585       1,833       2,418       -       539       1,744       2,283  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    94       1,318       3,448       4,860       (78 )     1,153       3,156       4,231  
Regulatory liabilities
    16       -       3,166       3,182       -       -       2,880       2,880  
Other
    307       1,480       495       2,282       254       1,538       432       2,224  
Total other liabilities and deferred credits
    417       3,383       8,942       12,742       176       3,230       8,212       11,618  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
                                                               
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
  $ 13,801     $ 21,590     $ 13,067     $ 48,458     $ 12,122     $ 18,699     $ 14,000     $ 44,821  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Represents FPL and consolidating adjustments.


 
101

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

   
Year Ended
December 31, 2009
   
Year Ended
December 31, 2008
   
Year Ended
December 31, 2007
 
   
FPL
Group
(Guar-
antor)
   
FPL
Group
Capital
   
Other (a)
   
FPL
Group
Consoli-
dated
   
FPL
Group
(Guar-
antor)
   
FPL
Group
Capital
   
Other (a)
   
FPL
Group
Consoli-
dated
   
FPL
Group
(Guar-
antor)
   
FPL
Group
Capital
   
Other (a)
   
FPL
Group
Consoli-
dated
 
   
(millions)
 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  $ 591     $ 1,513     $ 2,359     $ 4,463     $ 766     $ 1,182     $ 1,455     $ 3,403     $ 1,031     $ 1,499     $ 1,063     $ 3,593  
                                                                                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                                                                               
Capital expenditures, independent power investments and nuclear fuel purchases
    -       (3,289 )     (2,717 )     (6,006 )     (12 )     (2,857 )     (2,367 )     (5,236 )     (12 )     (3,000 )     (2,007 )     (5,019 )
Capital contribution to FPL
    -       -       -       -       (75 )     -       75       -       -       -       -       -  
Sale of independent power investments
    -       15       -       15       -       25       -       25       -       700       -       700  
Loan repayments and capital distributions from equity method investees
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       11       -       11  
Funding of loan
    -       -       -       -       -       (500 )     -       (500 )     -       -       -       -  
Other - net
    (7 )     86       (23 )     56       -       (25 )     (72 )     (97 )     (405 )     (58 )     193       (270 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (7 )     (3,188 )     (2,740 )     (5,935 )     (87 )     (3,357 )     (2,364 )     (5,808 )     (417 )     (2,347 )     (1,814 )     (4,578 )
                                                                                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                                                                               
Issuances of long-term debt
    -       2,704       516       3,220       -       3,238       589       3,827       -       1,969       1,230       3,199  
Retirements of long-term debt
    -       (1,371 )     (264 )     (1,635 )     -       (1,118 )     (240 )     (1,358 )     -       (1,616 )     (250 )     (1,866 )
Net change in short-term debt
    -       110       44       154       -       917       (69 )     848       -       (292 )     212       (80 )
Issuances of common stock
    198       -       -       198       41       -       -       41       46       -       -       46  
Dividends on common stock
    (766 )     -       -       (766 )     (714 )     -       -       (714 )     (654 )     -       -       (654 )
Other - net
    (16 )     (26 )     46       4       (6 )     (675 )     687       6       (6 )     458       (442 )     10  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (584 )     1,417       342       1,175       (679 )     2,362       967       2,650       (614 )     519       750       655  
                                                                                                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    -       (258 )     (39 )     (297 )     -       187       58       245       -       (329 )     (1 )     (330 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    -       414       121       535       -       227       63       290       -       556       64       620  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ -     $ 156     $ 82     $ 238     $ -     $ 414     $ 121     $ 535     $ -     $ 227     $ 63     $ 290  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
Represents FPL and consolidating adjustments.


 
102

 
FPL GROUP, INC. AND FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Concluded)


17.  Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

Condensed consolidated quarterly financial information is as follows:

   
March 31  (a)
 
June 30  (a)
 
September 30  (a)
 
December 31  (a)
   
(millions, except per share amounts)
FPL GROUP:
                                       
2009
                                       
Operating revenues (b)
 
$
3,705
     
$
3,811
     
$
4,473
     
$
3,655
   
Operating income (b)
 
$
583
     
$
605
     
$
849
     
$
557
   
Net income (b)
 
$
364
     
$
370
     
$
533
     
$
349
   
Earnings per share (c)
 
$
0.90
     
$
0.92
     
$
1.32
     
$
0.86
   
Earnings per share - assuming dilution (c)
 
$
0.90
     
$
0.91
     
$
1.31
     
$
0.85
   
Dividends per share
 
$
0.4725
     
$
0.4725
     
$
0.4725
     
$
0.4725
   
High-low common stock sales prices
 
$
53.99
-
41.48
 
$
59.00
-
49.70
 
$
60.61
-
53.13
 
$
56.57
-
48.55
                                         
2008
                                       
Operating revenues (b)
 
$
3,434
     
$
3,585
     
$
5,387
     
$
4,003
   
Operating income (b)
 
$
443
     
$
313
     
$
1,316
     
$
752
   
Net income (b)
 
$
249
     
$
209
     
$
774
     
$
408
   
Earnings per share (c)
 
$
0.62
     
$
0.52
     
$
1.93
     
$
1.02
   
Earnings per share - assuming dilution (c)
 
$
0.62
     
$
0.52
     
$
1.92
     
$
1.01
   
Dividends per share
 
$
0.445
     
$
0.445
     
$
0.445
     
$
0.445
   
High-low common stock sales prices
 
$
73.75
-
57.21
 
$
68.98
-
62.75
 
$
68.76
-
49.74
 
$
51.87
-
33.81
                                         
FPL:
                                       
2009
                                       
Operating revenues (b)
 
$
2,573
     
$
2,864
     
$
3,301
     
$
2,753
   
Operating income (b)
 
$
262
     
$
396
     
$
554
     
$
369
   
Net income (b)
 
$
127
     
$
213
     
$
306
     
$
186
   
                                         
2008
                                       
Operating revenues (b)
 
$
2,534
     
$
2,871
     
$
3,423
     
$
2,820
   
Operating income (b)
 
$
244
     
$
416
     
$
549
     
$
320
   
Net income (b)
 
$
108
     
$
217
     
$
314
     
$
151
   
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)  
In the opinion of FPL Group and FPL, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring accruals necessary to present a fair statement of the amounts shown for such periods, have been made.  Results of operations for an interim period generally will not give a true indication of results for the year.
(b)  
The sum of the quarterly amounts may not equal the total for the year due to rounding.
(c)  
The sum of the quarterly amounts may not equal the total for the year due to rounding and changes in weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.


 
103

 

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2009, each of FPL Group and FPL had performed an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including FPL Group's and FPL's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of each company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e)).  Based upon that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of each of FPL Group and FPL concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the company and its consolidated subsidiaries required to be included in the company's reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act and ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the company's reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  FPL Group and FPL each have a Disclosure Committee, which is made up of several key management employees and reports directly to the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of each company, to monitor and evaluate these disclosure controls and procedures.  Due to the inherent limitations of the effectiveness of any established disclosure controls and procedures, management of FPL Group and FPL cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of their respective disclosure controls and procedures will be met.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

(a)
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
(b)
Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
(c)
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
FPL Group and FPL are continuously seeking to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations and of their internal controls.  This results in refinements to processes throughout FPL Group and FPL.  However, there has been no change in FPL Group's or FPL's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during FPL Group's and FPL's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, FPL Group's or FPL's internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  Other Information

None

PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required by this item will be included under the headings "Business of the Annual Meeting," "Corporate Governance and Board Matters" and "Information About FPL Group and Management" in FPL Group's Proxy Statement which will be filed with the SEC in connection with the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (FPL Group's Proxy Statement) and is incorporated herein by reference, or is included in Item 1. Business - Executive Officers of FPL Group.

FPL Group has adopted the FPL Group, Inc. Code of Ethics for Senior Executive and Financial Officers (the Senior Financial Executive Code), which is applicable to the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, the chief accounting officer and other senior financial officers.  The Senior Financial Executive Code is available in the Governance section of FPL Group’s internet website at www.fplgroup.com.  Any amendments to, or waivers of any provision of, the Senior Financial Executive Code which are required to be disclosed to shareholders under applicable SEC rules will be disclosed on the FPL Group website at the address listed above within the time period required under SEC rules from time to time.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

The information required by this item will be included in FPL Group's Proxy Statement under the headings "Executive Compensation" and "Corporate Governance and Board Matters" and is incorporated herein by reference.

 
104

 

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this item relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be included in FPL Group's Proxy Statement under the heading "Information About FPL Group and Management" and is incorporated herein by reference.

Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

FPL Group's equity compensation plan information as of December 31, 2009 is as follows:

Plan Category
 
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(a)
 
 
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(b)
 
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
(c)
                         
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
   
7,964,106
(a)
 
$
35.65
(b)
   
5,085,492
 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (c)
   
2,523
   
$
27.11
     
-
 
Total
   
7,966,629
   
$
35.65
(b)
   
5,085,492
 
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Represents outstanding options, nonvested performance share awards (at maximum payout), deferred vested performance shares under the FPL Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan and shares deferred by directors under the FPL Group, Inc. 2007 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan and the FPL Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan at December 31, 2009.
(b)
Relates to outstanding options only.
(c)
Represents options granted by Gexa under its Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Plan and pursuant to various individual grants, all of which were made prior to FPL Group’s acquisition of Gexa.  All such options were assumed by FPL Group in connection with the acquisition of Gexa and are fully vested and exercisable for shares of FPL Group common stock.  No further grants of stock options will be made under this plan.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item, to the extent applicable, will be included in FPL Group's Proxy Statement under the heading "Corporate Governance and Board Matters" and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services

FPL Group - The information required by this item will be included in FPL Group's Proxy Statement under the heading "Audit-Related Matters" and is incorporated herein by reference.

FPL - The following table presents fees billed for professional services rendered by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective affiliates (collectively, Deloitte & Touche) for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.  The amounts presented below reflect allocations from FPL Group for FPL's portion of the fees, as well as amounts billed directly to FPL.

 
2009
 
2008
       
Audit fees (a)
$
2,706,000
 
$
2,559,000
Audit-related fees (b)
 
252,000
   
39,000
Tax fees (c)
 
30,000
   
33,000
All other fees (d)
 
4,000
   
-
Total
$
2,992,000
 
$
2,631,000
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Audit fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of FPL's and FPL Group's annual consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year, the reviews of the financial statements included in FPL's and FPL Group's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal year and the audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, comfort letters, consents, and other services related to SEC matters, services in connection with annual and semi-annual filings of FPL Group's financial statements with the Japanese Ministry of Finance and accounting consultations to the extent necessary for Deloitte & Touche to fulfill its responsibility under Public Company Accounting Oversight Board standards.
(b)
Audit-related fees consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of FPL's and FPL Group's consolidated financial statements and are not reported under audit fees.  These fees primarily related to audits of subsidiary financial statements, comfort letters, consents and other services related to subsidiary (non-SEC registrant) financing activities, consultation on accounting standards and on transactions, agreed-upon procedures and examinations related to applications for government grants.
(c)
Tax fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.  In 2009 and 2008, all tax fees paid related to tax compliance services.
(d)
All other fees consist of fees for products and services other than the services reported under the other named categories.  In 2009, these fees related to the use of data extraction software.  In 2008, there were no other fees incurred in this category.


 
105

 

In accordance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, FPL Group's Audit Committee's pre-approval policy for services provided by the independent auditor to FPL and the charter of the Audit Committee, all services performed by Deloitte & Touche are approved in advance by the Audit Committee, except for audits of certain employee benefit plans and trust funds where the fees are paid by the plan or the trust.  Audit and audit-related services specifically identified in an appendix to the pre-approval policy are pre-approved by the Audit Committee each year.  This pre-approval allows management to request the specified audit and audit-related services on an as-needed basis during the year, provided any such services are reviewed with the Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.  Any audit or audit-related service for which the fee is expected to exceed $250,000, or that involves a service not listed on the pre-approval list, must be specifically approved by the Audit Committee prior to commencement of such work.  In addition, the Audit Committee approves all services other than audit and audit-related services performed by Deloitte & Touche in advance of the commencement of such work.  The Audit Committee has delegated to the chairman of the committee the right to approve audit, audit-related, tax and other services, within certain limitations, between meetings of the Audit Committee, provided any such decision is presented to the Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.  The Audit Committee reviews on a quarterly basis a schedule of all services for which Deloitte & Touche has been engaged and the estimated fees for those services.  In 2009 and 2008, no services provided to FPL Group or FPL by Deloitte & Touche were approved by the Audit Committee after services were rendered pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X (which provides for a waiver of the otherwise applicable pre-approval requirement if certain conditions are met).


 
106

 

PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

     
Page(s)
(a)
1.
Financial Statements
 
       
   
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
53
   
Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
54
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
55
   
FPL Group:
 
   
Consolidated Statements of Income
56
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets
57
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
58
   
Consolidated Statements of Common Shareholders' Equity
59
       
   
FPL:
 
   
Consolidated Statements of Income
60
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets
61
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
62
   
Consolidated Statements of Common Shareholder's Equity
63
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
64 - 103
       
 
2.
Financial Statement Schedules - Schedules are omitted as not applicable or not required.
 
       
 
3.
Exhibits (including those incorporated by reference)
 

 
Exhibit
Number
 
 
Description
 
FPL
Group
 
 
FPL
               
 
*3(i)a
 
Restated Articles of Incorporation of FPL Group filed December 31, 1984, as amended through July 3, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)a to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*3(i)b
 
Restated Articles of Incorporation of FPL dated March 23, 1992 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)a to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 1-3545)
 
     
x
 
*3(i)c
 
Amendment to FPL's Restated Articles of Incorporation dated March 23, 1992 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)b to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 1-3545)
 
     
x
 
*3(i)d
 
Amendment to FPL's Restated Articles of Incorporation dated May 11, 1992 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)c to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 1-3545)
 
     
x
 
*3(i)e
 
Amendment to FPL's Restated Articles of Incorporation dated March 12, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)d to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 1-3545)
 
     
x
 
*3(i)f
 
Amendment to FPL's Restated Articles of Incorporation dated June 16, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)e to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 1-3545)
 
     
x
 
*3(i)g
 
Amendment to FPL's Restated Articles of Incorporation dated August 31, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)f to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 1-3545)
 
     
x
 
*3(i)h
 
Amendment to FPL's Restated Articles of Incorporation dated November 30, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)g to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 1-3545)
 
     
x
 
*3(i)i
 
Amendment to FPL's Restated Articles of Incorporation dated January 20, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)j to Form 10-K dated December 31, 2003, File No. 2-27612)
     
x


 
107

 


 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
FPL
Group
 
FPL
               
 
*3(i)j
 
Amendment to FPL's Restated Articles of Incorporation dated January 20, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)k to Form 10-K dated December 31, 2003, File No. 2-27612)
 
     
x
 
*3(i)k
 
Amendment to FPL's Restated Articles of Incorporation dated February 11, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 3(i)m to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, File No. 2-27612)
 
     
x
 
3(ii)a
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of FPL Group, as amended through February 12, 2010
 
 
x
   
 
*3(ii)b
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of FPL, as amended through October 17, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 3(ii)b to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, File No. 2-27612)
 
     
x
 
*4(a)
 
Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of January 1, 1944, and One hundred and  fifteen Supplements thereto, between FPL and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Trustee (filed as Exhibit B-3, File No. 2-4845; Exhibit 7(a), File No. 2-7126; Exhibit 7(a), File No. 2-7523; Exhibit 7(a), File No. 2-7990; Exhibit 7(a), File No. 2-9217; Exhibit 4(a)-5, File No. 2-10093; Exhibit 4(c), File No. 2-11491; Exhibit 4(b)-1, File No. 2-12900; Exhibit 4(b)-1, File No. 2-13255; Exhibit 4(b)-1, File No. 2-13705; Exhibit 4(b)-1, File No. 2-13925; Exhibit 4(b)-1, File No. 2-15088; Exhibit 4(b)-1, File No. 2-15677; Exhibit 4(b)-1, File No. 2-20501; Exhibit 4(b)-1, File No. 2-22104; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-23142; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-24195; Exhibit 4(b)-1, File No. 2-25677; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-27612; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-29001; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-30542; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-33038; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-37679; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-39006; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-41312; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-44234; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-46502; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-48679; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-49726; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-50712; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-52826; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-53272; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-54242; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-56228; Exhibits 2(c) and 2(d), File No. 2-60413; Exhibits 2(c) and 2(d), File No. 2-65701; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-66524; Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-67239; Exhibit 4(c), File No. 2-69716; Exhibit 4(c), File No. 2-70767; Exhibit 4(b), File No. 2-71542; Exhibit 4(b), File No. 2-73799; Exhibits 4(c), 4(d) and 4(e), File No. 2-75762; Exhibit 4(c), File No. 2-77629; Exhibit 4(c), File No. 2-79557; Exhibit 99(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Form S-8, File No. 33-18669; Exhibit 99(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3, File No. 33-46076; Exhibit 4(b) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, File No. 1-3545; Exhibit 4(i) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1994, File No. 1-3545; Exhibit 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1995, File No. 1-3545; Exhibit 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,1996, File No. 1-3545; Exhibit 4 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, File No. 1-3545; Exhibit 4 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, File No. 1-3545; Exhibit 4(f) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, File No. 1-3545; Exhibit 4(g) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, File No. 1-3545; Exhibit 4(o), File No. 333-102169; Exhibit 4(k) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3, File No. 333-102172; Exhibit 4(l) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form S-3, File No. 333-102172; Exhibit 4(m) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Form S-3, File No. 333-102172; Exhibit 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, File No. 2-27612; Exhibit 4(f) to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3, File No. 333-125275; Exhibit 4(y) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Form S-3, File Nos. 333-116300, 333-116300-01 and 333-116300-02; Exhibit 4(z) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Form S-3, File Nos. 333-116300, 333-116300-01 and 333-116300-02; Exhibit 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, File No. 2-27612; Exhibit 4(a) to Form 8-K dated April 17, 2007, File No. 2-27612; Exhibit 4 to Form 8-K dated October 10, 2007, File No. 2-27612; Exhibit 4 to Form 8-K dated January 16, 2008, File No. 2-27612; Exhibit 4(a) to Form 8-K dated March 17, 2009, File No. 2-27612; and Exhibit 4 to Form 8-K dated February 9, 2010, File No. 2-27612)
 
 
x
 
x


 
108

 


 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
FPL
Group
 
FPL
               
 
*4(b)
 
Indenture, dated as of June 1, 1999, between FPL Group Capital and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4(a) to Form 8-K dated July 16, 1999, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(c)
 
Guarantee Agreement between FPL Group (as Guarantor) and The Bank of New York Mellon (as Guarantee Trustee) dated as of June 1, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 4(b) to Form 8-K dated July 16, 1999, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(d)
 
Officer's Certificate of FPL Group Capital, dated August 18, 2006, creating the 5 5/8% Debentures, Series due September 1, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 4 to Form 8-K dated August 18, 2006, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(e)
 
Officer's Certificate of FPL Group Capital dated June 17, 2008, creating the 5.35% Debentures, Series due June 15, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4(a) to Form 8-K dated June 17, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(f)
 
Officer's Certificate of FPL Group Capital dated June 17, 2008, creating the Floating Rate Debentures, Series due June 17, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 4(b) to Form 8-K dated June 17, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(g)
 
Officer's Certificate of FPL Group Capital dated December 12, 2008, creating the 7 7/8% Debentures, Series due December 15, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 4 to Form 8-K dated December 12, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(h)
 
Officer's Certificate of FPL Group Capital, dated March 9, 2009, creating the 6.00% Debentures, Series due March 1, 2019 (filed as Exhibit 4 to Form 8-K dated March 9, 2009, file No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(i)
 
Officer's Certificate of FPL Group Capital, dated May 26, 2009, creating the Series C Debentures due June 1, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 4(c) to Form 8-K dated May 22, 2009, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(j)
 
Officer's Certificate of FPL Group Capital dated November 10, 2009, creating the Floating Rate Debentures, Series due November 9, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 4 to Form 8-K dated November 10, 2009, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(k)
 
Indenture (For Unsecured Subordinated Debt Securities relating to Trust Securities) dated as of March 1, 2004 among FPL Group Capital, FPL Group (as Guarantor) and The Bank of New York Mellon (as Trustee) (filed as Exhibit 4(au) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Form S-3, File Nos. 333-102173, 333-102173-01, 333-102173-02 and 333-102173-03)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(l)
 
Preferred Trust Securities Guarantee Agreement between FPL Group (as Guarantor) and The Bank of New York Mellon (as Guarantee Trustee) relating to FPL Group Capital Trust I, dated as of March 15, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 4(aw) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Form S-3, File Nos. 333-102173, 333-102173-01, 333-102173-02 and 333-102173-03)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(m)
 
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement relating to FPL Group Capital Trust I, dated as of March 15, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 4(at) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Form S-3, File Nos. 333-102173, 333-102173-01, 333-102173-02 and 333-102173-03)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(n)
 
Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities of FPL Group Capital Trust I, dated as of March 15, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 4(ax) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Form S-3, File Nos. 333-102173, 333-102173-01, 333-102173-02 and 333-102173-03)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(o)
 
Officer's Certificate of FPL Group Capital and FPL Group, dated March 15, 2004, creating the 5 7/8% Junior Subordinated Debentures, Series due March 15, 2044 (filed as Exhibit 4(av) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to Form S-3, File Nos. 333-102173, 333-102173-01, 333-102173-02 and 333-102173-03)
 
 
x
   


 
109

 


 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
FPL
Group
 
FPL
               
 
*4(p)
 
Indenture (For Unsecured Subordinated Debt Securities) dated as of September 1, 2006, among FPL Group Capital, FPL Group (as Guarantor) and The Bank of New York Mellon (as Trustee) (filed as Exhibit 4(a) to Form 8-K dated September 19, 2006, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(q)
 
Officer's Certificate of FPL Group Capital and FPL Group dated September 19, 2006, creating the Series A Enhanced Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2066 (filed as Exhibit 4(b) to Form 8-K dated September 19, 2006, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(r)
 
Officer's Certificate of FPL Group Capital and FPL Group dated September 19, 2006, creating the Series B Enhanced Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2066 (filed as Exhibit 4(c) to Form 8-K dated September 19, 2006, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(s)
 
Replacement Capital Covenant dated September 19, 2006 by FPL Group Capital and FPL Group relating to FPL Group Capital's Series A and Series B Enhanced Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2066 (filed as Exhibit 4(d) to Form 8-K dated September 19, 2006, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(t)
 
Officer's Certificate of FPL Group Capital and FPL Group dated June 12, 2007, creating the Series C Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2067 (filed as Exhibit 4(a) to Form 8-K dated June 12, 2007, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(u)
 
Replacement Capital Covenant, dated June 12, 2007, by FPL Group Capital and FPL Group relating to FPL Group Capital's Series C Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2067 (filed as Exhibit 4(b) to Form 8-K dated June 12, 2007, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(v)
 
Officer's Certificate of FPL Group Capital and FPL Group dated September 17, 2007, creating the Series D Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2067 (filed as Exhibit 4(a) to Form 8-K dated September 17, 2007, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(w)
 
Officer's Certificate of FPL Group Capital and FPL Group dated September 18, 2007, creating the Series E Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2067 (filed as Exhibit 4(b) to Form 8-K dated September 17, 2007, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(x)
 
Replacement Capital Covenant, dated September 18, 2007, by FPL Group Capital and FPL Group relating to FPL Group Capital's Series D and Series E Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2067 (filed as Exhibit 4(c) to Form 8-K dated September 17, 2007, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(y)
 
Officer's Certificate of FPL Group Capital and FPL Group, dated March 19, 2009, creating the Series F Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2069 (filed as Exhibit 4(b) to Form 8-K dated March 17, 2009, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(z)
 
Replacement Capital Covenant, dated March 19, 2009, by FPL Group Capital and FPL Group (filed as Exhibit 4(c) to Form 8-K dated March 17, 2009, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*4(aa)
 
Indenture (for Securing Senior Secured Bonds, Series A), dated May 22, 2007, between FPL Recovery Funding LLC (as Issuer) and The Bank of New York Mellon (as Trustee and Securities Intermediary) (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated May 22, 2007 and filed June 1, 2007, File No. 333-141357)
 
     
x
 
*4(bb)
 
Purchase Contract Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2009, between FPL Group and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Purchase Contract Agent (filed as Exhibit 4(a) to Form 8-K dated May 22, 2009, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   


 
110

 


 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
FPL
Group
 
FPL
               
 
*4(cc)
 
Pledge Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2009, among FPL Group, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Collateral Agent, Custodial Agent and Securities Intermediary, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Purchase Contract Agent and Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4(b) to Form 8-K dated May 22, 2009, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*10(a)
 
FPL Group Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2005 (Restated SERP) (filed as Exhibit 10(b) to Form 8-K dated December 12, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(b)
 
FPL Group Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, amended and restated effective April 1, 1997 (SERP) (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(c)
 
Appendix A1 and A2 (revised as of December 12, 2008) to the Restated SERP (filed as Exhibit 10(f) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
10(d)
 
Appendix A2 (revised as of October 15, 2009) to the Restated SERP
 
 
x
 
x
 
10(e)
 
Appendix A1 and A2 (revised as of January 1, 2010) to the Restated SERP
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(f)
 
Amended and Restated Supplement to the Restated SERP as it applies to Lewis Hay, III effective January 1, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10(c) to Form 8-K dated December 12, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(g)
 
Supplement to the SERP as it applies to Lewis Hay, III effective March 22, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10(g) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(h)
 
Supplement to the Restated SERP relating to a special credit to certain executive officers and other officers effective February 15, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10(g) to Form 10-K   for the year ended December 31, 2007, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(i)
 
Supplement to the Restated SERP effective February 15, 2008 as it applies to Armando Pimentel, Jr. (filed as Exhibit 10(i) to Form 10-K for the year ended   December 31, 2007, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
10(j)
 
Supplement to the SERP effective December 14, 2007 as it applies to Manoochehr K.   Nazar
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(k)
 
FPL Group Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, effective December 12, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10(e) to Form 8-K dated December 12, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(l)
 
FPL Group Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, most recently amended and restated on May 22, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(m)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan Performance Share Award Agreement effective February 15, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10(i) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(n)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan Performance Share Award Agreement effective February 15, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10(c) to Form 8-K dated February 15, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x


 
111

 


 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
FPL
Group
 
FPL
               
 
*10(o)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan Performance Share Award Agreement effective February 13, 2009 with Christopher A. Bennett, Paul I. Cutler, K. Michael Davis, Chris N. Froggatt, Joseph T. Kelliher, Robert L. McGrath, James W. Poppell, Sr., Antonio Rodriguez and John A. Stall (filed as Exhibit 10(l) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
10(p)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan Amended and Restated Performance Share Award Agreement effective December 10, 2009 with F. Mitchell Davidson, Lewis Hay, III, Manoochehr K. Nazar, Armando J. Olivera, Armando Pimentel, Jr., James L. Robo and Charles E. Sieving
 
 
x
 
x
 
10(q)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan Performance Share Award Agreement effective February 12, 2010
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(r)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10(b) to Form 8-K dated December 29, 2004, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(s)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement effective February 15, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10(l) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(t)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement effective February 15, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to Form 8-K dated February 15, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(u)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement effective February 13, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10(q) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(v)
 
Form of Amendment to Restricted Stock Award Agreements under the FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan executed March 2009 between FPL Group and each of Christopher A. Bennett, F. Mitchell Davidson, Lewis Hay, III, Robert L. McGrath, Armando J. Olivera, Armando Pimentel, Jr., James W. Poppell, Sr., James L. Robo, Antonio Rodriguez and John A. Stall (filed as Exhibit 10(c) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
10(w)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement effective February 12, 2010
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(x)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan Stock Option Award - Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10(c) to Form 8-K dated December 29, 2004, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(y)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan Stock Option Award - Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10(d) to Form 8-K dated December 29, 2004, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(z)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan Stock Option Award - Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 15, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10(b) to Form 8-K dated February 15, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(aa)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan Stock Option Award - Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 13, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10(u) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x


 
112

 


 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
FPL
Group
 
FPL
               
 
10(bb)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan - Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement effective February 12, 2010
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(cc)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan Deferred Stock Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10(dd) to Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
10(dd)
 
Form of FPL Group Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan Amended and Restated Deferred Stock Award Agreement effective February 12, 2010 between FPL Group and each of Moray P. Dewhurst and James L. Robo
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(ee)
 
FPL Group Executive Annual Incentive Plan as amended and restated on December 12, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to Form 8-K dated December 12, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(ff)
 
FPL Group Deferred Compensation Plan effective January 1, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10(d) to Form 8-K dated December 12, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(gg)
 
FPL Group Deferred Compensation Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 10(k) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(hh)
 
FPL Group Executive Long Term Disability Plan effective January 1, 1995 (filed as Exhibit 10(g) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(ii)
 
FPL Group Amended and Restated Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan, as amended and restated October 13, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
*10(jj)
 
FPL Group 2007 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan (filed as Exhibit 99 to Form S-8, File No. 333-143739)
 
 
x
   
 
*10(kk)
 
Non-Employee Director Compensation Summary effective January 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
10(ll)
 
FPL Group Non-Employee Director Compensation Summary effective January 1, 2010
 
 
x
   
 
*10(mm)
 
Form of Amended and Restated Executive Retention Employment Agreement between FPL Group and each of Christopher A. Bennett, Robert L. McGrath, James W. Poppell, Antonio Rodriguez and John A. Stall (filed as Exhibit 10(g) to Form 8-K dated December 12, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
10(nn)
 
Form of Amended and Restated Executive Retention Employment Agreement effective December 10, 2009 between FPL Group and each of Lewis Hay, III, Moray P. Dewhurst, James L. Robo, Armando J. Olivera, F. Mitchell Davidson, Armando Pimentel, Jr., and Charles E. Sieving
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(oo)
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Lewis Hay, III dated December 12, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10(f) to Form 8-K dated December 12, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
10(pp)
 
Amended and Restated Employment Letter with Lewis Hay, III dated December 10, 2009
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(qq)
 
Executive Retention Employment Agreement between FPL Group and Joseph T. Kelliher dated as of May 21, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
10(rr)
 
Executive Retention Employment Agreement between FPL Group and Manoochehr K. Nazar dated as of January 1, 2010
 
 
x
 
x


 
113

 


 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
FPL
Group
 
FPL
               
 
*10(ss)
 
Restricted Stock Award and Retention Agreement between FPL Group and K. Michael Davis dated August 28, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
 
x
 
*10(tt)
 
Guarantee Agreement between FPL Group and FPL Group Capital, dated as of October 14, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10(y) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, File No. 1-8841)
 
 
x
   
 
12(a)
 
 
Computation of Ratios
 
 
x
   
 
12(b)
 
 
Computation of Ratios
 
     
x
 
21
 
 
Subsidiaries of FPL Group
 
 
x
   
 
23
 
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
x
 
x
 
31(a)
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer of FPL Group
 
 
x
   
 
31(b)
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer of FPL Group
 
 
x
   
 
31(c)
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer of FPL
 
     
x
 
31(d)
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer of FPL
 
     
x
 
32(a)
 
 
Section 1350 Certification of FPL Group
 
 
x
   
 
32(b)
 
 
Section 1350 Certification of FPL
 
     
x
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document of FPL Group
 
 
x
   
 
101.SCH
 
 
XBRL Schema Document
 
 
x
   
 
101.PRE
 
 
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
x
   
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
x
   
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Label Linkbase Document
 
 
x
   
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
 
x
   
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
* Incorporated herein by reference

FPL Group and FPL agree to furnish to the SEC upon request any instrument with respect to long-term debt that FPL Group and FPL have not filed as an exhibit pursuant to the exemption provided by Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K.


 
114

 

FPL GROUP, INC. SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

FPL Group, Inc.


 
JAMES L. ROBO
 
 
James L. Robo
President and Chief Operating Officer
 

Date:  February 25, 2010

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

Signature and Title as of February 25, 2010:


LEWIS HAY, III
 
K. MICHAEL DAVIS
Lewis Hay, III
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
K. Michael Davis
Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
ARMANDO PIMENTEL, JR.
   
Armando Pimentel, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Finance
and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
   

Directors:


SHERRY S. BARRAT
 
OLIVER D. KINGSLEY, JR.
Sherry S. Barrat
 
 
 
 
Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr.
ROBERT M. BEALL, II
 
RUDY E. SCHUPP
Robert M. Beall, II
 
 
 
 
Rudy E. Schupp
J. HYATT BROWN
 
WILLIAM H. SWANSON
J. Hyatt Brown
 
 
 
 
William H. Swanson
JAMES L. CAMAREN
 
MICHAEL H. THAMAN
James L. Camaren
 
 
 
 
Michael H. Thaman
J. BRIAN FERGUSON
 
HANSEL E. TOOKES, II
J. Brian Ferguson
 
 
 
 
Hansel E. Tookes, II
TONI JENNINGS
 
PAUL R. TREGURTHA
Toni Jennings
 
Paul R. Tregurtha



 
115

 

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Florida Power & Light Company


 
ARMANDO J. OLIVERA
 
 
Armando J. Olivera
President and Chief Executive Officer
and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 

Date:  February 25, 2010

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

Signature and Title as of February 25, 2010:



ARMANDO PIMENTEL, JR.
 
K. MICHAEL DAVIS
Armando Pimentel, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Finance
and Chief Financial Officer and Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
K. Michael Davis
Vice President, Accounting and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)


Directors:



LEWIS HAY, III
   
Lewis Hay, III
 
 
 
JAMES L. ROBO
   
James L. Robo
 
 
 
ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ
   
Antonio Rodriguez
 
 
 
JOHN A. STALL
   
John A. Stall
 
 
 
 
   


 
116

 

Supplemental Information to be Furnished With Reports Filed Pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act by Registrants Which Have Not Registered Securities Pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act

No annual report, proxy statement, form of proxy or other proxy soliciting material has been sent to security holders of FPL during the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.


 
117

 



Exhibit 3(ii)a

FPL GROUP, INC.


AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS


ARTICLE I.  MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS


Section 1.                        Annual Meeting.   The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation shall be held at the time and place designated by the board of directors of the Corporation.

Section 2.                        Special Meetings.   Special meetings of the shareholders may be called by the chairman of the board of directors or the president or the secretary of the Corporation and shall be called upon the written request of a majority of the entire board of directors or the holder or holders of not less than a majority of all the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote on the matter or matters to be presented at the meeting.  Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.  No business shall be conducted at any special meeting other than the business for which the special meeting is called as set forth in the notice of the special meeting.  Special meetings shall be held at the time and place designated by the chief executive officer of the Corporation.

Section 3.                        Place and Presiding Officer.   Meetings of the shareholders may be held within or without the State of Florida.

Meetings of the shareholders may be presided over by the chairman of the board, the president or any vice president.  The secretary of the Corporation, or any person chosen by the person presiding over the shareholders' meeting, shall act as secretary for the meeting.

Section 4.                        Notice.   Written notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the meeting, personally, by United States mail, or in such other manner as may be permitted by law, by or at the direction of the chairman of the board, the president, the secretary, or the officer or persons calling the meeting.  If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the shareholder at his or her address as it appears on the stock transfer books of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid.

Section 5.                        Notice of Adjourned Meetings.   When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, it shall not be necessary to give any notice of the adjourned meeting if the time and place to which the meeting is adjourned are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, and at the adjourned meeting any business may be transacted that might have been transacted on the original date of the meeting.  If, however, after the adjournment the board of directors fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as provided in Section 4 of this Article I to each shareholder of record on the new record date entitled to vote at such meeting.

Section 6.                        Closing of Transfer Books and Fixing Record Date.   For the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other purpose, the board of directors may provide that the stock transfer books shall be closed for a stated period not to exceed, in any case, sixty days (or such longer period as may from time to time be permitted by law).  If the stock transfer books shall be closed for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, a meeting of shareholders, such books shall be closed for at least ten days immediately preceding such meeting.

In lieu of closing the stock transfer books, the board of directors may fix in advance a date as the record date for any determination of shareholders, such date in any case to be not more than sixty days (or such longer period as may from time to time be permitted by law) and, in case of a meeting of shareholders, not less than ten days prior to the date on which the particular action requiring such determination of shareholders is to be taken.

If the stock transfer books are not closed and no record date is fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders, or shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend, the date on which notice of the meeting is mailed or the date on which the resolution of the board of directors declaring such dividend is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the record date for such determination of shareholders.

When a determination of shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders has been made as provided in this Section 6, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof, unless the board of directors fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

Section 7.                        Shareholder Quorum and Voting.

(a)            Quorum and General Voting Requirements . A majority of the total number of shares outstanding and entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy thereat, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of shareholders for the transaction of business, except as otherwise provided by the Florida Business Corporation Act or by the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation, as amended and restated from time to time (the "Charter").  If a specified item of business is required to be voted on by a class or series of shares, a majority of the total number of shares outstanding and entitled to vote of such class or series, present in person or represented by proxy thereat, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of shareholders for the transaction of such item of business by such class or series.  If, however, a quorum does not exist at a meeting, the holders of a majority of the shares present at such meeting and entitled to vote may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than by announcement at the meeting, until the requisite number of shares entitled to vote shall be present.  At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum exists, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed.  After a quorum has been established at a meeting, the subsequent withdrawal of shareholders, so as to reduce the number of shares entitled to vote at the meeting below the number required for a quorum, shall not affect the validity of any action taken at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

For purposes of this Section 7, (1) shares entitled to vote on any item of business presented for action by shareholders at a meeting, present in person or represented by proxy thereat, shall be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum for the transaction of all business at such meeting, and (2) broker non-votes, if any, with respect to any item of business shall not count as shares entitled to vote on that item of business.

If a quorum exists, action on a matter (other than the election of directors) shall be approved by the shareholders of the Corporation if the votes cast by shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter favoring such action exceed the number of votes cast by such shareholders opposing such action.

(b)            Election of Directors .  If a quorum exists, a nominee for director shall be elected to the board of directors if the votes cast for such nominee's election by shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter exceed the votes cast by such shareholders against such nominee's election; provided, however, that if the number of persons considered by the shareholders for election as directors exceeds the total number of directors to be elected, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast; and further provided that all persons considered for election (other than those recommended for nomination by or at the direction of the board of directors or any duly authorized committee thereof) shall have met all applicable requirements and procedures in being placed in nomination and considered for election, including without limitation the requirements set forth in these bylaws and in all applicable laws, rules and regulations.

(c)           Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7, any item of business may require a greater or different vote (i) by express provision of the Florida Business Corporation Act or the Charter, or (ii) to the extent permitted by the Florida Business Corporation Act, by express provision of these bylaws or by action of the board of directors, in which event such greater or different vote requirement shall govern or, if so provided in such a requirement or action of the board of directors, shall apply in addition to the vote otherwise required.

Section 8.                        Inspectors of Election.   Prior to each meeting of shareholders, the board of directors shall appoint not less than one nor more than five inspectors of election who shall have such duties and perform such functions in connection with the meeting as shall be determined by the board of directors.

Section 9.                        Notice of Shareholder Business and Director Nominations .

(a) (1) General .  Nominations of persons for election to the board of directors of the Corporation and the proposal of any other business to be considered by the shareholders of the Corporation may be made at any annual meeting of shareholders, only (i) pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto), (ii) by or at the direction of the board of directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) or (iii) by any shareholder of the Corporation who (A) is a shareholder of record at the time of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 9 and at the time of the annual meeting, (B) is entitled to vote at the annual meeting on the election of directors or proposal and (C) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 9 as to such business or nomination.  Clause (iii) of this Section 9(a)(1) shall be the exclusive means for a shareholder to make nominations or submit other business (other than matters properly brought under Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and included in the Corporation’s notice of meeting) before an annual meeting of shareholders.

(2)   Timely Notice .  Without qualification or limitation, for any nominations or any other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a shareholder of the Corporation pursuant to Section 9(a)(1)(iii) hereof, the shareholder previously must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form (as more fully described in Section 9(a)(3) hereof) to the secretary of the Corporation and any such other business must constitute a proper matter for shareholder action. To be timely, a shareholder's notice must be delivered to the secretary of the Corporation in person or by facsimile, or sent by U.S. certified mail and received by the secretary of the Corporation, at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, not earlier than the opening of business on the 120th day prior and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the Corporation’s immediately preceding annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days earlier or more than 60 days later than such first anniversary date, notice by the shareholder to be timely must be so delivered or received not earlier than the opening of business on the 120th day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to the date of such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is first made by the Corporation. In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or the public announcement thereof commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of notice by a shareholder as described above.

(3) Notice in   Proper Written Form .  To be in proper written form, a shareholder's notice to the secretary of the Corporation (whether given pursuant to Section 9(a) or Section 9(b) hereof) must set forth in writing:

(A) as to the shareholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made:

(i) the name and address of such shareholder as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and of such beneficial owner, if any;

(ii) information about all holdings or other interests in the Corporation’s securities, including without limitation:

(a) the class or series and number of shares of the Corporation which are, directly or indirectly, owned of record and/or owned beneficially by the shareholder and such beneficial owner, if any, and a representation that the shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, will notify the Corporation in writing of the class or series and number of such shares owned of record and beneficially as of the record date for the meeting, promptly following the later of the record date and the date notice of the record date is first publicly announced;

(b) any option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right, or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege or a settlement payment or mechanism at a price related to any class or series of shares of the Corporation or with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of any class or series of shares of the Corporation, whether or not such instrument or right shall be subject to settlement in the underlying class or series of capital stock of the Corporation or otherwise (a “Derivative Instrument”) directly or indirectly owned beneficially by such shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, and any other direct or indirect opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation;

(c) any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship pursuant to which such shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, has a right to vote any shares of any security of the Corporation;

(d) any short interest in any security of the Corporation (for purposes hereof, a person or entity shall be deemed to have a short interest in a security if such person or entity directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has the opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any decrease in the value of the subject security);

(e) any rights to dividends on the shares of the Corporation owned beneficially by such shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Corporation;

(f) any proportionate interest in shares of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments held, directly or indirectly, by (X) a general or limited partnership in which such shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, is a general partner or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a general partner or (Y) a limited liability company in which such shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, is a managing member or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a managing member or (Z) another entity or enterprise in which such shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, serves in a similar management capacity or directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in an entity or enterprise that serves in such a management capacity; and

(g) any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that such shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, is entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments, if any, as of the date of such notice, including without limitation any such interests held by such shareholder’s and beneficial owner’s, if any, affiliates, any person or entity with whom such shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, is acting in concert or members of such shareholder’s and beneficial owner’s, if any, immediate family sharing the same household (which information shall be supplemented by such shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, not later than ten (10) days after the later of the record date for the annual meeting or the date on which the record date for the annual meeting is first publicly announced to disclose such ownership as of the record date);

(iii) a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such annual meeting on the matter proposed and intends to appear in person or by proxy at such meeting to propose such nomination or other business;

(iv) if the shareholder intends to solicit proxies in support of such shareholder's proposal, a representation to that effect; and

(v) any other information relating to such shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal and/or for the election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(B)  if the notice relates to any business that the shareholder proposes to bring before the meeting other than a nomination of a director or directors:

(i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration), the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, any material interest of such shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, in such business and, in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the Charter or by-laws of the Corporation, the language of the proposed amendment; and

(ii) a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between such shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, and any other person or persons (including the names of such persons) in connection with the proposal of such business by such shareholder.

(C) If the shareholder proposes to nominate a person for election to the board of directors, as to each such person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate:

 (i) all information relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for the election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (including such person's written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); and

(ii) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material monetary agreements, arrangements and understandings during the past three years, and any other material relationships, between or among such shareholder and beneficial owner, if any, and their respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert therewith, on the one hand, and each proposed nominee, and his or her respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert therewith, on the other hand, including without limitation all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Rule 404 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Regulation S-K (or any successor rule or regulation) if the shareholder making the nomination and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is made, if any, or any affiliate or associate thereof or person acting in concert therewith, were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and the nominee were a director or executive officer of such “registrant”; and

(D)  with respect to each nominee for election to the board of directors, include a completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement as required by Article 1, Section 10 hereof.  The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the Corporation or that could be material to a reasonable shareholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such nominee.

(4) Notwithstanding anything in Section 9(a)(2) above to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the board of directors at an annual meeting of the shareholders is increased in accordance with Article II, Section 2 and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for directors or specifying the size of the increased board of directors made by the Corporation at least 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the immediately preceding annual meeting, a shareholder's notice required by this Section 9 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the secretary of the Corporation in person or by facsimile, or sent by U.S. certified mail and received by the secretary of the Corporation, at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

(5) For purposes of this Section 9, (a) an “affiliate”   of, or person “affiliated” with, a specified person, is a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person specified, and (b) an “associate” , when used to indicate a relationship with any person, means (i) a corporation or organization of which such person is an officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of 10 percent or more of any class of equity securities, (ii) any trust or other estate in which such person has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which such person serves as trustee or in a similar capacity, and (iii) any relative or spouse of such person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same home as such person or who is a director or officer of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries.

(b) Special Meetings of Shareholders .   Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of shareholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the board of directors may be made at a special meeting of shareholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting (i) by or at the direction of the board of directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) or (ii) provided that the board of directors has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by any shareholder of the Corporation who (i) is a shareholder of record at the time of the giving of notice provided for in this Section 9 and at the time of the special meeting, (ii) is entitled to vote at the meeting for the election of directors and (iii) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 9 as to such nomination. In the event a special meeting of shareholders is properly called by the Corporation for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the board of directors, any such shareholder may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be), for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation's notice of meeting, if the shareholder’s notice required by Sections 9(a)(2) and 9(a)(3) hereof with respect to any nomination (including the completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement required by Section 9(a)(3)(D) hereof) shall be delivered to the secretary of the Corporation in person or by facsimile, or sent by U.S. certified mail and received by the secretary of the Corporation, at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, not earlier than the opening of business on the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement is first made by the Corporation of the date of such special meeting and of the fact that directors are to be elected. In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of a special meeting or the public announcement thereof commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of notice by a shareholder as described above.

(c) If the notice requirements set forth in this Section 9 are satisfied by a shareholder and such shareholder's nominee or proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by management of the Corporation to solicit proxies for the applicable meeting of shareholders and such shareholder does not appear or send a qualified representative to present such nominee or proposal at such meeting, the Corporation need not present such nominee or proposal for a vote at such meeting notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 9, to be considered a qualified representative of the shareholder, a person must be authorized by a writing executed by such shareholder or an electronic transmission (as defined in the Florida Business Corporation Act) delivered by such shareholder to the secretary of the Corporation (in the case of a writing, delivered in person or by facsimile, or sent by U.S. certified mail and received, at the principal executive offices of the Corporation) to act for such shareholder as proxy at the meeting of shareholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable printed reproduction of such writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of shareholders.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in the Corporation’s Charter, only such persons as are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article I, Section 9 or are chosen to fill any vacancy occurring in the board of directors in accordance with Article II, Section 3 shall be eligible to serve as directors and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of shareholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article I, Section 9.  Except as otherwise provided by law, the Charter or these bylaws, the chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article 1, Section 9, and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with this Article 1, Section 9, to declare that such defective proposal or nomination shall be disregarded.

(e) For purposes of this Section 9, "public announcement" shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Services, Associated Press or comparable national news service, in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or posted on the Corporation’s website.

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 9, a shareholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and all applicable rules and requirements of the NYSE or, if the Corporation's shares are not listed on the NYSE, the applicable rules and requirements of the primary securities exchange or quotation system on which the Corporation's shares are listed or quoted, in each case with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 9; provided, however, that any references in these bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to Section 9(a)(1)(iii) or Section 9(b) hereof. Nothing in this Section 9 shall be deemed to affect any rights (i) of shareholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation's proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 (or any successor provision) under the Exchange Act or (ii) of the holders of any series of stock having preference over the common stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, if and to the extent provided for under law, the Charter or these bylaws.

Section 10.                        Submission of Questionnaire, Representation and Agreement .

To be eligible to be a nominee for initial election as a director of the Corporation, a person must deliver (in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under Section 9 of this Article I) to the secretary of the Corporation in person or by facsimile, or sent by U.S. certified mail and received by the secretary of the Corporation, at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, a written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification of such person and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made (which questionnaire shall be provided by the secretary upon written request) and a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the secretary upon written request) that such person

(i) is not and will not become a party to (A) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a "Voting Commitment") that has not been disclosed to the Corporation or (B) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person's ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such person's fiduciary duties under applicable law,

(ii) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed therein, and

(iii) in such person's individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the Corporation, and will comply with, applicable law and all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, business conduct, ethics, conflict of interest, corporate opportunities, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation.

ARTICLE II.  DIRECTORS

Section 1.                        Function.   All corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the authority of, and the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of, the board of directors.

Section 2.                        Number.   The number of directors of the Corporation shall not be less than three nor more than sixteen.  The authorized number of directors, within the limits above specified, shall be determined by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire board of directors given at a regular or special meeting thereof.  No decrease in the number of directors constituting the board of directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

At each annual meeting the shareholders shall elect directors to hold office until the next succeeding annual meeting.  Each director so elected shall hold office for the term of which he or she is elected and until his or her successor shall have been elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation, retirement, removal from office or death.  No person who shall have attained the age of 72 years by the date of election shall be eligible for election as a director of the Corporation, provided, however, that the board of directors is authorized, in circumstances it deems appropriate and by unanimous approval of all of the directors then in office (except the director whose qualification is the subject of the action), to render a director then in office (the “Affected Director”) eligible for election as a director of the Corporation until either the date of election next following the Affected Director’s 73 rd birthday or the date of election next following the Affected Director’s 74 th birthday, and no director who shall have attained the age of 70 years by the date of election shall be eligible for election as chairman of the board of directors; provided, however, that these limitations shall not be applied in a manner which would cause the involuntary retirement of an employee of the Corporation.

Section 3.                        Vacancies.   Any vacancy occurring in the board of directors, including any vacancy created by reason of an increase in the number of directors, shall be filled only by a majority vote of the directors then in office, and directors so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of shareholders.

Section 4.                        Removal.   A director may be removed by the majority vote of the entire board of directors.  A director may also be removed by shareholders, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of Voting Stock (as defined in the Charter), voting together as a single class.  Except as may otherwise be provided by law, cause for removal shall be construed to exist only if the director whose removal is proposed has been convicted of a felony by a court of competent jurisdiction and such conviction is no longer subject to direct appeal or has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his or her duty to the Corporation in a matter of substantial importance to the Corporation, and such adjudication is no longer subject to direct appeal.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, and except as otherwise provided by law, in the event that holders of any class or series of Preferred Stock are entitled, voting separately as a class, to elect one or more directors, the provisions of this Section 4 shall apply, in respect to the removal of a director so elected, to the vote of the holders of the outstanding shares of that class or series and not to the vote of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock voting together as a single class.

Section 5.                        Quorum and Voting.   A majority of the number of directors fixed by, or in the manner provided in, these bylaws shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; provided, however, that whenever, for any reason, a vacancy occurs in the board of directors, the quorum shall consist of a majority of the remaining directors until the vacancy has been filled.  The act of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the board of directors.

Section 6.                        Executive and Other Committees.   The board of directors, by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire board of directors, may designate from among its members an executive committee and one or more other committees.  Each committee of the board of directors shall have such powers and functions as may be delegated to it by resolution adopted by the entire board of directors, except as prohibited by law.

The board of directors, by resolution adopted in accordance with this Section 6, shall designate a chairman for each committee it establishes who shall preside at all meetings of the committee and who shall have such additional duties as shall from time to time be designated by the board of directors.

The board of directors, by resolution adopted in accordance with this Section 6, may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any such committee, who may act in the place and stead of any absent member or members at any meeting of such committee.

Section 7.                        Meetings.   Regular meetings of the board of directors shall be held without notice at the location of and immediately after the adjournment of the annual meeting of shareholders in each year, and at such other time and place, as may be determined by the board of directors.  Notice of the time and place of special meetings of the board of directors shall be given to each director either by personal delivery, e-mail, facsimile, reputable overnight delivery service, telegram, cablegram, or by telephone at least two days prior to the meeting.  Notice may also be given through the postal service if mailed at least five days prior to the meeting.

Notice of a meeting of the board of directors need not be given to any director who signs a waiver of notice either before or after the meeting.  Attendance of a director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting and a waiver of any and all objections to the place of the meeting, the time of the meeting, or the manner in which it has been called or convened, except when a director states, at the beginning of the meeting, any objection to the transaction of business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

Except as otherwise provided in the Charter, neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the board of directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.

A majority of the directors present, whether or not a quorum exists, may adjourn any meeting of the board of directors to another time and place.  Notice of any such adjourned meeting shall be given to the directors who were not present at the time of the adjournment and, unless the time and place of the adjourned meeting are announced at the time of adjournment, to the other directors.

Meetings of the board of directors may be called by the chairman of the board, the president, or by any two directors.  Regular meetings of committees shall be held on the schedule approved by the Board.  Special meetings of committees may be called by the chairman of the board, the chairman of such committee or any two members of such committee.

Members of the board of directors may participate in a meeting of such board by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time.  Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.

Meetings of the board of directors shall be presided over by the chairman of the board, or if such position is vacant or such person is absent, by the lead director (if such a position shall have been duly established by the board of directors), or, if such position is vacant or such person is absent, by the chief executive officer designated as such by the board of directors pursuant to Article III, Section 1 of these bylaws.  If none of the chairman of the board, the lead director or the chief executive officer is present, the directors shall elect a chairman for the meeting from one of their members present.

Section 8.                        Action Without a Meeting.   Any action required to be taken at a meeting of the directors or any action which may be taken at a meeting of the directors or a committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so to be taken, signed by all of the directors or all the members of the committee, as the case may be, is filed in the minutes of the proceedings of the board or of the committee.  Such consent shall have the same effect as a unanimous vote.


ARTICLE III.  OFFICERS

Section 1.                        Types.   The officers of the Corporation shall consist of a chairman of the board, a president, a secretary, a treasurer and such vice presidents and other officers as may be appointed by the board of directors or by a duly appointed officer authorized by these bylaws or by resolution of the board of directors to appoint officers.

The chief executive officer of the Corporation shall be either the chairman of the board or the president as determined by the board of directors.

The chief executive officer of the Corporation shall have the authority to appoint one or more assistant treasurers, assistant controllers and assistant secretaries.

Section 2.                        Appointment and Term.   The officers of the Corporation shall be appointed by the board of directors or by a duly appointed officer authorized to appoint officers.  Each officer shall hold office until the first board of directors meeting immediately following the annual shareholders' meeting next occurring after his or her appointment to office and until his or her successor shall have been appointed or until his or her earlier resignation, retirement, removal from office or death.

Section 3.                        Duties.   All officers of the Corporation shall have such authority and shall perform such duties as generally pertain to their respective offices and shall have such additional authority and perform such additional duties as may from time to time be determined by resolution of the board of directors.

Section 4.                        Removal of Officers.   Any officer may be removed by the board of directors at any time with or without cause.  Any officer appointed by the chief executive officer may be removed by the chief executive officer at any time with or without cause.

Removal of any officer shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed; provided, however, the appointment of any officer shall not of itself create contract rights.


ARTICLE IV.  STOCK CERTIFICATES

Certificates representing shares in the Corporation shall be signed by the president or a vice president and the secretary or an assistant secretary.  In addition, such certificates may be signed by a transfer agent or a registrar (other than the Corporation itself) and may be sealed with the seal of the Corporation or a facsimile thereof.  Any or all of the signatures on such certificates may be facsimile.  In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, such certificate may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of its issuance.

Each certificate representing shares shall state upon the face thereof:  the name of the Corporation; that the Corporation is organized under the laws of Florida; the name of the person or persons to whom issued; the number and class of shares and the designation of the series, if any, which such certificate represents; and the par value of each share represented by such certificate or a statement that the shares are without par value.


ARTICLE V. DIVIDENDS

The board of directors of the Corporation may, from time to time, declare, and the Corporation may pay, dividends on its outstanding shares in the manner and upon the terms and conditions provided by law and by the Charter.


ARTICLE VI.  INDEMNIFICATION/ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES

Section 1.                        Right to Indemnification.   Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or was or is called as a witness or was or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding in connection with his or her status as an Indemnified Person, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted under the Florida Business Corporation Act (the "Act"), as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than the Act permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment).  Such indemnification shall cover all expenses incurred by an Indemnified Person (including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees and other expenses of litigation) and all liabilities and losses (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, ERISA or other excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) incurred by such person in connection therewith.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, except with respect to indemnification specified in Section 3 of this Article VI, the Corporation shall indemnify an Indemnified Person in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if authorization for such Proceeding (or part thereof) was not denied by the board of directors of the Corporation prior to 60 days after receipt of notice thereof from such person.

For purposes of this Article VI:

 
(i) a "Proceeding" is an action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and any appeal therefrom;

 
(ii) an "Indemnified Person" is a person who is, or who was (whether at the time the facts or circumstances underlying the Proceeding occurred or were alleged to have occurred or at any other time), (A) a director or officer of the Corporation, (B) a director, officer or other employee of the Corporation serving as a trustee or fiduciary of an employee benefit plan of the Corporation, (C) an agent or non-officer employee of the Corporation as to whom the Corporation has agreed to grant such indemnity, or (D) serving at the request of the Corporation in any capacity with any entity or enterprise other than the Corporation and as to whom the Corporation has agreed to grant such indemnity.

Section 2.                        Expenses.   Expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by an Indemnified Person in defending or otherwise being involved in a Proceeding in connection with his or her status as an Indemnified Person shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therefrom, (i) in the case of (A) a director or officer, or former director or officer, of the Corporation or (B) a director, officer or other employee, or former director, officer or other employee, of the Corporation serving as a trustee or fiduciary of any employee benefit plan of the Corporation, upon receipt of an undertaking ("Undertaking") by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation; or (ii) in the case of any other Indemnified Person, upon such terms and as the board of directors, the chairman of the board or the president of the Corporation deems appropriate.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person, except a Proceeding authorized by Section 3 of this Article VI, the Corporation shall pay said expenses in advance of final disposition only if authorization for such Proceeding (or part thereof) was not denied by the board of directors of the Corporation prior to 60 days after receipt of a request for such advancement accompanied by an Undertaking.

A person to whom expenses are advanced pursuant to this Section 2 shall not be obligated to repay such expenses pursuant to an Undertaking until the final determination of any pending Proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction concerning the right of such person to be indemnified or the obligation of such person to repay pursuant to such Undertaking.

Section 3.                        Protection of Rights.   If a claim for indemnification under Section 1 of this Article VI is not promptly paid in full by the Corporation after a written claim has been received by the Corporation or if expenses pursuant to Section 2 of this Article VI have not been promptly advanced after a written request for such advancement accompanied by an Undertaking has been received by the Corporation (in each case, except if authorization thereof was denied by the board of directors of the Corporation as provided in Article VI, Section 1 and Section 2, as applicable), the Indemnified Person may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim or the advancement of expenses.  If successful, in whole or in part, in such suit, such Indemnified Person shall also be entitled to be paid the reasonable expense thereof.  It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required Undertaking has been tendered to the Corporation) that indemnification of the Indemnified Person is prohibited by law, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Corporation.  Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) to have made a determination, if required, prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the Indemnified Person is proper in the circumstances, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) that indemnification of the Indemnified Person is prohibited, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that indemnification of the Indemnified Person is prohibited.

Section 4.                        Miscellaneous.

 
(i) Power to Request Service and to Grant Indemnification.   The chairman of the board or the president or the board of directors may request any director, officer, agent or employee of the Corporation to serve as its representative in the position of a director or officer (or in a substantially similar capacity) of an entity or enterprise other than the Corporation, and may grant to such person indemnification by the Corporation as described in Section 1 of this Article VI.

 
(ii) Non-Exclusivity of Rights.   The rights conferred on any person by this Article VI shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Charter, bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.  The board of directors shall have the authority, by resolution, to provide for such indemnification of employees or agents of the Corporation or others and for such other indemnification of directors, officers, employees or agents as it shall deem appropriate.

 
(iii) Insurance Contracts and Funding.   The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of or person serving in any other capacity with, the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including serving as a trustee or fiduciary of any employee benefit plan) against any expenses, liabilities or losses, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expenses, liabilities or losses under the Act.  The Corporation may enter into contracts with any director, officer, agent or employee of the Corporation in furtherance of the provisions of this Article VI, and may create a trust fund, grant a security interest or use other means (including, without limitation, a letter of credit) to ensure the payment of such amounts as may be necessary to effect the advancing of expenses and indemnification as provided in this Article VI.

 
(iv) Contractual Nature.   The provisions of this Article VI shall continue in effect as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, agent or employee and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such person.  This Article VI shall be deemed to be a contract between the Corporation and each person who, at any time that this Article VI is in effect, serves or served in any capacity which entitles him or her to indemnification hereunder and any repeal or other modification of this Article VI or any repeal or modification of the Act, or any other applicable law shall not limit any rights of indemnification with respect to Proceedings in connection with which he or she is an Indemnified Person, or advancement of expenses in connection with such Proceedings, then existing or arising out of events, acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification, including without limitation, the right to indemnification for Proceedings, and advancement of expenses with respect to such Proceedings, commenced after such repeal or modification to enforce this Article VI with regard to Proceedings arising out of acts, omissions or events arising prior to such repeal or modification.

 
(v) Savings Clause.   If this Article VI or any portion hereof shall be invalidated or held to be unenforceable on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of which shall not have been reversed on appeal, the Corporation shall nevertheless (A) indemnify each Indemnified Person as to costs, charges and expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and (B) advance expenses in accordance with Section 2 of this Article VI, in each case with respect to any Proceeding in connection with which he or she is an Indemnified Person, including an action by or in the right of the Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Article VI that shall not have been invalidated or held to be unenforceable and as permitted by applicable law.


ARTICLE VII.  ACTION WITH RESPECT TO
SECURITIES OF OTHER CORPORATIONS

Unless otherwise directed by the board of directors, the chief executive officer or his or her designee shall have power to vote and otherwise act on behalf of the Corporation, in person or by proxy, at any meeting of shareholders of or with respect to any action of shareholders of any other corporation in which the Corporation may hold securities and to otherwise exercise any and all rights and powers which the Corporation may possess by reason of its ownership of securities in such other corporation.


ARTICLE VIII.  AMENDMENT

The power to adopt, alter, amend or repeal bylaws shall be vested in the board of directors.  Bylaws adopted by the board of directors may be repealed or changed, and new bylaws may be adopted by shareholders only if such repeal, change or adoption is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the then outstanding Voting Stock (as defined in the Charter), voting together as a single class.


ARTICLE IX.  CONTINUING EFFECT OF BYLAW PROVISIONS

Any provisions contained in these bylaws which, at the time of its adoption, was authorized or permitted by applicable law shall continue to remain in full force and effect until such time as such provision is specifically amended in accordance with these bylaws, notwithstanding any subsequent modification of such law (except to the extent such bylaw provision expressly provides for its modification by or as a result of any such subsequently enacted law).

(Amended and restated effective February 12, 2010)



Exhibit 10(d)


Appendix A2
Last Revised On: October 15, 2009
Name
Company
Pre-4/1/1997 Participant
Class A “Bonus SERP” Status
Double Basic Credits
Double Transition Credits
BENNETT, CHRISTOPHER A. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
X 1
 
KELLIHER, JOSEPH T. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
X 1
 
MCGRATH, ROBERT L. 3 *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
X 1
X 1
POPPELL, JAMES W. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
X 1
 
RODRIGUEZ, ANTONIO *
FPL Group, Inc
X
 
 
 
SIEVING, CHARLES E. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
X 1
 
CUTLER, PAUL I. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
 
 
DAVIS, K. MICHAEL *
FPL Group, Inc
X
 
 
 
FROGGATT, CHRIS N. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
   
           
 
1 The Compensation Committee has expressly identified these items and acknowledged that they are subject to Internal Revenue Code Section 409A.  In particular, these items include: (i) the additional deferred compensation provided by the designation of certain officers as Class A Executives, effective on or after January 1, 2006; and (ii) the additional deferred compensation set forth in SERP Amendment #4 to the Prior Plan (meaning amounts deferred by certain senior officers specified by the Compensation Committee who became participants in the SERP on or after April 1, 1997 at the rate of two times the basic credit and, to the extent applicable, the transition credit under the cash balance formula in the SERP for their pensionable earnings on or after January 1, 2006).  Importantly, nothing in Amendment #4 to the Prior Plan, the SERP, Compensation Committee resolutions, or any other document shall be construed as subjecting to Code Section 409A any deferrals made under the SERP prior to January 1, 2005, except as expressly noted herein.
3     Due to material modification of the SERP benefit pursuant to Executive Retention Employment Agreements entered into after December 31, 2004, no amount of the SERP benefit for Mr. McGrath is eligible for grandfathered treatment under Code Section 409A.
 
*Executive Officer of FPL Group, Inc.




Exhibit 10(e)

Appendix A1
Last Revised On: January 1, 2010
Name
Company
Pre-4/1/1997 Participant
Class A “Bonus SERP” Status
Double Basic Credits
Double Transition Credits
HAY, LEWIS, III *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X
 
 
PIMENTEL, ARMANDO *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X
X 1
 
ROBO, JAMES L. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X
X 1
 
DEWHURST, MORAY P. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X
X 1
 
OLIVERA, ARMANDO J. *
Florida Power & Light Company
X
X
 
 
DAVIDSON,  F. MITCHELL *
NextEra Energy Resources, LLC
 
X 1
X 1
 
NAZAR, MANO K. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
X 1
 
 
1   The Compensation Committee has expressly identified these items and acknowledged that they are subject to Internal Revenue Code Section 409A.  In particular, these items include: (i) the additional deferred compensation provided by the designation of certain officers as Class A Executives, effective on or after January 1, 2006; and (ii) the additional deferred compensation set forth in SERP Amendment #4 to the Prior Plan (meaning amounts deferred by certain senior officers specified by the Compensation Committee who became participants in the SERP on or after April 1, 1997 at the rate of two times the basic credit and, to the extent applicable, the transition credit under the cash balance formula in the SERP for their pensionable earnings on or after January 1, 2006).  Importantly, nothing in Amendment #4 to the Prior Plan, the SERP, Compensation Committee resolutions, or any other document shall be construed as subjecting to Code Section 409A any deferrals made under the SERP prior to January 1, 2005, except as expressly noted herein.
 
*Executive Officer of FPL Group, Inc.
Appendix A2
Last Revised On: January 1, 2010
Name
Company
Pre-4/1/1997 Participant
Class A “Bonus SERP” Status
Double Basic Credits
Double Transition Credits
BENNETT, CHRISTOPHER A. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
X 1
 
KELLIHER, JOSEPH T. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
X 1
 
MCGRATH, ROBERT L. 2 *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
X 1
X 1
POPPELL, JAMES W. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
X 1
 
RODRIGUEZ, ANTONIO *
FPL Group, Inc
X
 
 
 
SIEVING, CHARLES E. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
X 1
 
CUTLER, PAUL I. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
 
 
DAVIS, K. MICHAEL *
FPL Group, Inc
X
 
 
 
FROGGATT, CHRIS N. *
FPL Group, Inc
 
X 1
   
 
1 The Compensation Committee has expressly identified these items and acknowledged that they are subject to Internal Revenue Code Section 409A.  In particular, these items include: (i) the additional deferred compensation provided by the designation of certain officers as Class A Executives, effective on or after January 1, 2006; and (ii) the additional deferred compensation set forth in SERP Amendment #4 to the Prior Plan (meaning amounts deferred by certain senior officers specified by the Compensation Committee who became participants in the SERP on or after April 1, 1997 at the rate of two times the basic credit and, to the extent applicable, the transition credit under the cash balance formula in the SERP for their pensionable earnings on or after January 1, 2006).  Importantly, nothing in Amendment #4 to the Prior Plan, the SERP, Compensation Committee resolutions, or any other document shall be construed as subjecting to Code Section 409A any deferrals made under the SERP prior to January 1, 2005, except as expressly noted herein.
2      Due to material modification of the SERP benefit pursuant to an Executive Retention Employment Agreement entered into after December 31, 2004, no amount of the SERP benefit for Mr. McGrath is eligible for grandfathered treatment under Code Section 409A.
 
*Executive Officer of FPL Group, Inc.





Exhibit 10(j)

ANNEX B

Supplemental Benefits

1.          Pursuant to Section 5.03 of the FPL Group, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “Plan”), which provides for the approval of this Supplement to the Plan, additional pension credits shall be added to the Supplemental Pension Benefit for certain Participants from time to time.  The amount and effective date for the additional credits shall be shown on this Supplement to the Plan.

2.          Schedule of Supplemental Benefits:

Participant
Amount/Description of Supplemental Pension Benefit
Effective Date
Manoochehr K.   Nazar
A $300,000 one-time credit to the participant’s Supplemental Pension Benefit
12/14/2007


3.           This Supplement shall be deemed incorporated by reference into the Plan.  In the event of any discrepancy between this Supplement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of this Supplement shall govern.
 
 




Exhibit 10(p)

AMENDED AND RESTATED
PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARD AGREEMENT

under the

FPL GROUP, INC. AMENDED AND RESTATED LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN


This Performance Share Award Agreement ("Agreement") between FPL Group, Inc. (hereinafter called the "Company") and ___________________ (hereinafter called the "Participant") is dated ______ ___, 20___ and amends and restates the performance Share Award Agreement between the Company and the Participant dated _________ __, 2009.

1.            Grant of Performance Share Award - The Company hereby grants to the Participant a Performance Share Award ("Award") which confers upon the Participant the right to receive a number of shares ("Performance Shares") of the Company's common stock, par value $.01 per share ("Common Stock"), determined as set forth in section 2, below. The Participant's right to receive the Performance Shares shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Company's Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the "Plan").  The performance period for which this Award is granted is the period beginning on January 1, 2009 and ending on December 31, 2011 (such period hereinafter referred to as the "Performance Period").

The "Target" number of Performance Shares granted to the Participant for the Performance Period is __________.

2.            Payment of Performance Share Award – (a) Payment of the Award shall be conditioned upon (i) the achievement of the annual corporate performance objective established by the Compensation Committee of the Board (or such other committee designated to administer the Plan, including, for participants who are not executive officers, a committee to whom administration has been delegated under the Plan (the "Committee")) for the Company under the FPL Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Executive Annual Incentive Plan (or any successor annual incentive plan, hereinafter the "Annual Incentive Plan") for each of the three calendar years of the Performance Period (each, a “Corporate Performance Objective”), (ii) certification of such achievement for each year in the Performance Period by the Committee and (iii) Committee approval of the number of shares to be paid to the Participant.  Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Participant shall have the right to payment of that percentage of the Participant's Target number of Performance Shares set forth in section 1 hereof which is equal to the average of the Participant's percentage achievement under the Annual Incentive Plan for each year in the Performance Period, but in no event more than 160% of such Target number of Performance Shares. In addition, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock which a Participant may receive in any year under this Agreement and pursuant to all other stock-based Awards which are also subject to performance criteria is 250,000 shares of Common Stock.  The Committee has the discretion to reduce the payout, but not to increase it.

(b)  Notwithstanding the foregoing or the provisions of section 4 hereof, if (i) the Participant is a party to an Executive Retention Employment Agreement with the Company ("Retention Agreement") and has not waived his or her rights, either entirely or in pertinent part, under such Retention Agreement, and (ii) the Effective Date (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) has occurred and the Employment Period (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) has commenced and has not terminated pursuant to section 3(b) of the Retention Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof) then, so long as the Participant is then employed by the Company or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates:

(1)           one-half (1/2) of the Performance Shares shall vest upon a Change of Control (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) and shall be payable as soon as practicable thereafter (but in all cases within thirty days of the Change of Control) earned at a deemed achievement level equal to the higher of (x) the Target number of shares of Common Stock set forth in this Agreement or (y) the average level (expressed as a percentage of the Target number of shares of Common Stock set forth in this Agreement) of achievement in respect of similar performance stock-based awards which matured over the three fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the Change of Control occurred; and

(2)           the other one-half (1/2) of the Performance Shares (earned at a deemed achievement level calculated as set forth in subsection (1), above) shall vest on the earlier of (i) the date which is one year after the date on which the Change of Control occurs, if the Participant is then employed by the Company or its successor, payable as soon as practicable thereafter, or (ii) the date on which the Participant's employment with the Company or its successor terminates, payable as soon as practicable thereafter (but in all cases no later than the 15 th day of the third month following the end of the first taxable year in which the right to such payment arises).

(c)  Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 2(a) and 4 hereof, if the Participant is not a party to a Retention Agreement, the rights of the Participant upon a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan) shall be as set forth in section 9 of the Plan on the date hereof.

(d)  If, as a result of a Change of Control, the Common Stock is exchanged for or converted into a different form of equity security and/or the right to receive other property (including cash), payment in respect of the Performance Shares shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in the same form.

3.            Payment of Award - Awards shall be payable in shares of Common Stock.  Upon delivery of Performance Shares to the Participant, the Company shall have the right to withhold from any such distribution, in order to meet the Company's obligations for the payment of withholding taxes, shares of Common Stock with a Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) equal to the minimum statutory withholding for taxes (including federal and state income taxes and payroll taxes applicable to the supplemental taxable income relating to such distribution) and any other tax liabilities for which the Company has an obligation relating to such distribution.  For the purpose of this Agreement, the date of determination of Fair Market Value shall be the date as of which the Participant's rights to payments under this Award are determined by the Committee in accordance with section 2 hereof.


Delivery of Performance Shares shall occur as soon as administratively practicable following the Committee's determination of the Participant's right to such delivery.

4.            Termination of Employment – Except as otherwise set forth herein, in the event the Participant terminates employment with the Company during the Performance Period, the Participant's right to payment of the Award shall be determined as follows:

(a)  
If the Participant's termination of employment is due to resignation, discharge, or retirement prior to age 65 which does not meet the condition set forth in section 4(c), below, all rights to the Award shall be immediately forfeited.

(b)  
If the Participant's termination of employment is due to (1) total and permanent disability (as defined under the Company's executive long-term disability plan), (2) death, or (3) retirement on or after age 65 not meeting the condition set forth in section 4(c), below:

(i)  
Participant's Target number of Performance Shares for the Performance Period shall be reduced to a prorated number of Performance Shares based on the number of full days of Participant's service during the Performance Period; and

 
(ii)
Participant's right to Performance Shares under Section 2 hereof shall be determined as the Participant's Target number of Performance Shares, reduced as set forth in section 4(b)(i), times the average of the Participant's percentage achievement under the Annual Incentive Plan for each year in the Performance Period (subject to a maximum of 160%); provided that, subject to section 4(e) hereof, the Participant's percentage achievement for the year in which the Participant's employment terminates, and any subsequent years in the Performance Period, shall be deemed to be 100%; and

 
(iii)
Payment of Awards under this section 4(b) shall be made after the end of the Performance Period at the time and in the manner specified in section 3 hereof.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, after termination of employment but prior to payment of any Award, the Participant breaches any provision hereof, including without limitation the provisions of section 9 hereof, the Participant shall immediately forfeit all rights to the Award.

(c)           If the Participant's termination of employment is due to retirement on or after age 50, and if, but only if, such retirement is evidenced by a writing which specifically acknowledges that this provision shall apply to such retirement and is executed by the Company's chief executive officer (or, if the Participant is an executive officer, by a member of the Committee or the chief executive officer at the direction of the Committee, other than with respect to himself), Participant's Target number of Performance Shares for the Performance Period shall be as set forth in section 1 hereof and Participant's right to Performance Shares under Section 2 hereof shall be determined as the Participant's Target number of Performance Shares times the average of the Participant's percentage achievement under the Annual Incentive Plan for each year in the Performance Period (subject to a maximum of 160%); provided that, subject to section 4(e) hereof, the Participant's percentage achievement for the year in which the Participant's employment terminates, and any subsequent years in the Performance Period, shall be deemed to be 100%.  Payment of Awards under this section 4(c) shall be made after the end of the Performance Period at the time and in the manner specified in section 3 hereof.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, after termination of employment but prior to payment of any Award, the Participant breaches any provision hereof, including without limitation the provisions of section 9 hereof, the Participant shall immediately forfeit all rights to the Award.

(d)         If a Participant's employment is terminated during the Performance Period for any reason other than as set forth in sections 4(a), (b) and (c) above, or if an ambiguity exists as to the interpretation of those sections, the Committee shall determine whether the Participant's Award shall be forfeited or whether the Participant shall be entitled to full vesting or pro rata vesting based upon full days of service completed during the Performance Period.  Payment of Awards under this section 4(d) shall be made after the end of the Performance Period at the time and in the manner specified in section 3 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, after termination of employment but prior to payment of any Award, the Participant breaches any provision hereof, including without limitation the provisions of section 9 hereof, the Participant shall immediately forfeit all rights to the Award.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Participant’s employment is terminated during the Performance Period due to retirement as set forth in section 4(b)(3) or section 4(c), no portion of any Award that is subject to the achievement of the Corporate Performance Objective for the portion of the Performance Period (1) beginning January 1, 2010 and ending on December 31, 2010(“2010 Period”) or (2) the portion of the Performance Period beginning January 1, 2011 and ending on December 31, 2011 (“2011 Period”), to which the Participant would otherwise be entitled pursuant to section 4(b) or section 4(c) shall be payable unless and until the date on which such Corporate Performance Objective shall have been achieved, as certified by the Committee as contemplated by section 2(a).  If the Corporate Performance Objective is not achieved and certified for the 2010 Period, the Participant's percentage achievement for the 2010 Period shall be deemed to be 0%.  If the Corporate Performance Objective is not achieved and certified for the 2011 Period, the Participant's percentage achievement for the 2011 Period shall be deemed to be 0%.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Employment Period (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) is not then in effect, and the Participant terminates employment for Good Reason (as defined in the Participant's Employment Letter with the Company (as in effect on the date hereof, the "Employment Letter") or the Company terminates the Participant's employment without Cause (as defined in the Employment Letter), prior to the end of the Performance Period, then the Participant shall be entitled to a pro rata portion of this Performance Share Award, calculated assuming that the Participant's percentage achievement for the year in which the Participant's employment terminates, and any subsequent years in the Performance Period, shall be deemed to be 100%; provided, that  no portion of any Award that is subject to the achievement of the Corporate Performance Objective for the portion of the Performance Period (1) beginning January 1, 2010 and ending on December 31, 2010 (“2010 Period”) or (2) the portion of the Performance Period beginning January 1, 2011 and ending on December 31, 2011  (the “2011 Period”) shall be payable unless and until the date on which such Corporate Performance Objective shall have been achieved, as certified by the Committee as contemplated by section 2(a).  If the Corporate Performance Objective is not achieved and certified for the 2010 Period, the Participant's percentage achievement for the 2010 Period shall be deemed to be 0%.  If the Corporate Performance Objective is not achieved and certified for the 2011 Period, the Participant's percentage achievement for the 2011 Period shall be deemed to be 0%.

5.            Adjustments - In the event of any change in the outstanding shares of Common Stock by reason of any stock dividend or split, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, consolidation, combination or exchange of shares or similar corporate change, then the Target number of Performance Shares granted hereunder shall be adjusted proportionately.  No adjustment will be made in connection with the payment by the Company of any cash dividend on its Common Stock or in connection with the issuance by the Company of any warrants, rights, or options to acquire additional shares of Common Stock or of securities convertible into Common Stock.

6.            No Rights of Stock Ownership - This grant of Performance Shares does not entitle the Participant to any interest in or to any dividend, voting, or other rights normally attributable to Common Stock ownership.

7.            Nonassignability - The Participant's rights and interest in the Performance Shares may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, exchanged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of except, in the event of death, to a designated beneficiary or by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

8.            Effect Upon Employment - This Agreement is not to be construed as giving any right to the Participant for continuous employment by the Company or a subsidiary or affiliate.  The Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates retain the right to terminate the Participant at will and with or without cause at any time (subject to any rights the Participant may have under the Participant's Retention Agreement and the Participant’s Employment Letter).

9.               Protective Covenants -   In consideration of the Award granted under this Agreement, the Participant covenants and agrees as follows (the "Protective Covenants"):
 
(a)  
During the Participant's employment with the Company, and for a two-year period following the termination of the Participant's employment with the Company, Participant agrees (i) not to compete or attempt to compete for, or act as a broker or otherwise participate in, any projects in which the Company has at any time done any work or undertaken any development efforts, or (ii) directly or indirectly solicit any of the Company's customers, vendors, contractors, agents, or any other parties with which the Company has an existing or prospective business relationship, for the benefit of the Participant or for the benefit of any third party, nor shall the Participant accept consideration or negotiate or enter into agreements with such parties for the benefit of the Participant or any third party.
 
(b)  
During the Participant's employment with the Company and for a two-year period following the termination of the Participant's employment with the Company, the Participant shall not, directly or indirectly, on behalf of the Participant or for any other business, person or entity, entice, induce or solicit or attempt to entice, induce or solicit any employee of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates to leave the Company's employ (or the employ of such subsidiary or affiliate) or to hire or to cause any employee of the Company to become employed for any reason whatsoever.
 
(c)  
The Participant shall not, at any time or in any way, disparage the Company or its current or former officers, directors, and employees, orally or in writing, or make any statements that may be derogatory or detrimental to the Company's good name or business reputation.
 
(d)  
The Participant acknowledges that the Company would not have an adequate remedy at law for monetary damages if the Participant breaches these Protective Covenants.  Therefore, in addition to all remedies to which the Company may be entitled for a breach or threatened breach of these Protective Covenants, including but not limited to monetary damages, the Company will be entitled to specific enforcement of these Protective Covenants and to injunctive or other equitable relief as a remedy for a breach or threatened breach.  In addition, upon any breach of these Protective Covenants or any separate confidentiality agreement or confidentiality provision between the Company and the Participant, all Participant's rights to receive Performance Shares not theretofor delivered under this Agreement shall be forfeited.
 
(e)  
For purposes of this section 9, the term "Company" shall include all subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company, including, without limitation, Florida Power & Light Company and NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates (such subsidiaries and affiliates being hereinafter referred to as the "FPL Entities"). The Company and the Participant agree that each of the FPL Entities is an intended third-party beneficiary of this section 9, and further agree that each of the FPL Entities is entitled to enforce the provisions of this section 9 in accordance with its terms.
 
(f)  
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the terms of these Protective Covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall remain in effect.
 
10.            Successors and Assigns - This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Company and the Participant and their respective heirs, successors and assigns.
 
11.            Incorporation of Plan's Terms - This Agreement is made under and subject to the provisions of the Plan, and all the provisions of the Plan are also provisions of this Agreement (including, but not limited to, the provisions of Section 9 of the Plan pertaining to a Change of Control; provided that if the Participant is a party to a Retention Agreement, the provisions of section 2(b) hereof shall supercede the provisions of the Plan with respect to a Change of Control).  If there is a difference or conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the mandatory provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern.  If there is a difference or conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and a provision of the Plan as to which the Committee is authorized to make a contrary determination, the provisions of this Agreement will govern.  Except as otherwise expressly defined in this Agreement, all terms used herein are used as defined in the Plan as it may be amended from time to time.  The Company and Committee retain all authority and powers granted by the Plan as it may be amended from time to time not expressly limited by this Agreement.  The Participant acknowledges that he or she may not and will not rely on any statement of account or other communication or document issued in connection with the Plan other than the Plan, this Agreement, and any document signed by an authorized representative of the Company that is designated as an amendment of the Plan or this Agreement.

12.            Interpretation - The Committee has the sole and absolute right to interpret the provisions of this Agreement.

13 .             Governing Law/Jurisdiction - This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.  All suits, actions, and proceedings relating to this Agreement may be brought only in the courts of the State of Florida located in Palm Beach County or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in West Palm Beach, Florida.  The Company and the Participant shall consent to the nonexclusive personal jurisdiction of the courts described in this section for the purpose of all suits, actions, and proceedings relating to the Agreement or the Plan.  The Company and Participant each waive all objections to venue and to all claims that a court chosen in accordance with this section is improper based on a venue or a forum non conveniens claim.

14.          Amendment . This Agreement may be amended, in whole or in part and in any manner not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, at any time and from time to time, by written agreement between the Company and the Participant.

15.          Data Privacy .  By entering into this Agreement, the Participant:  (i) authorizes the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, and any agent of the Company or a subsidiary or affiliate administering the Plan or providing Plan recordkeeping services, to disclose to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates such information and data as the Company or any such subsidiary or affiliate shall reasonably request in order to facilitate the administration of this Agreement; and (ii) authorizes the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to store and transmit such information in electronic form, provided such information is appropriately safeguarded in accordance with Company policy.

By signing this Agreement, the Participant accepts and agrees to all of the foregoing terms and provisions and to all the terms and provisions of the Plan incorporated herein by reference and confirms that he has received a copy of the Plan.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

FPL GROUP, INC.


By:  ______________________________


Accepted:  _________________________
Participant



Exhibit 10(q)

PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARD AGREEMENT
for the Performance Period beginning January 1, 2010
and ending December 31, 2012

under the

FPL GROUP, INC. AMENDED AND RESTATED LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN


This Performance Share Award Agreement ("Agreement") between FPL Group, Inc. (hereinafter called the "Company") and ___________________ (hereinafter called the "Participant") is dated February ___, 2010.

1.            Grant of Performance Share Award - The Company hereby grants to the Participant a Performance Share Award ("Award") which confers upon the Participant the right to receive a number of shares ("Performance Shares") of the Company's common stock, par value $.01 per share ("Common Stock"), determined as set forth in section 2, below. The Participant's right to receive the Performance Shares shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Company's Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the "Plan").  The performance period for which this Award is granted is the period beginning on January 1, 2010 and ending on December 31, 2012 (such period hereinafter referred to as the "Performance Period").

The "Target" number of Performance Shares granted to the Participant for the Performance Period is __________.

2.            Payment of Performance Share Award – (a) Payment of the Award shall be conditioned upon (i) the achievement of the annual corporate performance objective established by the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other Board committee designated to administer the Plan, (including, for participants who are not executive officers, a committee to whom administration has been delegated under the Plan) (the "Committee") for the Company under the FPL Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Executive Annual Incentive Plan (or any successor annual incentive plan, hereinafter the "Annual Incentive Plan") for each of the three calendar years of the Performance Period (each, a “Corporate Performance Objective”), (ii) certification of such achievement for each year in the Performance Period by the Committee and (iii) Committee approval of the number of shares to be paid to the Participant.  Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Participant shall have the right to payment of that percentage of the Participant's Target number of Performance Shares set forth in section 1 hereof which is equal to the average of the Participant's percentage achievement under the Annual Incentive Plan for each year in the Performance Period, but in no event more than 160% of such Target number of Performance Shares. In addition, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock which a Participant may receive in any year under this Agreement and pursuant to all other stock-based Awards which are also subject to performance criteria is 250,000 shares of Common Stock.  The Committee has the discretion to reduce the payout, but not to increase it.

(b)  Notwithstanding the foregoing or the provisions of section 4 hereof, if (i) the Participant is a party to an Executive Retention Employment Agreement with the Company ("Retention Agreement") and has not waived his or her rights, either entirely or in pertinent part, under such Retention Agreement, and (ii) the Effective Date (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) has occurred and the Employment Period (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) has commenced and has not terminated pursuant to section 3(b) of the Retention Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof) then, so long as the Participant is then employed by the Company or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates:

(1)           one-half (1/2) of the Performance Shares shall vest upon a Change of Control (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) and shall be payable as soon as practicable thereafter (but in all cases within thirty days of the Change of Control) earned at a deemed achievement level equal to the higher of (x) the Target number of shares of Common Stock set forth in this Agreement or (y) the average level (expressed as a percentage of the Target number of shares of Common Stock set forth in this Agreement) of achievement in respect of similar performance stock-based awards which matured over the three fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the Change of Control occurred; and

(2)           the other one-half (1/2) of the Performance Shares (earned at a deemed achievement level calculated as set forth in subsection (1), above) shall vest on the date after the Change of Control which is the earlier of (i) one year after the date on which the Change of Control occurs, if the Participant is then employed by the Company (or a subsidiary, affiliate or successor of the Company), or (ii) the date on which the Participant's employment with the Company (or such subsidiary, affiliate or successor of the Company) terminates; payable (whether under clause (i) or clause (ii) of this section 2(b)(2)) as soon as practicable thereafter (and in any event no later than the 15 th day of the third month following the end of the first taxable year in which the right to such payment arises).

(c)  Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 2(a) and 4 hereof, if the Participant is not a party to a Retention Agreement, the rights of the Participant upon a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan as in effect on the date hereof) shall be as set forth in section 9 of the Plan as in effect on the date hereof.

(d)  If, as a result of a Change of Control, the Common Stock is exchanged for or converted into a different form of equity security and/or the right to receive other property (including cash), payment in respect of the Performance Shares shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in the same form.

3.            Payment of Award - Awards shall be payable in shares of Common Stock.  Upon delivery of Performance Shares to the Participant, the Company shall have the right to withhold from any such distribution, in order to meet the Company's obligations for the payment of withholding taxes, shares of Common Stock with a Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan as in effect on the date hereof) equal to the minimum statutory withholding for taxes (including federal and state income taxes and payroll taxes applicable to the supplemental taxable income relating to such distribution) and any other tax liabilities for which the Company has an obligation relating to such distribution.  For the purpose of this Agreement, the date of determination of Fair Market Value shall be the date as of which the Participant's rights to payments under this Award are determined by the Committee in accordance with section 2 hereof.

Delivery of Performance Shares shall occur as soon as administratively practicable following the Committee's determination of the Participant's right to such delivery.

4.            Termination of Employment – Except as otherwise set forth herein and  except to the extent that the Participant’s termination of employment is governed by the terms of a Retention Agreement (in which event the terms of such Retention Agreement shall control) , in the event the Participant terminates employment with the Company (or a subsidiary, affiliate or successor of the Company) during the Performance Period, the Participant's right to payment of the Award shall be determined as follows:

(a)  
If the Participant's termination of employment is due to resignation, discharge, or retirement prior to age 65 which does not meet the condition set forth in section 4(c), below, all rights to the Award shall be immediately forfeited.

(b)  
If the Participant's termination of employment is due to (1) total and permanent disability (as defined under the Company's executive long-term disability plan as in effect on the date the Participant’s employment terminates), (2) death, or (3) retirement on or after age 65 not meeting the condition set forth in section 4(c), below:

(i)  
Participant's Target number of Performance Shares for the Performance Period shall be reduced to a prorated number of Performance Shares based on the number of full days of Participant's service during the Performance Period; and

 
(ii)
Participant's right to Performance Shares under section 2 hereof shall be determined as the Participant's Target number of Performance Shares, reduced as set forth in section 4(b)(i), times the average of the Participant's percentage achievement under the Annual Incentive Plan for each year in the Performance Period (subject to a maximum of 160%); provided that, subject to section 4(e) hereof, if the Participant is a Covered Employee (as defined below) for any year during the Performance Period, the Participant's percentage achievement for the year in which the Participant's employment terminates, and any subsequent years in the Performance Period, shall be deemed to be 100%; and

 
(iii)
Payment of Awards under this section 4(b) shall be made after the end of the Performance Period at the time and in the manner specified in section 3 hereof.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, after termination of employment but prior to payment of any Award, the Participant breaches any provision hereof, including without limitation the provisions of section 9 hereof, the Participant shall immediately forfeit all rights to the Award.  For purposes of this Agreement, a Participant is a “Covered Employee” if,  the Participant is a Covered Employee as defined by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, provided, that, as of the date of termination of the Participant’s employment, such Section 162(m) is applicable to the Performance Shares.

(c)           If the Participant's termination of employment is due to retirement on or after age 50, and if, but only if, such retirement is evidenced by a writing which specifically acknowledges that this provision shall apply to such retirement and is executed by the Company's chief executive officer (or, if the Participant is an executive officer, by a member of the Committee or the chief executive officer at the direction of the Committee, other than with respect to himself), Participant's Target number of Performance Shares for the Performance Period shall be as set forth in section 1 hereof and Participant's right to Performance Shares under section 2 hereof shall be determined as the Participant's Target number of Performance Shares times the average of the Participant's percentage achievement under the Annual Incentive Plan for each year in the Performance Period (subject to a maximum of 160%); provided that, subject to section 4(e) hereof, if, for any year during the Performance Period, the Participant is a Covered Employee, the Participant's percentage achievement for the year in which the Participant's employment terminates, and any subsequent years in the Performance Period, shall be deemed to be 100%.  Payment of Awards under this section 4(c) shall be made after the end of the Performance Period at the time and in the manner specified in section 3 hereof.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, after termination of employment but prior to payment of any Award, the Participant breaches any provision hereof, including without limitation the provisions of section 9 hereof, the Participant shall immediately forfeit all rights to the Award.

(d)         If a Participant's employment is terminated during the Performance Period for any reason other than as set forth in sections 4(a), (b) and (c) above, or if an ambiguity exists as to the interpretation of those sections, the Committee shall determine whether the Participant's Award shall be forfeited or whether the Participant shall be entitled to full vesting or pro rata vesting based upon full days of service completed during the Performance Period.  Payment of Awards under this section 4(d) shall be made after the end of the Performance Period at the time and in the manner specified in section 3 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, after termination of employment but prior to payment of any Award, the Participant breaches any provision hereof, including without limitation the provisions of section 9 hereof, the Participant shall immediately forfeit all rights to the Award.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if, for any year during the Performance Period, the Participant is a Covered Employee and the Participant’s employment is terminated during the Performance Period due to retirement as set forth in section 4(b)(3) or section 4(c), no portion of any Award that is subject to the achievement of the Corporate Performance Objective (1) for the portion of the Performance Period beginning January 1, 2010 and ending on December 31, 2010(“2010 Period”), or (2) for the portion of the Performance Period beginning January 1, 2011 and ending on December 31, 2011 (“2011 Period”), or (3) for the portion of the Performance Period beginning January 1, 2012 and ending on December 31, 2012 (“2012 Period”), to which the Participant would otherwise be entitled pursuant to section 4(b) or section 4(c) shall be payable unless and until the date on which such Corporate Performance Objective shall have been achieved, as certified by the Committee as contemplated by section 2(a).  If the Corporate Performance Objective is not achieved and certified for the 2010 Period, the Participant's percentage achievement for the 2010 Period shall be deemed to be 0%.  If the Corporate Performance Objective is not achieved and certified for the 2011 Period, the Participant's percentage achievement for the 2011 Period shall be deemed to be 0%.  If the Corporate Performance Objective is not achieved and certified for the 2012 Period, the Participant's percentage achievement for the 2012 Period shall be deemed to be 0%.


[the following applies only to Mr. Hay] Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Employment Period (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) is not then in effect, and the Participant terminates employment for Good Reason (as defined in the Participant's Employment Letter with the Company (as in effect on the date hereof, the "Employment Letter") or the Company terminates the Participant's employment without Cause (as defined in the Employment Letter), prior to the end of the Performance Period, then the Participant shall be entitled to a pro rata portion of this Performance Share Award, calculated assuming that the Participant's percentage achievement for the year in which the Participant's employment terminates, and any subsequent years in the Performance Period, shall be deemed to be 100%; provided, that  no portion of any Award that is subject to the achievement of the Corporate Performance Objective for (1) the portion of the Performance Period beginning January 1, 2010 and ending on December 31, 2010 (“2010 Period”) or (2) the portion of the Performance Period beginning January 1, 2011 and ending on December 31, 2011  (the “2011 Period”) or (3) the portion of the Performance Period beginning January 1, 2012 and ending on December 31, 2012  (the “2012 Period”)  shall be payable unless and until the date on which such Corporate Performance Objective shall have been achieved, as certified by the Committee as contemplated by section 2(a).  If the Corporate Performance Objective is not achieved and certified for the 2010 Period, the Participant's percentage achievement for the 2010 Period shall be deemed to be 0%.  If the Corporate Performance Objective is not achieved and certified for the 2011 Period, the Participant's percentage achievement for the 2011 Period shall be deemed to be 0%.  If the Corporate Performance Objective is not achieved and certified for the 2012 Period, the Participant's percentage achievement for the 2012 Period shall be deemed to be 0%.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Employment Period (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) is not then in effect, and the Participant terminates employment due to death, Disability, Retirement or an Approved Early Retirement (each as defined in the Participant's Employment Letter), prior to the end of the Performance Period, the Performance Share Award shall be earned in accordance with the Employment Letter.

5.            Adjustments - In the event of any change in the outstanding shares of Common Stock by reason of any stock dividend or split, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, consolidation, combination or exchange of shares or similar corporate change, then the Target number of Performance Shares granted hereunder shall be adjusted proportionately.  No adjustment will be made in connection with the payment by the Company of any cash dividend on its Common Stock or in connection with the issuance by the Company of any warrants, rights, or options to acquire additional shares of Common Stock or of securities convertible into Common Stock.

6.            No Rights of Stock Ownership - This grant of Performance Shares does not entitle the Participant to any interest in or to any dividend, voting, or other rights normally attributable to Common Stock ownership.

7.            Nonassignability - The Participant's rights and interest in the Performance Shares may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, exchanged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of except, in the event of death, to a designated beneficiary or by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

8.            Effect Upon Employment - This Agreement is not to be construed as giving any right to the Participant for continuous employment by the Company or a subsidiary or affiliate.  The Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates retain the right to terminate the Participant at will and with or without cause at any time (subject to any rights the Participant may have under the Participant's Retention Agreement [and Employment Letter, in the case of Mr. Hay]).

9.               Protective Covenants -   In consideration of the Award granted under this Agreement, the Participant covenants and agrees as follows (the "Protective Covenants"):
 
(a)  
During the Participant's employment with the Company, and for a two-year period following the termination of the Participant's employment with the Company, Participant agrees (i) not to compete or attempt to compete for, or act as a broker or otherwise participate in, any projects in which the Company has at any time done any work or undertaken any development efforts, or (ii) directly or indirectly solicit any of the Company's customers, vendors, contractors, agents, or any other parties with which the Company has an existing or prospective business relationship, for the benefit of the Participant or for the benefit of any third party, nor shall the Participant accept consideration or negotiate or enter into agreements with such parties for the benefit of the Participant or any third party.
 
(b)  
During the Participant's employment with the Company and for a two-year period following the termination of the Participant's employment with the Company, the Participant shall not, directly or indirectly, on behalf of the Participant or for any other business, person or entity, entice, induce or solicit or attempt to entice, induce or solicit any employee of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates to leave the Company's employ (or the employ of such subsidiary or affiliate) or to hire or to cause any employee of the Company to become employed for any reason whatsoever.
 
(c)  
The Participant shall not, at any time or in any way, disparage the Company or its current or former officers, directors, and employees, orally or in writing, or make any statements that may be derogatory or detrimental to the Company's good name or business reputation.
 
(d)  
The Participant acknowledges that the Company would not have an adequate remedy at law for monetary damages if the Participant breaches these Protective Covenants.  Therefore, in addition to all remedies to which the Company may be entitled for a breach or threatened breach of these Protective Covenants, including but not limited to monetary damages, the Company will be entitled to specific enforcement of these Protective Covenants and to injunctive or other equitable relief as a remedy for a breach or threatened breach.  In addition, upon any breach of these Protective Covenants or any separate confidentiality agreement or confidentiality provision between the Company and the Participant, all Participant's rights to receive Performance Shares not theretofore delivered under this Agreement shall be forfeited.
 
(e)  
For purposes of this section 9, the term "Company" shall include all subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company, including, without limitation, Florida Power & Light Company and NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates (such subsidiaries and affiliates being hereinafter referred to as the "FPL Entities"). The Company and the Participant agree that each of the FPL Entities is an intended third-party beneficiary of this section 9, and further agree that each of the FPL Entities is entitled to enforce the provisions of this section 9 in accordance with its terms.
 
(f)  
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the terms of these Protective Covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall remain in effect.
 
10.            Successors and Assigns - This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Company and the Participant and their respective heirs, successors and assigns.
 
11.            Incorporation of Plan's Terms - This Agreement is made under and subject to the provisions of the Plan, and all the provisions of the Plan are also provisions of this Agreement (including, but not limited to, the provisions of section 9 of the Plan pertaining to a Change of Control as in effect on the date hereof; provided that if the Participant is a party to a Retention Agreement, the provisions of section 2(b) hereof shall supersede the provisions of the Plan with respect to a Change of Control).  If there is a difference or conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the mandatory provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern.  If there is a difference or conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and a provision of the Plan as to which the Committee is authorized to make a contrary determination, the provisions of this Agreement will govern.  Except as otherwise expressly defined in this Agreement, all terms used herein are used as defined in the Plan as it may be amended from time to time.  The Company and Committee retain all authority and powers granted by the Plan as it may be amended from time to time not expressly limited by this Agreement.  The Participant acknowledges that he or she may not and will not rely on any statement of account or other communication or document issued in connection with the Plan other than the Plan, this Agreement, and any document signed by an authorized representative of the Company that is designated as an amendment of the Plan or this Agreement.

12.            Interpretation - The Committee has the sole and absolute right to interpret the provisions of this Agreement.

13 .             Governing Law/Jurisdiction - This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.  All suits, actions, and proceedings relating to this Agreement shall be brought only in the courts of the State of Florida located in Palm Beach County or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in West Palm Beach, Florida.  The Company and the Participant shall consent to the personal jurisdiction of the courts described in this section for the purpose of all suits, actions, and proceedings relating to the Agreement or the Plan.  The Company and Participant each waive all objections to venue and to all claims that a court chosen in accordance with this section is improper based on a venue or a forum non conveniens claim.

14.          Amendment . This Agreement may be amended, in whole or in part and in any manner not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, at any time and from time to time, by written agreement between the Company and the Participant.

15.          Data Privacy .  By entering into this Agreement, the Participant:  (i) authorizes the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, and any agent of the Company or a subsidiary or affiliate administering the Plan or providing Plan recordkeeping services, to disclose to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates such information and data as the Company or any such subsidiary or affiliate shall reasonably request in order to facilitate the administration of this Agreement; and (ii) authorizes the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to store and transmit such information in electronic form, provided such information is appropriately safeguarded in accordance with Company policy.

By signing this Agreement, the Participant accepts and agrees to all of the foregoing terms and provisions and to all the terms and provisions of the Plan incorporated herein by reference and confirms that he has received a copy of the Plan.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed this Agreement as of the date and year first above written.

FPL GROUP, INC.


By:  ________________________


Accepted:  ___________________
Participant




Exhibit 10(w)

Form of

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

under the

FPL GROUP, INC. AMENDED AND RESTATED LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN


This Restricted Stock Award Agreement (“Agreement”), between FPL Group, Inc. (hereinafter called the "Company") and ___________________ (hereinafter called the "Participant") is dated ___________________ .

1.            Grant of Restricted Stock Award - The Company hereby grants to the Participant _________ shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $.01 per share ("Common Stock"), which shares (the “Awarded Shares”) shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in sections 2, 3 and 4, below, as well as all other terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Company’s Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “Plan”).  Subject to the terms of section 3(d) hereof, the Participant shall have the right to receive dividends on the Awarded Shares as and when paid.

2.            Vesting - Restrictions and Limitations – (a) Subject to the limitations and other terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Plan, the Awarded Shares shall vest, the Company shall remove all restrictions from such Awarded Shares and the Participant shall obtain unrestricted ownership of the Awarded Shares in accordance with the schedule set forth below:

-  
___ shares on the later to occur of (i) the date which is [ 1 year following grant ], or (ii) the date on which the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee designated to administer the Plan (the "Committee") makes the certification described in section 2(b)(i) hereof (the “First Vest”);
-  
___ shares on the later to occur of (i) the date which is [ 2 years following grant] , or (ii) the date on which the Committee makes the certification described in section 2(b)(ii) hereof (the “Second Vest”); and
-  
___ shares on the later to occur of (i) the date which is [ 3 years following grant ], or (ii) the date on which the Committee makes the certification described in section 2(b)(iii) hereof (the “Final Vest”)

The period from the date of grant of the Awarded Shares through the date immediately preceding the date on which such Awarded Shares vest shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Restriction Period.”

(b)         Notwithstanding the provisions of section 2(a) hereof,

(i) The First Vest shall be conditioned on, subject to and shall not occur until certification by the Committee (by resolution or in such other manner as the Committee deems appropriate) that the Corporate Performance Objective (as such term is defined in the FPL Group, Inc. Executive Annual Incentive Plan as amended and restated on December 12, 2008) or similar objective under the Company’s then-existing annual incentive plan, or, if there is no such Corporate Performance Objective or similar objective so established, such other appropriate performance target as the Committee may establish (such Corporate Performance Objective, similar objective or other performance target being hereinafter referred to as the “Performance Target”), for [ year of grant ] has been achieved.  If the Committee does not or cannot certify that the Performance Target has been achieved by December 31, [ following year ], then the Participant shall forfeit the right to the shares subject to the First Vest, and such shares shall be cancelled.

(ii) The Second Vest shall be conditioned on, subject to and shall not occur until certification by the Committee (by resolution or in such other manner as the Committee deems appropriate) that the Performance Target for [ year following year of grant ] has been achieved.  If the Committee does not or cannot certify that the Performance Target has been achieved by December 31, [ following year ], then the Participant shall forfeit the right to the shares subject to the Second Vest, and such shares shall be cancelled.

(iii) The Final Vest shall be conditioned on, subject to and shall not occur until certification by the Committee (by resolution or in such other manner as the Committee deems appropriate) that the Performance Target for [ two years following year of grant ] has been achieved.  If the Committee does not or cannot certify that the Performance Target has been achieved by December 31, [ following year ], then the Participant shall forfeit the right to the shares subject to the Final Vest, and such shares shall be cancelled.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 2(a) and 2(b), if (i) the Participant is a party to an Executive Retention Employment Agreement with the Company (“Retention Agreement”) and has not waived his or her rights, either entirely or in pertinent part, under such Retention Agreement, and (ii) the Effective Date (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) has occurred and the Employment Period (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) has commenced and has not terminated pursuant to section 3(b) of the Retention Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof) then, so long as the Participant is then employed by the Company or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates, the Awarded Shares shall vest upon a Change of Control (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof), in lieu of the vesting schedule set forth in this section 2.  Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 2(a) and 2(b), if the Participant is not a party to a Retention Agreement, the rights of the Participant upon a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan as in effect on the date hereof) shall be as set forth in section 9 of the Plan as in effect on the date hereof.

(d) If as a result of a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan as in effect on the date hereof), the shares of Common Stock are exchanged for or converted into a different form of equity security and/or the right to receive other property (including cash), payment in respect of the Restricted Stock shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in the same form.

3.            Terms and Conditions - The Awarded Shares shall be registered in the name of the Participant effective on the date of grant.  The Company will issue the Awarded Shares either (i) in certificated form, subject to a restrictive legend substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and stop transfer instructions to its transfer agent, and will provide for retention of custody of the Awarded Shares prior to vesting and/or (ii) in non-certificated form, subject to restrictions and instructions of like effect.  Prior to vesting (and if the Awarded Shares have not theretofore been forfeited in accordance herewith), the Participant shall have the right to enjoy all shareholder rights (including without limitation the right to receive dividends (subject to forfeiture as more fully set forth below) and to vote the Awarded Shares at all meetings of the shareholders of the Company at which holders of Common Stock have the right to vote), with the exception that:

 
(a)
The Participant shall not be entitled to delivery of unrestricted shares until vesting.

 
(b)
The Participant may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of the Awarded Shares prior to vesting.

 
(c)
In addition to the provisions set forth in section 4 hereof, a breach by the Participant of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement shall result in the immediate forfeiture of all then unvested Awarded Shares.

 
(d)
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if all or a portion of the Awarded Shares do not vest, whether upon the termination of the Participant’s employment with the Company or a subsidiary or affiliate of the Company (including any successors to the Company), or otherwise (including without limitation if the Company fails to meet one or more Performance Targets established as described in section 2(b) hereof), all dividends paid to the Participant on Awarded Shares which have not vested (and which shall not thereafter vest in accordance with section 4 hereof) shall be forfeited, and shall be repaid to the Company within thirty (30) days after the date on which Participant’s obligation to repay such dividends accrues.  For purposes hereof, such obligation to repay such dividends shall accrue (1) on such date as the Committee establishes that a Performance Target has not been met, as to all dividends paid on Awarded Shares which are forfeited due to failure to meet such Performance Target; (2) on the date of termination of employment, as to all dividends paid on Awarded Shares which are forfeited upon such termination of employment; and (3) after termination of employment if, prior to vesting of all or any portion of the Awarded Shares, the Participant breaches any provision hereof, including without limitation the provisions of section 9 hereof, in which event the Participant shall immediately forfeit all rights to the then-unvested Awarded Shares and any dividends theretofore paid on such then-unvested Awarded Shares.

4.          Vesting Conditions – Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Participant must remain in the continuous employment of the Company or a subsidiary or affiliate of the Company (including any successors to the Company) from the effective date of this Agreement through the relevant vesting date (or dates) set forth in (or determined in accordance with) section 2, above, in order for the Awarded Shares to vest and in order to retain the dividends paid prior to vesting with respect to such Awarded Shares.  Except as otherwise set forth herein, in the Plan in connection with a Change of Control (as defined in a Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof, if the Participant is a party to a Retention Agreement, or in the Plan as in effect on the date hereof, if the Participant is not a party to a Retention Agreement), or in a Retention Agreement, in the event that the Participant’s employment with the Company (or a subsidiary, affiliate or successor of the Company) terminates for any reason prior to vesting, his or her rights hereunder will be determined as follows:

 
(a)
If the Participant’s termination of employment is due to resignation, discharge, or retirement prior to age 65 which does not meet the condition set forth in section 4(c), below, all rights to Awarded Shares not theretofore vested (including without limitation rights to dividends not theretofore paid and rights to retain dividends on Awarded Shares which have not theretofore vested, as more fully set forth in section 3(d) hereof) under this Agreement shall be immediately forfeited.  Forfeited dividends shall be repaid to the Company within thirty (30) days after the Participant’s termination of employment.

 
(b)
If the Participant’s termination of employment is due to (1) total and permanent disability (as defined under the Company’s executive long-term disability plan), (2) death or (3) retirement on or after age 65 not meeting the condition set forth in section 4(c), below, a pro rata share (calculated based upon the number of completed years of service during the Restriction Period) of the then unvested portion of the Awarded Shares shall vest (a) in the event of disability or death, on the date of termination of employment or (b) in the event of retirement on or after age 65 which does not meet the condition set forth in section 4(c), below, on the vesting schedule and otherwise in accordance with the terms and conditions (including without limitation satisfaction of the applicable performance conditions) set forth in section 2 hereof, notwithstanding that the Participant’s employment will have previously terminated.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, after termination of employment but prior to vesting of all or any portion of the Awarded Shares, the Participant breaches any provision hereof, including without limitation the provisions of section 9 hereof, the Participant shall immediately forfeit all rights to the then-unvested Awarded Shares and any dividends theretofore paid on such then-unvested Awarded Shares. Forfeited dividends shall be repaid to the Company within thirty (30) days after the date on which Participant’s obligation to repay such dividends accrues.

 
(c)
If the Participant’s termination of employment is due to retirement on or after age 50, and if, but only if, such retirement is evidenced by a writing which specifically acknowledges that this provision shall apply to such retirement and is executed by the Company’s chief executive officer (or, if the Participant is an executive officer, by a member of the Committee or the chief executive officer at the direction of the Committee, other than with respect to himself), the then-unvested portion of the Awarded Shares shall vest on the vesting schedule and otherwise in accordance with the terms and conditions (including without limitation satisfaction of the applicable performance conditions) set forth in section 2 hereof, notwithstanding that the Participant’s employment will have previously terminated.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, after termination of employment but prior to vesting of all or a portion of the Awarded Shares, the Participant breaches any provision hereof, including without limitation the provisions of section 9 hereof, the Participant shall immediately forfeit all rights to the then-unvested Awarded Shares and any dividends theretofore paid on such then-unvested Awarded Shares.  Forfeited dividends shall be repaid to the Company within thirty (30) days after the date on which Participant’s obligation to repay such dividends accrues.

 
(d)
If a Participant's employment is terminated prior to vesting of all or a portion of the Awarded Shares for any reason other than as set forth in sections 4(a), (b) and (c) above, or if an ambiguity exists as to the interpretation of those sections, the Committee shall determine whether the Participant's then-unvested Awarded Shares shall be forfeited or whether the Participant shall be entitled to full vesting or pro rata vesting as set forth above based upon completed years of service during the Restriction Period, and any Awarded Shares which may vest shall do so on the vesting schedule and otherwise in accordance with the terms and conditions (including without limitation satisfaction of the applicable performance conditions) set forth in section 2 hereof, notwithstanding that the Participant’s employment will have previously terminated.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, after termination of employment but prior to vesting of all or a portion of the Awarded Shares, the Participant breaches any provision hereof, including without limitation the provisions of section 9 hereof, the Participant shall immediately forfeit all rights to the then-unvested Awarded Shares and any dividends theretofore paid on such then-unvested Awarded Shares.  Forfeited dividends shall be repaid to the Company within thirty (30) days after the date on which Participant’s obligation to repay such dividends accrues.

[the following applies only to Mr. Hay] Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Employment Period (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) is not then in effect, and the Participant terminates employment for Good Reason (as defined in the Participant’s Employment Letter with the Company as in effect on the date hereof (such Employment Letter, as in effect on the date hereof, the “Employment Letter”) or the Company terminates the Participant’s employment without Cause (as defined in the Employment Letter), then the Participant shall continue to vest in the Awarded Shares on the schedule and otherwise on the terms and conditions (including without limitation satisfaction of the applicable performance conditions) set forth in section 2 hereof until the date which is two years after the date on which the Participant’s employment is terminated.  Awarded Shares which are scheduled to vest after the date which is two years after the date on which the Participant’s employment is terminated in accordance herewith shall be forfeited effective on the date on which the Participant’s employment is terminated.

5.            Income Taxes - The Participant shall notify the Company immediately of any election made with respect to this Agreement under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Upon vesting and delivery of Awarded Shares to the Participant, the Company shall have the right to withhold from any such distribution, in order to meet the Company’s obligations for the payment of withholding taxes, shares of Common Stock with a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum statutory withholding for taxes (including federal and state income taxes and payroll taxes applicable to the supplemental taxable income relating to such distribution) and any other tax liabilities for which the Company has an obligation relating to such distribution.

6.            Nonassignability - The Participant's rights and interest in the Awarded Shares may not be assigned, pledged, or transferred prior to vesting except, in the event of death, to a designated beneficiary or by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

7.            Effect Upon Employment - This Agreement is not to be construed as giving any right to the Participant for continuous employment by the Company or a subsidiary or affiliate.  The Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates retain the right to terminate the Participant at will and with or without cause at any time (subject to any rights the Participant may have under the Participant’s Retention Agreement [or the Participant’s Employment Letter][for Mr. Hay only]).

8.            Successors and Assigns - This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Company and the Participant and their respective heirs, successors and assigns.

9.               Protective Covenants - In consideration of the Awarded Shares granted under this Agreement, the Participant covenants and agrees as follows: (the "Protective Covenants"):
 
(a)  
During the Participant's employment with the Company, and for a two-year period following the termination of the Participant's employment with the Company, Participant agrees (i) not to compete or attempt to compete for, or act as a broker or otherwise participate in, any projects in which the Company has at any time done any work or undertaken any development efforts, or (ii) directly or indirectly solicit any of the Company’s customers, vendors, contractors, agents, or any other parties with which the Company has an existing or prospective business relationship, for the benefit of the Participant or for the benefit of any third party, nor shall the Participant accept consideration or negotiate or enter into agreements with such parties for the benefit of the Participant or any third party.
 
(b)  
During the Participant's employment with the Company and for a two-year period following the termination of the Participant's employment with the Company, the Participant shall not, directly or indirectly, on behalf of the Participant or for any other business, person or entity, entice, induce or solicit or attempt to entice, induce or solicit any employee of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates to leave the Company's employ (or the employ of such subsidiary or affiliate) or to hire or to cause any employee of the Company to become employed for any reason whatsoever.
 
(c)  
The Participant shall not, at any time or in any way, disparage the Company or its current or former officers, directors, and employees, orally or in writing, or make any statements that may be derogatory or detrimental to the Company’s good name or business reputation.
 
(d)  
The Participant acknowledges that the Company would not have an adequate remedy at law for monetary damages if the Participant breaches these Protective Covenants.  Therefore, in addition to all remedies to which the Company may be entitled for a breach or threatened breach of these Protective Covenants, including but not limited to monetary damages, the Company will be entitled to specific enforcement of these Protective Covenants and to injunctive or other equitable relief as a remedy for a breach or threatened breach.  In addition, upon any breach of these Protective Covenants or any separate confidentiality agreement or confidentiality provision between the Company and the Participant, all the Participant’s rights to receive theretofore unvested Awarded Shares and dividends relating thereto under this Agreement shall be forfeited.
 
(e)  
For purposes of this section 9, the term "Company" shall include all subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company, including, without limitation, Florida Power & Light Company and NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates (such subsidiaries and affiliates being hereinafter referred to as the “FPL Entities”). The Company and the Participant agree that each of the FPL Entities is an intended third-party beneficiary of this section 9, and further agree that each of the FPL Entities is entitled to enforce the provisions of this section 9 in accordance with its terms.
 
(f)  
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the terms of these Protective Covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall remain in effect.
 
10.            Incorporation of Plan's Terms – This Agreement is made under and subject to the provisions of the Plan, and all the provisions of the Plan are also provisions of this Agreement (including, but not limited to, the provisions of section 9 of the Plan pertaining to a Change of Control as in effect on the date hereof, provided that if the Participant is a party to a Retention Agreement, the provisions of section 2(c) hereof shall supersede the provisions of the Plan with respect to a Change of Control).  If there is a difference or conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the mandatory provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern.  If there is a difference or conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and a provision of the Plan as to which the Committee is authorized to make a contrary determination, the provisions of this Agreement will govern.  Except as otherwise expressly defined in this Agreement, all capitalized terms used herein are used as defined in the Plan.  The Company and Committee retain all authority and powers granted by the Plan as it may be amended from time to time not expressly limited by this Agreement.  The Participant acknowledges that he or she may not and will not rely on any statement of account or other communication or document issued in connection with the Plan other than the Plan, this Agreement, and any document signed by an authorized representative of the Company that is designated as an amendment of the Plan or this Agreement.

11.            Interpretation - The Committee has the sole and absolute right to interpret the provisions of this Agreement.

12.            Governing Law/Jurisdiction - This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.  All suits, actions, and proceedings relating to this Agreement shall be brought only in the courts of the State of Florida located in Palm Beach County or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in West Palm Beach, Florida.  The Company and Participant shall consent to the personal jurisdiction of the courts described in this section 12 for the purpose of all suits, actions, and proceedings relating to the Agreement or the Plan.  The Company and the Participant each waive all objections to venue and to all claims that a court chosen in accordance with this section is improper based on a venue or a forum non conveniens claim.

13.          Amendment - This Agreement may be amended, in whole or in part and in any manner not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, at any time and from time to time, by written agreement between the Company and the Participant.

14.          Adjustments - In the event of any change in the outstanding shares of Common Stock by reason of any stock dividend or split, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, consolidation, combination or exchange of shares or similar corporate change, then the number of Awarded Shares shall be adjusted proportionately.  No adjustment will be made in connection with the payment by the Company of any cash dividend on its Common Stock or in connection with the issuance by the Company of any warrants, rights, or options to acquire additional shares of Common Stock or of securities convertible into Common Stock.

15.          Data Privacy .  By entering into this Agreement, the Participant:  (i) authorizes the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, and any agent of the Company or a subsidiary or affiliate administering the Plan or providing Plan recordkeeping services, to disclose to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates such information and data as the Company or any such subsidiary or affiliate shall reasonably request in order to facilitate the administration of this Agreement; and (ii) authorizes the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to store and transmit such information in electronic form, provided such information is appropriately safeguarded in accordance with Company policy.


By signing this Agreement, the Participant accepts and agrees to all of the foregoing terms and provisions and to all the terms and provisions of the Plan incorporated herein by reference and confirms that he has received a copy of the Plan.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

FPL GROUP, INC.


________________________________
Name:
Title:


________________________________
Participant


 
 

 

Exhibit "A"


LEGEND TO BE PLACED ON STOCK CERTIFICATE


The shares represented by this certificate are subject to the provisions of the Amended and Restated FPL Group Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan") and a Restricted Stock Award Agreement (the "Agreement") between the holder hereof and FPL Group, Inc. and may not be sold or transferred except in accordance therewith.  Copies of the Plan and Agreement are kept on file by the Vice President & Corporate Secretary of FPL Group, Inc.

 


Exhibit 10(bb)
Form of


NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

under the

FPL GROUP, INC. AMENDED AND RESTATED LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

This Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (“Agreement”), between FPL Group, Inc. (hereinafter called the "Company") and the optionee identified on Schedule 1 attached hereto (“Optionee”)   is dated ______ ___, 20___.

1.            Grant of Option .  In accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of (a) the FPL Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan, as it may be amended from time to time (the "Plan") and (b) this Agreement, the Company hereby grants to the Optionee a nonqualified stock option (the "Option") to purchase the number of shares (the "Shares") of its common stock, par value $.01 per share ("Common Stock"), set forth on Schedule 1, at the option exercise price per Share set forth in Schedule 1.  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan.

2.            Acceptance by Optionee .  The exercise of the Option or any portion thereof is conditioned upon acceptance by the Optionee of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, as evidenced by the Optionee's execution of Schedule 1 to this Agreement and the delivery of an executed copy of Schedule 1 to the Company.

3.            Vesting of Option .  Subject to the terms and provisions hereof, including Section 5 hereof, and the Plan, the Option shall vest and the Optionee may exercise the Option in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in Schedule 1.

[ for Messrs. Hay, Robo, Bennett, Davidson, Dewhurst, Kelliher, McGrath, Nazar, Olivera, Pimentel, Poppell, Rodriguez and Sieving ] Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (i) the Optionee is a party to an Executive Retention Employment Agreement with the Company (“Retention Agreement”) and has not waived his or her rights, either entirely or in pertinent part, under such Retention Agreement, and (ii) the Effective Date (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) has occurred and the Employment Period (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) has commenced and has not terminated pursuant to section 3(b) of the Retention Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof) then, so long as the Optionee is then employed by the Company or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates, the then-unvested portion of the Option shall vest upon a Change of Control (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof), in lieu of the vesting schedule set forth in Schedule 1.

[ for Messrs. Cutler and Froggatt ] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rights of the Participant upon a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan as in effect on the date hereof) shall be as set forth in section 9 of the Plan on the date hereof, in lieu of the vesting schedule set forth in Schedule 1.

If as a result of the Change of Control, the Common Stock is exchanged for or converted into a different form of equity security and/or the right to receive other property (including cash), the Option may be exercised, to the maximum extent practicable, in the same form.

4.            Expiration of Option .  The Option shall expire on the date set forth in Schedule 1 (the “Expiration Date”), unless terminated earlier as set forth in Section 5 below, and may not be exercised after the earlier of (i) the Expiration Date and (ii) the earlier termination date established in accordance with Section 5.

5.            Termination of Employment .

In the event that the Optionee’s employment with the Company (or a subsidiary, affiliate or successor of the Company) terminates for any reason prior to the date on which the Option has been fully exercised except to the extent that the Optionee’s termination of employment is governed by the terms of a Retention Agreement (in which event the terms of such Retention Agreement shall govern), the Optionee’s rights hereunder will be determined as follows:

 
(a)
If the Optionee’s termination of employment is due to resignation, discharge or retirement prior to age 65 which does not meet the condition set forth in Section 5(c), below, all rights to exercise the Option (or any portion thereof) which is not then vested shall be immediately forfeited, and all rights to exercise the vested portion of the Option shall expire on [ for Messrs. Hay, Robo, Bennett, Davidson, Dewhurst, Kelliher, McGrath, Nazar, Olivera, Pimentel, Poppell, Rodriguez and Sieving ] the Expiration Date [ for Messrs. Cutler and Froggatt ] the earlier to occur of (i) the Expiration Date and (ii) sixty (60) days after the date of termination of employment.

 
(b)
If the Optionee’s termination of employment is due to (i) total and permanent disability (as defined under the Company’s executive long-term disability plan), (ii) death or (iii) retirement on or after age 65 not meeting the condition set forth in section 5(c), below, a pro rata share of the then-unvested portion of the Option shall vest on the date of termination, based upon the number of completed days of service during the vesting period, and the vested portion of the Option shall be exercisable until [ for Messrs. Hay, Robo, Bennett, Davidson, Dewhurst, Kelliher, McGrath, Nazar, Olivera, Pimentel, Poppell, Rodriguez and Sieving ] the Expiration Date [ for Messrs. Cutler and Froggatt ] the earlier to occur of (i) the Expiration Date and (ii) one (1) year after the date of termination of employment.  The portion of the Option which does not so vest shall be forfeited effective on the date of termination of employment.

 
(c)
If the Optionee’s termination of employment is due to retirement on or after age 50, and if, but only if, such retirement is evidenced by a writing which specifically acknowledges that this provision shall apply to such retirement and is executed by the Company’s chief executive officer (or, if the Optionee is an executive officer, by a member of the Committee or the chief executive officer at the direction of the Committee, other than with respect to himself), the then-unvested portion of the Option shall vest on the date of termination and all outstanding Options granted hereby shall be exercisable until [ for Messrs. Hay, Robo, Bennett, Davidson, Dewhurst, Kelliher, McGrath, Nazar, Olivera, Pimentel, Poppell, Rodriguez and Sieving ] the Expiration Date [ for Messrs. Cutler and Froggatt ] the earlier to occur of (i) the Expiration Date and (ii) one (1) year after the date of termination of employment.

 
(d)
If an Optionee's employment is terminated for any reason other than as set forth in Sections 5(a), (b) and (c), above, or if an ambiguity exists as to the interpretation of those sections, the Committee shall determine whether the Optionee's then-unvested Options shall be forfeited or whether the Optionee shall be entitled to full vesting or to pro rata vesting based upon days of service during the vesting period, and shall also determine the period during which the Optionee may exercise any vested portion of the Option.

[the following applies only to Mr. Hay] Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Employment Period (as defined in the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) is not then in effect, and the Optionee terminates employment for Good Reason (as defined in the Optionee’s Employment Letter with the Company (such Employment Letter as in effect on the date hereof, the “Employment Letter”) or the Company terminates the Optionee’s employment without Cause (as defined in the Employment Letter), then the Optionee shall continue to vest in any theretofore unvested portion of the Option on the schedule set forth in Schedule 1 attached hereto until the date which is two years after the date on which the Optionee’s employment is terminated, and the vested portion of the Option may be exercised until the Expiration Date.  The Portion of the option which is scheduled to vest after the date which is two years after the date on which the Optionee’s employment is terminated shall be forfeited effective on the date Optionee’s employment is terminated.

6.            Procedure for Exercise .  Subject to this Agreement and the Plan, the Option may be exercised in whole or in part by the transmittal of a written notice to the Company at its principal place of business.  Such notice shall specify the number of Shares which the Optionee elects to purchase, shall be signed by the Optionee and shall be accompanied by payment of the exercise price for the Shares which the Optionee elects to purchase.  Except as otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee designated to administer the Plan (the “Committee”) before the Option is exercised, such payment may be made in whole or in part (i) by check payable to the Company for the full exercise price plus the applicable tax withholding resulting from such exercise; (ii) by delivery of shares of Common Stock owned by the Optionee for at least six months and acceptable to the Committee having an aggregate Fair Market Value (valued as of the date of exercise) that is equal to the amount of cash that would otherwise be required; or (iii) by authorizing a Company-approved third party to remit to the Company a sufficient portion of the sale proceeds to pay the entire exercise price and any tax withholding from such exercise.  The Option shall not be exercisable if and to the extent the Company determines that such exercise would violate applicable State or Federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of any securities exchange on which the Common Stock is traded. If any applicable law requires the Company to take any action with respect to the Shares specified in the written notice of exercise, or if any action remains to be taken under the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company, as in effect at the time, to effect due issuance of the Shares, then the Company shall take such action and the day for delivery of such Shares shall be extended for the period necessary to take such action.  No Optionee shall have any of the rights of a shareholder of the Company under any Option unless and until Shares are duly issued upon exercise of the Option.

7.            Non-Transferability of Stock Options .  The Option granted hereunder to the Optionee shall not be transferable by the Optionee otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and such Option shall be exercisable, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.

8.            Effect Upon Employment .  This Agreement is not to be construed as giving any right to the Optionee for continuous employment by the Company or a subsidiary or affiliate.  The Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates retain the right to terminate the Optionee at will and with or without cause at any time [ for Messrs. Hay, Robo, Bennett, Davidson, Dewhurst, Kelliher, McGrath, Nazar, Olivera, Pimentel, Poppell, Rodriguez and Sieving ] (subject to any rights the Optionee may have under the Optionee’s Retention Agreement [and Employment Letter, in the case of Mr. Hay]).

9.               Protective Covenants .   In consideration of the Non-Qualified Stock Option Award granted under this Agreement, the Optionee covenants and agrees as follows (the "Protective Covenants"):
 
(a)  
During the Optionee's employment with the Company, and for a two-year period following the termination of the Optionee's employment with the Company, Optionee agrees (i) not to compete or attempt to compete for, or act as a broker or otherwise participate in, any projects in which the Company has at any time done any work or undertaken any development efforts, or (ii) directly or indirectly solicit any of the Company’s customers, vendors, contractors, agents, or any other parties with which the Company has an existing or prospective business relationship, for the benefit of the Optionee or for the benefit of any third party, nor shall the Optionee accept consideration or negotiate or enter into agreements with such parties for the benefit of the Optionee or any third party.
 
(b)  
During the Optionee's employment with the Company and for a two-year period following the termination of the Optionee's employment with the Company, the Optionee shall not, directly or indirectly, on behalf of the Optionee or for any other business, person or entity, entice, induce or solicit or attempt to entice, induce or solicit any employee of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates to leave the Company's employ (or the employ of such subsidiary or affiliate) or to hire or to cause any employee of the Company to become employed for any reason whatsoever.
 
(c)  
The Optionee shall not, at any time or in any way, disparage the Company or its current or former officers, directors, and employees, orally or in writing, or make any statements that may be derogatory or detrimental to the Company’s good name or business reputation.
 
(d)  
The Optionee acknowledges that the Company would not have an adequate remedy at law for monetary damages if the Optionee breaches these Protective Covenants.  Therefore, in addition to all remedies to which the Company may be entitled for a breach or threatened breach of these Protective Covenants, including but not limited to monetary damages, the Company will be entitled to specific enforcement of these Protective Covenants and to injunctive or other equitable relief as a remedy for a breach or threatened breach.  In addition, upon any breach of these Protective Covenants or any separate confidentiality agreement or confidentiality provisions between the Company and the Optionee, all Optionee’s rights to exercise the Option as to theretofore unvested Shares under this Agreement shall be forfeited.
 
(e)  
For purposes of this Section 9, the term "Company" shall include all subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company, including, without limitation, Florida Power & Light Company and NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates (such subsidiaries and affiliates being hereinafter referred to as the “FPL Entities”). The Company and the Optionee agree that each of the FPL Entities is an intended third-party beneficiary of this Section 9, and further agree that each of the FPL Entities is entitled to enforce the provisions of this Section 9 in accordance with its terms.
 
(f)  
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the terms of these Protective Covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall remain in effect.
 
10.            Successors and Assigns.   This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Company and the Optionee and their respective heirs, successors and assigns.
 
11.            Adjustments .  In the event of any change in the outstanding Shares of Common Stock by reason of any stock dividend or split, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, consolidation, combination or exchange of shares or similar corporate change, then the number of Shares granted under this Option shall be adjusted proportionately.  No adjustment will be made in connection with the payment by the Company of any cash dividend on its Common Stock or in connection with the issuance by the Company of any warrants, rights, or options to acquire additional Shares of Common Stock or of securities convertible into Common Stock.

12.            Compliance With Applicable Law/Governing Law/ Jurisdiction .  The issuance of the Shares pursuant to the exercise of this Option is subject to compliance with all applicable laws, including without limitation laws governing withholding from employees and nonresident aliens for income tax purposes.

This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.  All suits, actions, and proceedings relating to this Agreement or the Plan shall be brought only in the courts of the State of Florida located in Palm Beach County or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in West Palm Beach, Florida.  The Company and Optionee hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction of the courts described in this section for the purpose of all suits, actions, and proceedings relating to the Agreement or the Plan.  The Company and Optionee each waive all objections to venue and to all claims that a court chosen in accordance with this section is improper based on a venue or a forum non conveniens claim.

13.            Incorporation of Plan's Terms - This Agreement is made under and subject to the provisions of the Plan, and all the provisions of the Plan are also provisions of this Agreement (including, but not limited to, the provisions of Section 9 of the Plan as in effect on the date hereof pertaining to a Change of Control [ for Messrs. Hay, Robo, Bennett, Davidson, Dewhurst, Kelliher, McGrath, Nazar, Olivera, Pimentel, Poppell, Rodriguez and Sieving ] provided that if the Optionee is a party to a Retention Agreement, the provisions of Section 3 hereof shall supersede the provisions of the Plan with respect to a Change of Control).  If there is a difference or conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the mandatory provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern.  If there is a difference or conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and a provision of the Plan as to which the Committee is authorized to make a contrary determination, the provisions of this Agreement will govern.  Except as otherwise expressly defined in this Agreement, all terms used herein are used as defined in the Plan as it may be amended from time to time.  The Company and Committee retain all authority and powers granted by the Plan as it may be amended from time to time not expressly limited by this Agreement.  The Optionee acknowledges that he or she may not and will not rely on any statement of account or other communication or document issued in connection with the Plan other than the Plan, this Agreement, and any document signed by an authorized representative of the Company that is designated as an amendment of the Plan or this Agreement.

14.            Interpretation.   The Committee has the sole and absolute right to interpret the provisions of this Agreement.

15.   Amendment .  This Agreement may be amended, in whole or in part and in any manner not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, at any time and from time to time, by written agreement between the Company and the Optionee.

16.            Data Privacy .  By entering into this Agreement, the Optionee:  (i) authorizes the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and any agent of the Company or a Subsidiary administering the Plan or providing Plan recordkeeping services, to disclose to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries such information and data as the Company or any such Subsidiary shall reasonably request in order to facilitate the grant of the Option, the exercise of the Option, or delivery of Shares upon exercise; and (ii) authorizes the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to store and transmit such information in electronic form, provided such information is appropriately safeguarded in accordance with Company policy.

By signing this Agreement, the Optionee accepts and agrees to all of the foregoing terms and provisions and to all the terms and provisions of the Plan incorporated herein by reference and confirms that he has received a copy of the Plan.


 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Date of Grant set forth in Schedule 1.

FPL GROUP, INC.


By:  ___________________________________


 
 

 

Schedule 1

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement

Name of Optionee:

Date of Grant:

Number of Shares:
 
_______ shares of Common Stock
Option Exercise Price Per Share:
 
$______
Expiration Date:
 
________ (subject to earlier termination in accordance with
                       the attached Agreement)
 
Vesting Schedule:
 
The shares of Common Stock subject to this Option shall
vest according to the following schedule:
______ shares on ______, 20___,
______ shares on ______, 20___ and
______ shares on ______, 20___
except that such Shares shall become fully vested upon the
occurrence of a Change of Control if the Optionee is
employed by the Company or a Subsidiary on such date,
[ for Messrs. Hay, Robo, Bennett, Davidson, Dewhurst,
Kelliher, McGrath, Nazar, Olivera, Pimentel, Poppell,
Rodriguez and Sieving ] as more fully set forth in Section 3
of the Agreement of which this Schedule is a part.
 
[ for Messrs. Cutler and Froggatt ] For purposes of this
Agreement, the term “Change of Control” shall have the
meaning ascribed to such term in the Plan as in effect on
the date hereof.


The undersigned agrees to the terms and conditions of the Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement of which this Schedule 1 is a part.


Date Accepted:  ___________________     By:  _________________________




Exhibit 10(dd)

Form of
FPL GROUP, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
AMENDED AND RESTATED DEFERRED STOCK AWARD

AGREEMENT


           AGREEMENT, originally dated as of ___________ and amended and completely restated as of February 11, 2010, between FPL Group, Inc. (hereinafter called the "Company") and _________ (hereinafter called the "Participant").

           1.            Grant of Deferred Stock Award .  The Company hereby grants to the Participant as of __________ (the “Effective Date”), a Deferred Stock Award (the “Deferred Stock Award”) consisting of _________ shares of common stock of the Company, par value $.01 per share (“Common Stock”), which shares shall be subject to the restrictions noted below. The number of shares of Common Stock comprising the Deferred Stock Award from time to time shall be referred to in this Agreement as the "Deferred Stock."  The Deferred Stock, together with any dividends or other earnings or proceeds derived therefrom, shall be referred to in this Agreement as the "Deferred Stock Award."

[ Mr. Dewhurst ]                                2.            Issuance of Shares.                                 Subject to the limitations and other terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Company's Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the "Plan"), on, or within thirty (30) days following, the last day of the Deferral Period the Company shall issue, in the manner and from the Common Stock authorized under the Plan, the Deferred Stock.  The Participant's rights under this Agreement shall be the same as those of other general, unsecured creditors of the Company.

[ Mr. Robo ]                      2.            Issuance of Shares; Grantor Trust Fund.

(a)           Subject to the limitations and other terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Company's Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the "Plan"), on or as soon as practicable following the Effective Date, the Company shall issue, in the manner and from the Common Stock authorized under the Plan, the Deferred Stock.

(b)           To assist it in meeting its obligations under this Agreement, the Company shall establish a trust fund (the "Deferred Stock Trust Fund") with a trustee (the "Deferred Stock Trustee") pursuant to a written trust agreement (the "Deferred Stock Trust Agreement").  The Deferred Stock Trust Agreement shall contain such terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan and this Agreement as may be determined by or under the authority of the committee constituted pursuant to section 2.07 of the Plan (the "LTIP Committee"), subject to the following:

(i)           the assets of the Deferred Stock Trust Fund shall be subject to the claims of the Company's general creditors in the event of the Company's insolvency (as such term is defined for purposes of Revenue Procedure 92-65, as modified from time to time); and

(ii)           the Company shall at all times be treated as the owner of the entirety of the Deferred Stock Trust Fund for federal income tax purposes under the so-called "grantor trust" provisions of sections 671 through 679 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code").

Notwithstanding the establishment of the Deferred Stock Trust Fund, the Participant's rights under this Agreement shall be the same as those of other general, unsecured creditors of the Company.

[ Mr. Dewhurst ]                                 3.             Dividends and Other Income.   In the event a dividend is payable on Common Stock in additional shares of Common Stock, an amount denominated in shares of Common Stock equal to such dividend shall, as of the ex dividend date for such dividend, become part of the Deferred Stock Award for all purposes of this Agreement.  In the event a dividend on Common Stock is payable in property other than cash or Common Stock, an amount equal to such dividend shall, as of the ex dividend date for such dividend, become part of the Deferred Stock Award for all purposes of this Agreement, unless the committee constituted for purposes of section 2.08 of the Plan (the “LTIP Committee”) directs that such property be deemed to be reinvested in additional shares of Common Stock.  In the event a dividend on Common Stock is payable in cash, such dividend shall, as of the ex dividend date for such dividend, become part of the Deferred Stock Award for all purposes of this Agreement.  Unless the LTIP Committee directs otherwise, cash dividends paid with respect to Deferred Stock and any property comprising the Deferred Stock Award payable on or after the date of amendment and restatement of this Deferred Stock Award (February 11, 2010) shall be deemed to be applied to the purchase of additional shares of Common Stock on the dividend payment date, at a price equal to the closing price of the Common Stock on the dividend payment date .

[ Mr. Robo ]                       3.             Dividends and Other Income.    In the event the Deferred Stock entitles its holder to a dividend payable in additional shares of Common Stock, such dividend shall be deposited with the Deferred Stock Trustee and shall, as of the ex dividend date for such dividend, become part of the Deferred Stock Award for all purposes of this Agreement.  In the event the Deferred Stock entitles its holder to a dividend payable in property other than cash or Common Stock, such dividend shall be deposited with the Deferred Stock Trustees and shall, as of the ex dividend date for such dividend, become part of the Deferred Stock Award for all purposes of this Agreement, unless the LTIP Committee directs that such property be sold and the sales proceeds reinvested in additional shares of Common Stock.  In the event the Deferred Stock entitles its holder to a cash dividend, such dividend shall be deposited with the Deferred Stock Trustees and shall, as of the ex dividend date for such dividend, become part of the Deferred Stock Award for all purposes of this Agreement.  Unless the LTIP Committee directs otherwise, cash dividends paid with respect to Deferred Stock and the proceeds of sale of any property comprising the Deferred Stock Award payable on or after the date of amendment and restatement of this Deferred Stock Award (February 11, 2010) shall be applied to the purchase of additional shares of Common Stock as soon as practicable after the dividend payment date . :

Shares of Common Stock purchased in such manner shall be purchased by the Deferred Stock Trustee in transactions for the account of the Deferred Stock Trust Fund or, if not purchased in such manner, deposited with the Deferred Stock Trustee and shall, when purchased, become part of the Deferred Stock and the Deferred Stock Award.

            4.             Voting and other Shareholders' Rights. Unless otherwise determined by the LTIP Committee, [any and all][ Mr. Robo ] [the Participant shall have no] [ Mr. Dewhurst ] rights appurtenant to [the Deferred Stock and other assets comprising][ Mr. Robo ] the Deferred Stock Award, including but not limited to voting rights, responses to tender offers and exchange offers, election of consideration in business combination transactions, and dissent and appraisal rights [shall be exercised by the Deferred Stock Trustee in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations][ Mr. Robo ].

           5.           Deferral Period.

            (a)               The [Deferred Stock Award][ Mr. Robo ] [Common Stock][ Mr. Dewhurst ] shall not be distributed or distributable to the Participant [in satisfaction of the Deferred Stock Award][ Mr. Dewhurst ] prior to the end of a deferral period which shall begin on the Effective Date and end on:

           (i)           January 1st of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Participant experiences a Termination of Service; or

           (ii)           if later and the Participant is a "specified employee" (within the meaning of section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder), the date which is six (6) months after the Participant's Termination of Service

 (the "Deferral  Period").  For purposes of this Agreement the term "Termination of Service" shall have the meaning assigned to it under section 409A of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

           (b)           On or within ten (10) days following the last day of the Deferral Period, the Vested Portion of the Deferred Stock Award (as determined in accordance with section 6 of this Agreement) shall be distributed to the Participant (or in the event of the Participant's death, to his beneficiary determined in accordance with the terms of this Agreement).  To the extent the Deferred Stock Award [consists][ Mr. Robo ] [is deemed to consist][ Mr. Dewhurst ] of shares of Common Stock, distribution shall be made in kind.  To the extent the Deferred Stock Award [consists][ Mr. Robo ] [is deemed to consist][ Mr. Dewhurst ] of property other than cash or Common Stock, distribution shall be made in cash unless the LTIP Committee directs otherwise.  If the Deferred Stock Award consists of cash or other property in addition to Deferred Stock, the distribution shall be applied proportionately to each asset included in the Deferred Stock Award, unless the LTIP Committee determines otherwise.

           6.           Vesting.

           (a)           In General.  Except as otherwise provided in this section 6, the Vested Portion of the Deferred Stock Award shall be (i) 0%, if the Participant's Termination of Employment occurs prior to _________; (ii) 50%, if the Participant's Termination of Employment occurs after _________ and prior to __________; and (ii) 100%, if the Participant's Termination of Employment occurs on or after ____________.  For all purposes of this Agreement, unless otherwise determined by the LTIP Committee, the Participant's Termination of Employment will occur on the date on which he ceases to perform any services for the Company or an affiliated entity for which he receives compensation that is reportable on IRS Form W-2 for federal income tax purposes.

           (b)           Vesting due to the Death or Disability of the Participant.   If the Participant's Termination of Employment results from the Participant's death or Disability, the Vested Portion of the Deferred Stock Award shall be the greater of the (i) percentage determined under section 6(a) of this Agreement or (ii) the percentage determined under the following table:

For Mr. Robo:
If Termination of Employment Due to Death or Disability Occurs
The Percentage Is
after
but prior to
January 1, 2006
January 1, 2007
10%
December 31, 2006
January 1, 2008
20%
December 31, 2007
January 1, 2009
30%
December 31, 2008
January 1, 2010
40%
December 31, 2009
January 1, 2011
50%
December 31, 2010
January 1, 2012
60%
December 31, 2011
January 1, 2013
70%
December 31, 2012
January 1, 2014
80%
December 31, 2013
January 1, 2015
90%
December 31, 2014
 
100%

For Mr. Dewhurst:
If Termination of Employment Due to Death or Disability Occurs
The Percentage Is
after
but prior to
     
December 31, 2008
January 1, 2010
20%
December 31, 2009
January 1, 20011
30%
December 31, 2010
January 1, 2012
40%
December 31, 2011
January 1, 2013
50%
December 31, 2012
January 1, 2014
60%
December 31, 2013
January 1, 2015
70%
December 31, 2014
January 1, 2016
80%
December 31, 2015
January 1, 2017
90%
December 31, 2016
 
100%


Disability shall be considered to exist at the Participant's Termination of Employment if, on such date, the Participant is suffering from a medical condition which qualifies him (or would, upon completion of any applicable waiting or elimination period, qualify him) for benefits under the FPL Group Long Term Disability Plan for Executives as in effect on the date of this Agreement.

           (c)           Vesting Due to a Change of Control .    In the event of a Change of Control, followed by the Participant's Involuntary Discharge without Cause or Resignation with Good Reason, the Vested Portion of the Deferred Stock Award shall be the greater of the (i) percentage determined under section 6(a) of this Agreement or (ii) the percentage determined under the following table:

For Mr. Robo:
If Termination of Employment following a Change of Control Occurs
The Percentage Is
On or after
but prior to
January 1, 2006
December 31, 2006
20%
December 31, 2006
December 31, 2007
30%
December 31, 2007
December 31, 2008
40%
December 31, 2008
December 31, 2009
50%
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2010
60%
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2011
70%
December 31, 2011
December 31, 2012
80%
December 31, 2012
December 31, 2012
90%
December 31, 2013
 
100%


For Mr. Dewhurst:
If Termination of Employment following a Change of Control Occurs
The Percentage Is
On or after
but prior to
     
December 31, 2008
December 31, 2009
30%
December 31, 2009
December 31, 2010
40%
December 31, 2010
December 31, 2011
50%
December 31, 2011
December 31, 2012
60%
December 31, 2012
December 31, 2013
70%
December 31, 2013
December 31, 2014
80%
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2015
90%
December 31, 2015
 
100%

For purposes of this section 6(c), the terms "Change of Control", "Involuntary Discharge without Cause" and "Resignation with Good Reason" shall have the meanings assigned to them in section 8. With respect to the Deferred Stock Award granted hereunder, the provisions of this section 6(c) shall supersede the provisions of that certain Amended and Restated Executive Retention and Employment Agreement between the Participant and the Company dated December 10, 2009, as such may be amended (“Retention Agreement”), and the Participant specifically acknowledges and agrees that the terms and conditions of the Retention Agreement shall not apply to this Deferred Stock Award.

            7.             Forfeitures.

           (a)           If, on the date of the Participant's Termination of Employment, the Vested Portion of the Deferred Stock Award is less than 100%, the portion of the Deferred Stock Award that is not vested shall be forfeited and shall not be eligible to be reinstated in the event the Participant is subsequently re-employed.  If the Deferred Stock Award [consists][ Mr. Robo ] [is deemed to consist][ Mr. Dewhurst ] of cash or other property in addition to Deferred Stock, the forfeiture shall be applied proportionately to each asset included in the Deferred Stock Award, unless the LTIP Committee determines otherwise.

           (b)           If, at any time, the Participant violates any of the provisions of section 15, the Participant shall forfeit his entire interest, vested and unvested, in any portion of the Deferred Stock Award that has not been distributed.

           8.           Certain Defined Terms.

             (a)           For all purposes of this Agreement, the term "Change of Control" shall have the meaning assigned to it under the Plan as in effect on the date of this Agreement.
 
           (b)           For all purposes of this Agreement, "Involuntary Discharge without Cause" shall mean a Termination of Employment by the Company that is not for "Cause" described in section 7(b) of the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date of this Agreement or the result of the Participant's death or Disability.
 
 
           (c)           For purposes of this Agreement, "Resignation with Good Reason" shall mean the Participant's voluntary resignation under the circumstances described in section 7(c) of the Retention Agreement as in effect on the date of this Agreement.
 
           9.            Tax Withholding .  Upon vesting, distribution, or any other taxable event in relation to the Deferred Stock, the Company shall be authorized, in order to meet the Company’s obligations for the payment of withholding taxes (including federal and state income taxes and payroll taxes applicable to the taxable income relating to such event), to remit [or direct the Deferred Stock Trustee to remit][ Mr. Robo ] the minimum required withholding taxes to the appropriate tax authority on the Participant's behalf and to deduct the amount so remitted from the Deferred Stock Award.  Unless the Committee determines otherwise, any such deduction shall be applied first to cash balances included in the Deferred Stock Award, second (if necessary) to assets other than cash and Deferred Stock that comprise the Deferred Stock Award and third (if necessary) to Deferred Stock.  Deductions applied to property other than cash shall be based on the fair market value of the property as of the date of withholding.

           10.            Compliance with Laws and Regulations.
 
           (a)           The Deferred Stock Award is intended to be, to the maximum extent permitted under applicable laws, an unfunded, non-qualified plan maintained primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for highly compensated employees, as contemplated by sections 201(2), 301(a)(3), and 401(a)(1) of ERISA. The Deferred Stock Award is not intended to comply with the requirements of section 401(a) of the Code or to be subject to Parts 2, 3, and 4 of Title I of ERISA. The Deferred Stock Award shall be administered and construed so as to effectuate this intent.
 
           (b)           The Deferred Stock Award is further intended to be a non-qualified deferred compensation plan described in section 409A of the Code. The Deferred Stock Award shall be operated, administered, and construed to comply with the requirements of section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder.  In addition, the Deferred Stock Award shall be subject to amendment, with or without advance notice to Participants and other interested parties, and on a prospective or retroactive basis, including but not limited amendment in a manner that adversely affects the rights of participants and other interested parties, to the extent necessary to effect such compliance.
 
           11.            Designation of Beneficiary .  The Participant may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries (which may be an entity other than a natural person) to receive payments and other distributions in respect of the Deferred Stock Award upon the Participant's death.  At any time, and from time to time, any such designation may be changed or canceled by the Participant without the consent of any beneficiary.  Any such designation, change or cancellation must be by written notice filed with the Executive Vice President, Human Resources of the Company and shall not be effective until received by the Executive Vice President, Human Resources of the Company. If the Participant designates more than one beneficiary, such beneficiaries shall receive an equal portion of any distribution, unless the Participant has designated otherwise, in which case each beneficiary shall receive the portion designated by the Participant.  If no beneficiary has been named by the Participant, the Participant's beneficiary shall be the executor or administrator of the Participant's estate.

12.               Nonassignability .  The Participant's rights and interest in the Deferred Stock and other vested balances may not be assigned, pledged, or transferred prior to the expiration of the Deferral Period except, in the event of death, to a designated beneficiary or by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

13.               Effect Upon Employment . This Deferred Stock Award is not to be construed as giving any right to the Participant for continuous employment by the Company or a subsidiary or to any specific term, condition or privilege of employment other than the Deferred Stock Award evidenced by this Agreement.  The Company and its subsidiaries retain the right to terminate an employee at will and with or without cause at any time to the full extent such rights exist in the absence of this Agreement.

14.               Successors .  This Deferred Stock Award shall be binding upon any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) of the Company. The   Company shall require any successor to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.  As used in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean the Company and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.

15.               Protective Covenants .  In consideration of the Deferred Stock Award granted under this Agreement, the Participant covenants and agrees as follows (the "Protective Covenants"):
 
           (a)           During Participant's employment with the Company, and for a two-year period following the termination of the Participant's employment with the Company, Participant agrees not to compete or attempt to compete for, or act as a broker or otherwise participate in, any projects in which the Company has at any time done any work or undertaken any development efforts. Furthermore, during the Participant's employment with the Company, Participant shall not directly or indirectly solicit any of the Company’s customers, vendors, contractors, agents, or any other parties with which the Company has an existing or prospective business relationship, for the benefit of Participant or for the benefit of any third party, nor shall the Participant accept consideration or negotiate or enter into agreements with such parties for the benefit of Participant or any third party.
 
           (b)           During the Participant's employment with the Company and for a two-year period following the termination of the Participant's employment with the Company, the Participant shall not, directly or indirectly, on behalf of the Participant or for any other business, person or entity, entice, induce or solicit or attempt to entice, induce or solicit any employee of the Company to leave the Company's employ or to hire or to cause any employee of the Company to become employed for any reason whatsoever.
 
           (c)           Participant shall not, at any time in the future and in any way, disparage the Company or its current or former officers, directors, and employees, orally or in writing, or make any statements that may be derogatory or detrimental to the Company’s good name or business reputation.
 
           (d)           Participant acknowledges that the Company would not have an adequate remedy at law for monetary damages if Participant breaches these Protective Covenants.  Therefore, in addition to all remedies to which the Company may be entitled for a breach or threatened breach of these Protective Covenants, including but not limited to monetary damages, the Company will be entitled to specific enforcement of these Protective Covenants and to injunctive or other equitable relief as a remedy for a breach or threatened breach.  In addition, upon any breach of these Protective Covenants or any separate Confidentiality Agreement between the Company and the Participant, all rights to receive shares of Common Stock and dividends under this Award shall be forfeited.
 
           (e)           For purposes of this Section 15, the term “Company” shall include all subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company, including, without limitation, Florida Power & Light Company and NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates.
 
           (f)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the terms of these Protective Covenants shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall remain in effect.
 
           16.            Incorporation of Plan's Terms .  This Agreement is made under and subject to the provisions of the Plan, and all the provisions of the Plan are also provisions of this Agreement.  If there is a difference or conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the mandatory provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern.  If there is a difference or conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and a provision of the Plan as to which the LTIP Committee is authorized to make a contrary determination, the provisions of this Agreement will govern. (For example, the provisions of this Agreement with respect. to Change of Control shall govern.) All terms used herein are used as defined in the Plan as it may be amended from time to time, except where explicitly stated to the contrary.  The Company and Committee retain all authority and powers granted by the Plan as it may be amended from time to time not expressly limited by this Agreement.

           17.            Interpretation .  The Committee has the sole and absolute right to interpret the provisions of this Agreement.

           18.            Governing Law/Jurisdiction .  This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.  All suits, actions, and proceedings relating to this Agreement may be brought only in the courts of the State of Florida located in Palm Beach County or in the United States District Court for the Southern District in West Palm Beach, Florida.  The Company and Participant shall consent to the nonexclusive personal jurisdiction of the courts described in this section for the purpose of all suits, actions, and proceedings.  The Company and Participant each waive all objections to venue and to all claims that a court chosen in accordance with this section is improper based on a venue or a forum non conveniens claim.

           By signing this Agreement, the Participant accepts and agrees to all of the foregoing terms and provisions and to all the terms and provisions of the Plan incorporated herein by reference and confirms that he has received or has access to a copy of the Plan.

           IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amended and Restated Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

FPL GROUP, INC.


________________________________


Participant


________________________________





Exhibit 10(ll)

FPL GROUP, INC.
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION SUMMARY
(effective January 1, 2010)

Annual Retainer
      (payable quarterly in common stock or cash)
 
$50,000
Board or Committee meeting fee
 
$2,000/meeting
Audit Committee Chair retainer (annual)
      (payable quarterly)
 
$15,000
Other Committee Chair retainer (annual)
      (payable quarterly)
 
$10,000
Annual grant of restricted stock
(under Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan)
that number of shares
determined by
dividing $110,000 by
closing price of FPL
Group common stock
on effective date of
grant (rounded up to
the nearest 10 shares)
 
Miscellaneous
- Travel and Accident
Insurance while on
Company business.
 
- Certain directors
accrue dividends and
interest on the
phantom stock units
granted to them upon
the termination of the
Non-Employee
Director Retirement
Plan in 1996.
 
- Travel and related
expenses while on
Board business are
paid or reimbursed by
the Company.
Directors may travel
on Company aircraft
in accordance with
the Company’s
Aviation Policy
(primarily to or from
Board meetings and
while on Board
business; in limited
circumstances for
other reasons).
 
- Directors may
participate in the
Company’s Deferred
Compensation Plan.
 
- Directors may
participate in the
Company’s matching
gift program, which
matches gifts to
educational
institutions to a
maximum of $10,000
per donor.




Exhibit 10(nn)
 
Form of
AMENDED AND RESTATED
 
EXECUTIVE RETENTION EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
Amended and Restated Executive Retention Employment Agreement between FPL Group, Inc., a Florida corporation (the "Company"), and ___________ (the "Executive"), originally dated as of _________, [amended and completely restated as of ________][Messrs. Davidson, Hay, Olivera, Pimentel and Robo] and hereby [further][ Messrs. Davidson, Hay, Olivera, Pimentel and Robo] amended and completely restated as of ________.  The Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to assure that the Company and its Affiliated Companies will have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Potential Change of Control or a Change of Control (each as defined below) of the Company.  The Board believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties and risks created by the circumstances surrounding a Potential Change of Control or a Change of Control and to encourage the Executive's full attention and dedication to the Company and its Affiliated Companies currently and in the event of any Potential Change of Control or Change of Control (and, under certain circumstances, in the event of the termination or abandonment of a Change of Control transaction), and to provide the Executive with compensation and benefits arrangements which ensure that the compensation and benefits expectations of the Executive will be satisfied and which are competitive with those of other corporations which may compete with the Company for the services of the Executive. Therefore, in order to accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused the Company to enter into this Amended and Restated Executive Retention Employment Agreement (this "Agreement").  The Agreement supersedes and replaces in its entirety the predecessor [Amended and Restated][Messrs. Davidson, Hay, Olivera, Pimentel and Robo] Executive Retention Employment Agreement dated ________between the Company and the Executive.
 
Therefore, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:
 
1.   Effective Date .
 
The effective date of this Agreement (the "Effective Date") shall be the date on which (i) a Potential Change of Control occurs, (ii) the Board approves a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company, (iii) a Change of Control occurs pursuant to Section 2(a)(1) or (2) below or (iv) a definitive agreement is signed by the Company which provides for a transaction that, if approved by shareholders or consummated, as applicable, would result in a Change of Control pursuant to Section 2(a)(3) or (4) below; provided, however, that any of the foregoing which may have occurred prior to the date hereof shall be disregarded.  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if, prior to the Effective Date, the Executive's employment with the Company or its Affiliated Companies was terminated by the Company or its Affiliated Companies, or both, as applicable, other than for Cause or Disability (each as defined below) or by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined below) and the Executive can reasonably demonstrate that such termination (or the event constituting Good Reason) took place (a) at the request or direction of a third party who took action that caused a Potential Change of Control or (b) in contemplation of an event that would give rise to an Effective Date, an Effective Date will be deemed to have occurred (“Deemed Effective Date”) immediately prior to the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 7(e) below), provided that a Change of Control occurs within a two-year period following such Date of Termination. As used in this Agreement, the term "Affiliated Companies" shall include any corporation or other entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company and the term “Subsidiary” shall mean (x) any corporation or other entity (other than the Company) with respect to which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock or other ownership interests or (y) any other related entity which may be designated by the Board as a Subsidiary, provided such entity could be considered a subsidiary according to generally accepted accounting principles .
 

2.   Change of Control; Potential Change of Control .   For the purposes of this Agreement:
 
(a)   A "Change of Control" shall mean the first (and only the first) to occur of the following:
 
(1)   The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of either (x) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (y) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities"); provided, however, that the following acquisitions (collectively, the "Excluded Acquisitions") shall not constitute a Change of Control (it being understood that shares acquired in an Excluded Acquisition may nevertheless be considered in determining whether any subsequent acquisition by such individual, entity or group (other than an Excluded Acquisition) constitutes a Change of Control): (i) any acquisition directly from the Company or any Subsidiary; (ii) any acquisition by the Company or any Subsidiary; (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary; (iv) any acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding Company securities pursuant to an offering of such securities; (v) any acquisition in connection with which, pursuant to Rule 13d-1 promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act, the individual, entity or group is permitted to, and actually does, report its beneficial ownership on Schedule 13G (or any successor Schedule); provided that, if any such individual, entity or group subsequently becomes required to or does report its beneficial ownership on Schedule 13D (or any successor Schedule), then, for purposes of this paragraph, such individual, entity or group shall be deemed to have first acquired, on the first date on which such individual, entity or group becomes required to or does so report, beneficial ownership of all of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and/or Outstanding Company Voting Securities beneficially owned by it on such date; or (vi) any acquisition in connection with a Business Combination (as hereinafter defined) which, pursuant to subparagraph (3) below, does not constitute a Change of Control; or
 
(2)   Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of an individual, entity or group other than the Board; or
 
(3)   Consummation by the Company of a reorganization, merger, consolidation or other business combination (any of the foregoing, a "Business Combination") of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation, in any case with respect to which:
 
(i)   the Outstanding Company Voting Securities outstanding immediately prior to such Business Combination do not, immediately following such Business Combination, continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the resulting or surviving entity or any ultimate parent thereof) more than [55% - Messrs. Davidson, Dewhurst, Pimentel and Sieving][60% - Messrs. Hay, Olivera, and Robo] of the outstanding common stock and of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the resulting or surviving entity (or any ultimate parent thereof); or
 
(ii)   less than a majority of the members of the board of directors of the resulting or surviving entity (or any ultimate parent thereof) in such Business Combination (the "New Board") consists of individuals ("Continuing Directors") who were members of the Incumbent Board (as defined in subparagraph (2) above) immediately prior to consummation of such Business Combination (excluding from Continuing Directors for this purpose, however, any individual whose election or appointment to the Board was at the request, directly or indirectly, of the entity which entered into the definitive agreement with the Company or any Subsidiary providing for such Business Combination); or
 
(4)    (i) Consummation of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, other than to a corporation with respect to which, following such sale or other disposition, more than [55% - Messrs. Davidson, Dewhurst, Pimentel and Sieving][60% - Messrs. Hay, Olivera, and Robo] of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly,   by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such sale or other disposition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately prior to such sale or other disposition, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities as the case may be; or (ii) shareholder approval of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
 
The term "the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company" shall mean a sale or other disposition transaction or series of related transactions involving assets of the Company or of any Subsidiary (including the stock of any Subsidiary) in which the value of the assets or stock being sold or otherwise disposed of (as measured by the purchase price being paid therefor or by such other method as the Board determines is appropriate in a case where there is no readily ascertainable purchase price) constitutes more than two-thirds of the fair market value of the Company (as hereinafter defined).  The "fair market value of the Company" shall be the aggregate market value of the then Outstanding Company Common Stock (on a fully diluted basis) plus the aggregate market value of the Company's other outstanding equity securities.  The aggregate market value of the shares of Outstanding Company Common Stock shall be determined by multiplying the number of shares of Outstanding Company Common Stock (on a fully diluted basis) outstanding on the date of the execution and delivery of a definitive agreement with respect to the transaction or series of related transactions (the "Transaction Date") by the average closing price of the shares of Outstanding Company Common Stock for the ten trading days immediately preceding the Transaction Date.  The aggregate market value of any other equity securities of the Company shall be determined in a manner similar to that prescribed in the immediately preceding sentence for determining the aggregate market value of the shares of Outstanding Company Common Stock or by such other method as the Board shall determine is appropriate.
 
(b)   A "Potential Change of Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if an event set forth in either of the following subparagraphs shall have occurred:
 
(1)   the Company or any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) pub­licly an­nounces or otherwise communicates to the Board in writing an inten­tion to take or to consider taking actions ( e.g. , a "bear hug" letter, an unsolicited offer or the commencement of a proxy contest) which, if con­summated or approved by shareholders, as applicable, would constitute a Change of Control; or
 
(2)   any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) di­rectly or indi­rectly, acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities; provided, however, that Excluded Acquisitions shall not constitute a Potential Change of Control.
 
3.   Employment Period .
 
(a)   The Company hereby agrees to continue the Executive in its or its Affiliated Companies' employ, or both, as the case may be, and the Executive hereby agrees to remain in the employ of the Company, or its Affiliated Companies, or both, as the case may be, subject to the terms of this Agreement, for a period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the third anniversary of such date (such period or, if shorter, the period from the Effective Date to the Date of Termination, is hereinafter referred to as the "Employment Period").
 
(b)   Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, (x) if an Effective Date occurs (other than as a result of a Change of Control under Section 2(a)(1) or (2) above) and the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that the event or circumstance giving rise to the Effective Date no longer exists (including by reason of the termination or abandonment of the transaction contemplated by the definitive agreement referred to in clause (iv) of Section 1 hereof), the Employment Period shall terminate on the date the Board adopts such resolution, but this Agreement shall otherwise remain in effect, and (y) if a Change of Control occurs pursuant to Section 2(a)(3) or (4) above during the Employment Period, the Employment Period shall immediately extend to and end on the third   anniversary of the date of such Change of Control (or, if earlier, to the Date of Termination) and a new Effective Date will be deemed to have occurred on the date of such Change of Control.
 
4.   Position and Duties .
 
During the Employment Period, the Executive's status, offices, titles, and reporting requirements with the Company or its Affiliated Companies or both, as the case may be, shall be commensurate with those in effect during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date. The duties and responsibilities assigned to the Executive may be increased, decreased or otherwise changed during the Employment Period, provided that the duties and responsibilities assigned to the Executive at any given time are not materially inconsistent with the Executive's status, offices, titles, and reporting requirements as in effect during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date. The Executive's services shall be performed at the location where the Executive was employed immediately preceding the Effective Date or any location less than 20 miles from such location, although the Executive understands and agrees that he may be required to travel from time to time for business purposes.
 
During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees to devote substantially all of his time and attention during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and its Affiliated Companies and to use his reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently the duties and responsibilities assigned to him hereunder.  During the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions and devote reasonable amounts of time to the management of his and his family's personal investments and affairs, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities as an employee of the Company or its Affiliated Companies in accordance with this Agreement.  It is expressly understood and agreed that to the extent that any such activities have been conducted by the Executive prior to the Effective Date, the reinstatement or continued conduct of such activities (or the reinstatement or conduct of activities similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Effective Date shall not thereafter be deemed to interfere with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities to the Company and its Affiliated Companies.
 
5.   Compensation .
 
During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be compensated as follows:
 
(a)   Annual Base Salary .  The Executive shall be paid an annual base salary ("Annual Base Salary"), in equal biweekly installments or otherwise in accordance with the Company’s then-current payroll practice, at least equal to the annual rate of base salary being paid to the Executive by the Company and its Affiliated Companies as of the Effective Date.  The Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually and shall be increased substantially consistent with increases in base salary generally awarded to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.  Such increases shall in no event be less than the increases in the U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index - U.S. City Average Index.  Any increase in Annual Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Executive under this Agreement.  Annual Base Salary shall not be reduced after any such increase and the term "Annual Base Salary" as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to Annual Base Salary as so increased.
 
(b)   Annual Bonus .  In addition to Annual Base Salary, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this paragraph (b), the Executive shall be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the Employment Period an annual cash bonus (the "Annual Bonus") equal to a percentage of his Annual Base Salary.  Such percentage shall be substantially consistent with the targeted percentages generally awarded to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, but at least equal to the higher of (i) the percentage obtained by dividing his targeted annual bonus for the then current fiscal year by his then Annual Base Salary or (ii) the average percentage of his annual base salary  (as in effect for the applicable years) that was paid or payable, including by reason of any deferral, to the Executive by the Company and its Affiliated Companies as an annual bonus (however described, including as annual incentive compensation)  for each of the three fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the Effective Date occurs (or, if higher, for each of the three fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which a Change of Control occurs, if a Change of Control occurs following the Effective Date).  For the purposes of any calculation required to be made under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, an annual bonus shall be annualized for any fiscal year consisting of less than twelve full months or with respect to which the Executive was employed for, and received pro-rated annual incentive compensation with respect to, less than the full twelve months, and, if the Executive has not been employed for the full duration of the three fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the Effective Date occurs, the average shall be calculated over the duration of the Executive's employment in such period.  Each such Annual Bonus shall be paid no later than the end of the second month of the fiscal year next following the fiscal year for which the Annual Bonus is awarded, unless the Executive otherwise elects to defer the receipt of such Annual Bonus in accordance with a deferred compensation plan of the Company or its Affiliated Companies that complies with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”).  The foregoing provisions of this paragraph (b) shall be qualified by the following terms and conditions.  If (A) as of the end of any fiscal year during the Employment Period the Executive is a “Covered Employee” as defined in Code Section 162(m), (B) Code Section 162(m) remains in effect as of the end of such fiscal year and as of such date is applicable to the payment of an Annual Bonus for such fiscal year and (C) the Executive participated for such fiscal year in an Annual Incentive Plan (as hereinafter defined), the Annual Bonus for such fiscal year shall be paid to the Executive pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan, rather than in accordance with the first four sentences of this paragraph (b), in the amount, at the time and upon the other terms and conditions specified in such Annual Incentive Plan; provided, however, that if a Change of Control occurs before such payment is made, the Executive shall be paid, in lieu of such amount and on the date on which such Change of Control occurs, as follows: (A) as the Annual Bonus for such fiscal year, an amount equal to the greater of (x) the maximum amount payable to the Executive under the Annual Incentive Plan for such fiscal year assuming achievement thereunder of the Corporate Performance Objective (as hereinafter defined) for such fiscal year and (y) the maximum amount payable in accordance with the first four sentences of this paragraph (b) and (B) as Annual Bonuses for all prior fiscal years ended during the Employment Period, an amount equal to the aggregate amount, if any, by which the maximum amount otherwise payable in accordance with the first four sentences of this paragraph (b) for all such prior fiscal years exceeds the aggregate amount of all Annual Bonuses previously paid to the Executive for such prior fiscal years pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan or otherwise under this paragraph (b).  If, as of the end of any fiscal year for which an Annual Bonus is payable pursuant to this paragraph (b), the Executive is not, and at any time during the three full fiscal years preceding such date was not, a “Covered Employee” as defined in Section 162(m), the Executive shall be paid the Annual Bonus for such fiscal year in accordance with the first four sentences of this paragraph (b); provided, however, that the amount of the Annual Bonus so paid to the Executive shall be reduced by the amount, if any, of the annual cash bonus paid to the Executive for such fiscal year pursuant to an Annual Incentive Plan.  For purposes of this paragraph (b), “Annual Incentive Plan” means an annual cash incentive compensation plan of the Company that (x) is intended to result in, and, in the opinion of a nationally reputable law firm having significant experience with Code Section 162(m), does result in, the payment of qualified performance-based compensation for purposes of Code Section 162(m) (assuming solely for this purpose achievement of the Corporate Performance Objective to which the payment of such compensation is subject), (y) conditions the payment of all compensation pursuant thereto on the achievement of a Corporate Performance Objective that is generally applicable to all participants in such plan, and (z) is administered, and includes a Corporate Performance Objective that is selected, in a manner that is consistent in all material respects with past practice as applied to the most recent annual cash incentive compensation plan of the Company that was in effect prior to the date of this Agreement (December 31, 2009) for which the applicable Corporate Performance Objective was achieved.  For purposes of this Agreement, the “Corporate Performance Objective” to which any payment of compensation is subject shall mean the objective performance objective which is selected and established by the Compensation Committee of the Board for purposes of making such payment fully deductible for federal income tax purposes pursuant to Code Section 162(m).
 
(c)   Long Term Incentive Compensation .  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all incentive compensation plans, practices, policies, and programs applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies, and programs provide the Executive with incentive opportunities and potential benefits, both as to amount and percentage of compensation, less favorable, in the aggregate, than those provided by the Company and its Affiliated Companies for the Executive under the FPL Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan (including, without limitation, performance share awards, stock option grants and restricted stock awards), or other plan providing for the grant of equity compensation for executive officers, as in effect at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, those provided generally at any time after the Effective Date to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.
 
(d)   Savings and Retirement Plans .  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all savings and retirement plans, practices, policies, and programs applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies, and programs provide the Executive with savings opportunities and retirement benefit opportunities, in each case, less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of those provided by the Company and its Affiliated Companies for the Executive under such plans, practices, policies, and programs as in effect at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, those provided generally at any time after the Effective Date to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.
 
In addition, during the Employment Period the Executive shall be entitled under this Agreement to the Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits described in Annex A attached hereto and made a part hereof by this reference (“Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits”).  The vesting of such Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits shall be determined in accordance with Section 8 of this Agreement.  The payment of such amount shall be determined in accordance with Section 8 of this Agreement, to the extent the ability to make such payment under Section 8 is consistent with the limitations of Code Section 409A and the terms of the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.

To the extent that the payment of this amount pursuant to Section 8 would be inconsistent with the limitations of Code Section 409A or the terms of the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, the payment of this amount described in Annex A shall be made under the terms of the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, pursuant to the provisions therein relating to post-2005 accrued benefits that are subject to Code Section 409A.

(e)   Benefit Plans .  During the Employment Period, the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies, and programs provided by the Company and its Affiliated Companies (including, without limitation, medical, executive medical, annual executive physical, prescription, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, executive long-term disability, salary continuance, employee life, group life, accidental death and dismemberment, and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies, and programs provide the Executive with benefits which are less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of such plans, practices, policies, and programs in effect for the Executive at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, those provided generally at any time after the Effective Date to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.
 
(f)   Expenses .  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the most favorable policies, practices, and procedures of the Company and its Affiliated Companies in effect for the Executive at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.  The payment of such reimbursements shall be made within thirty (30) days after submission of requests for reimbursement in accordance with applicable policies and procedures of the Company.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5(f) or elsewhere, reimbursement of expenses will be made consistent with the Company’s Expense Reimbursement Policy, which is intended to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv).
 
(g)   Fringe Benefits .  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits, including but not limited to those described in Section 8(a)(5), in accordance with the most favorable plans, practices, programs, and policies of the Company and its Affiliated Companies in effect for the Executive at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.
 
(h)   Office and Support Staff .  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to exclusive personal secretarial and other assistance, at least equal to the most favorable of the foregoing provided to the Executive by the Company and its Affiliated Companies at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as provided generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.
 
(i)   Vacation .  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable plans, policies, programs, and practices of the Company and its Affiliated Companies as in effect for the Executive at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.  In addition to, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in, the preceding sentence, any unused vacation days shall be carried over from year to year.
 
6.   Change of Control .
 
(a)   Benefits Upon Change of Control .  If, as of the date of a Change of Control which occurs during the Employment Period (including on the Effective Date), the Executive is employed by the Company or one of its Affiliated Companies, then as of such date:
 
(1)   50% of each outstanding performance stock-based award granted to the Executive shall become fully vested and earned at a deemed achievement level equal to the higher of (x) the targeted level of performance for such award or (y) the average level (expressed as a percentage of target) of achievement in respect of similar performance stock-based awards which matured over the three fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the Change of Control occurred; payment of each such vested award shall be made to the Executive, in the form described below, as soon as practicable following such Change of Control consistent with Code Section 409A; and the remainder of each such award shall remain outstanding (on a converted basis, if applicable) and shall remain subject to the terms and conditions of the plan under which such award was granted, as well as the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and
 
(2)   all other outstanding stock-based awards granted to the Executive shall be fully vested and earned; and
 
(3)   any outstanding option, stock appreciation right, and other outstanding award in the nature of a right that may be exercised that was granted to the Executive and which was not previously exercisable and vested shall become fully exercisable and vested; and
 
(4)   the restrictions and forfeiture conditions applicable to any outstanding award granted to the Executive under an incentive compensation plan, practice, policy or program shall lapse and such award shall be deemed fully vested.
 
If as a result of the Change of Control, the Outstanding Company Common Stock is exchanged for or converted into a different form of equity security and/or the right to receive other property (including cash), payment in respect of the underlying awards described in subparagraphs (1), (2) and, with respect to stock-based awards, (4) hereof shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in the same form.  If a Change of Control occurs and Company shareholders do not, as a group, receive consideration in connection with such Change of Control, then payment in respect of awards described in subparagraphs (1),(2) and, with respect to stock-based awards, (4) hereof shall be made in cash based on the average closing price of the shares of Outstanding Company Common Stock for the 20 trading days immediately preceding the date of the Change of Control.
 
(b)            Benefits Upon First Anniversary of Change of Control .  If the Executive has remained employed by the Company or one of its Affiliated Companies from the date of a Change of Control which occurs during the Employment Period (including on the Effective Date) to the date of the first anniversary of such Change of Control, the performance stock-based awards outstanding immediately prior to such Change of Control that did not become vested and earned at the time of such Change of Control pursuant to Section 6(a)(1) shall become vested and earned as of such first anniversary date and payment in respect of such awards shall be made as soon as practicable following such date, but in no event later than the 15th day of the third month following the end of the first taxable year in which the right to such payment arises.  The deemed level of achievement with respect to such awards, as well as the form of payment thereof, shall be as described in paragraph (a) above.
 
7.   Termination of Employment .
 
(a)   Death or Disability .  The Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive’s death during the Employment Period.  If the Company determines in good faith that the Disability of the Executive has occurred during the Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of Disability set forth below), it may give to the Executive written notice in accordance with Section 15(b) of this Agreement of its intention to terminate the Executive's employment.  In such event, the Executive's employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (the "Disability Effective Date"), provided that, within the 30 days after such receipt, the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of the Executive’s duties.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall mean the absence of the Executive from the Executive's duties with the Company on a full-time basis for 180 consecutive business days as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness which is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executive's legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be withheld unreasonably).
 
(b)   Cause .  The Company may terminate the Executive's employment during the Employment Period for Cause.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean (i) repeated violations by the Executive of the Executive's obligations under Section 4 of this Agreement (other than as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness) which are demonstrably willful and deliberate on the Executive's part, which are committed in bad faith or without reasonable belief that such violations are in the best interests of the Company and which are not remedied in a reasonable period of time after receipt of written notice from the Company specifying such violations or (ii) the conviction of the Executive of a felony involving an act of dishonesty intended to result in substantial personal enrichment at the expense of the Company or its Affiliated Companies.
 
(c)   Good Reason .  The Executive's employment may be terminated during the Employment Period by the Executive for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean:
 
(1)   any failure by the Company to comply with the provisions of Section 4 of this Agreement, including without limitation, the assignment to the Executive of any duties and responsibilities that are materially inconsistent with the Executive's status, offices, titles, and reporting requirements as in effect during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date, but excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of written notice thereof given by the Executive;
 
(2)   any failure by the Company to comply with any of the provisions of Sections 5 or 6 of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;
 
(3)   the Company's requiring the Executive to be based at any office or location other than that described in Section 4 hereof;
 
(4)   any purported termination by the Company of the Executive's  employment other than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or
 
(5)   any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Section 14(c) of this Agreement, provided that such successor has received at least ten days prior written notice from the Company or the Executive of the requirements of Section 14(c) of the Agreement.
 
For purposes of this Section 7(c), any good faith determination of "Good Reason" made by the Executive shall be conclusive.
 
(d)   Notice of Termination .  Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 15(b) of this Agreement.  For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated, and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall be not more than fifteen calendar days after the giving of such notice).  The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any facts or circumstances which contribute to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such facts or circumstances in enforcing the Executive's or the Company's rights hereunder.
 
(e)   Date of Termination .  "Date of Termination" means (i) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or any later date specified therein, as the case may be, (ii) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or Disability, the date on which the Company notifies the Executive of such termination, and (iii) if the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case may be.
 
8.   Obligations of the Company upon Termination .
 
(a)   Following a Change of Control: Good Reason; Other Than for Cause or Disability .  If following a Change of Control and during the Employment Period, the Company terminates the Executive's employment other than for Cause or Disability or death or the Executive terminates employment for Good Reason, then:
 
(1)   the Company shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 45 days after the Date of Termination the aggregate of the following amounts (such aggregate being hereinafter referred to as the "Special Termination Amount"):
 
(i)   the sum of (1) the Executive's Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (2) the product of (x) the Annual Bonus in effect at such date and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the current fiscal year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365 (such amount to be paid in addition to and not in lieu of any Annual Bonus earned for such year), and (3) any accrued vacation pay at the Annual Base Salary rate in effect as of the termination of employment, in each case to the extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the amounts described in subclauses (1), (2), and (3) herein shall be called the "Accrued Obligations"); and
 
(ii)   the amount equal to the product of (1) three , and (2) the sum of (x) the Executive's Annual Base Salary and (y) the Executive's Annual Bonus in effect at such date; provided, however, that such amount shall be paid in lieu of, and the Executive hereby waives the right to receive, any other amount of severance relating to salary or bonus continuation to be received by the Executive upon termination of employment of the Executive under any severance plan, policy or arrangement of the Company; and
 
(iii)   a separate lump-sum equal to the greater of (1) the supplemental pension benefit described in Paragraph 1(b) of Annex A that the Executive would have been entitled to had his employment continued at the compensation level provided for in Sections 5(a) and 5(b) of this Agreement for three   years and based upon his Projected Years of Service (as defined in Paragraph 2(a) of Annex A) and his Projected Age (as defined in Paragraph 2(b) of Annex A), or (2) the difference between (x) the actuarial equivalent (utilizing for this purpose the actuarial assumptions utilized with respect to the FPL Group Employee Pension Plan (or any successor plan thereto) (the "Pension Plan") during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date) of the benefit payable under the Pension Plan and all supplemental and/or excess retirement plans providing benefits for the Executive (“Supplemental Retirement Plans”) (other than the Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits described in Annex A) including, but not limited to the Supplemental Pension Benefit as defined in the FPL Group, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) which the Executive would receive if the Executive's employment continued at the compensation level provided for in Sections 5(a) and 5(b) of this Agreement for, and his age increased by, three years, assuming for this purpose that all accrued benefits are fully vested and that benefit accrual formulas are no less advantageous to the Executive than those in effect during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date, or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter during the Employment Period with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, and (y) the actuarial equivalent (utilizing for this purpose the actuarial assumptions utilized with respect to the Pension Plan during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date) of the Executive's actual benefits (paid or payable), if any, under the Pension Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plans;
 
(iv)   a separate lump-sum equal to the greater of (1) the supplemental matching contribution account described in Paragraph 1(c) of Annex A that the Executive would have been entitled to had his employment continued at the compensation level provided for in Sections 5(a) and 5(b) of this Agreement for three years and assuming that the Executive made After Tax Contributions (within the meaning of the FPL Group Employee Retirement Savings Plan or any successor plan thereto (the "Retirement Savings Plan")) and Pretax Contributions (within the meaning of the Retirement Savings Plan) to the Retirement Savings Plan at the highest permissible rate (disregarding any limitations imposed by the Code) following the Date of Termination, or (2) the difference between (x) the value of the Company Account (as defined in the Retirement Savings Plan) and any other matching contribution accounts (including, but not limited to the Supplemental Matching Contribution Account (as defined in the SERP)) under the Supplemental Retirement Plans (other than the Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits described in Annex A) which the Executive would receive if (A) the Executive's employment continued at the compensation level provided for in Sections 5(a) and 5(b) of this Agreement for three years, (B) the Executive made pre- and after-tax contributions at the highest permissible rate (disregarding any limitations imposed by the Code, which may or may not be set forth in the Retirement Savings Plan) for three years, (C) the Company Account and the matching contribution accounts are fully vested, and (D) the matching contribution formulas are no less advantageous to the Executive than those in effect during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time during the remainder of the Employment Period with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, and (y) the actual value of the Executive's Company Account and matching contribution accounts (paid or payable), if any, under the Retirement Savings Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plans; and
 
(v)   if the Change of Control hereunder is also a “change in ownership,” a “change in effective control” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Company within the meaning of Code Section 409A, any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) including, without limitation, compensation, bonus, incentive compensation or awards deferred under the FPL Group, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan or incentive compensation or awards deferred under the FPL Group, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan of 1985, the FPL Group, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan of 1994, or pursuant to any individual deferral agreement; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, if the Change of Control hereunder is not any such event within the meaning of Code Section 409A, payment of the foregoing amounts shall be made as soon as practicable consistent with Code Section 409A;
 
(2)   the Company shall provide the Executive, if such termination occurs prior to the first anniversary of the Change of Control, with the vested and earned awards that the Executive would have received pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof had the Executive remained employed to the first anniversary of the Change of Control;
 
(3)   Subject to the provisions of this paragraph (3):
 
(A)   a pro rata portion of each outstanding performance stock-based award granted to the Executive on or after the date of the Change of Control shall be fully vested and earned at a deemed achievement level equal to the higher of (x) the targeted level of performance for such award or (y) the average level (expressed as a percentage of target) of achievement in respect of similar performance stock-based awards which matured over the three fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the Change of Control occurred; and
 
(B)   a pro rata portion of each other outstanding stock-based award granted to the Executive on or after the date of the Change of Control shall be fully vested and earned;
 
(C)   a pro rata portion of each outstanding option, stock appreciation right, and other award in the nature of a right that may be exercised that was granted to the Executive on or after the date of the Change of Control and which was not previously exercisable and vested shall become fully exercisable and vested; and
 
(D)   the restrictions and forfeiture conditions applicable to any outstanding award granted to the Executive on or after the date of the Change of Control under an incentive compensation plan, practice, policy or program shall lapse and a pro rata portion of such award shall be deemed fully vested and earned.
 
In determining the pro rata portion of an award that shall become fully vested and earned or fully vested and exercisable pursuant to this paragraph (3), an Executive shall be deemed to have remained employed to the end of the Employment Period (determined without regard to his earlier termination of employment).  Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, an award shall not become vested and earned or vested and exercisable hereunder (and instead shall be cancelled) to the extent that pursuant to Section 6 or Section 8(a)(2) hereof, a similar predecessor award in respect of the same performance or vesting period shall have become vested and earned, shall have become vested and exercisable or shall have been paid.  Payment in respect of the underlying awards described in subparagraphs (A), (B) and (D) hereof shall be made in the shares to which such awards relate if such shares are then admitted for trading on a national securities exchange or are then admitted for quotation on a national quotation system as soon as practicable following the Date of Termination, but in no event later than the 15th day of the third month following the end of the first taxable year in which the right to such payment arises.  If such shares are not so admitted, payment in respect of the underlying awards described in subparagraphs (A), (B) and (D) hereof shall be made in cash based on the fair market value of the shares (as determined by the board of directors of the issuer of such shares in good faith) to which such awards relate.  Any portion of an award that does not become vested and earned or vested and exercisable pursuant to this paragraph (3) shall be cancelled as of the Date of Termination.
 
(4)   for a three year period commencing on the Date of Termination (the "Continuation Period"), or such longer period as any plan, program, practice or policy may provide, the Company shall continue benefits to the Executive and/or the Executive's family at least equal to those which would have been provided to them in accordance with the plans, programs, practices and policies described in Sections 5(e) and 5(g) of this Agreement if the Executive's employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the most favorable plans, practices, programs or policies of the Company and its Affiliated Companies applicable generally to other peer executives and their families during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies and their families, provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or other welfare benefits under another employer provided plan, the medical and other welfare benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility.  For purposes of determining eligibility of the Executive for retiree benefits pursuant to such plans, practices, programs and policies, the Executive shall be considered to have remained employed until the end of the Continuation Period and to have retired on the last day of such period.  In addition to, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in, the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (4), and to the extent that the benefit referred to in this sentence is more favorable to the Executive than the benefit conferred by the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (4), upon termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled without limitation as to period to enroll in Access Only Benefits, as defined in the Retiree Benefits Plan for Employees of FPL Group, Inc., as amended and restated effective January 1, 2008 (the “Retiree Benefits Plan”), or in a comparable medical benefits arrangement, if the Executive satisfies the eligibility requirements as stated in Appendix B to the Retiree Benefits Plan as in effect as of December 12, 2008, even if Access Only Benefits, or comparable medical benefits, are no longer being provided to other employees of the Company; provided, that such medical benefits shall be provided to the Executive to the extent that such coverage is available under the Company’s health, dental and vision plans or can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms;
 
(5)   for the remainder of the Continuation Period and to the extent previously paid for or provided by the Company or its Affiliated Companies, the Company shall continue to provide the following, consistent with the Company’s Expense Reimbursement Policy, which is intended to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv):
 
(A)   social and business club memberships to the Executive (as in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination);
 
(B)   use, maintenance, insurance, and repair of the company car that is in the possession of the Executive, until the earlier of the end of the lease term or the end of the Continuation Period, at which time the Executive may purchase such car (in accordance with the Company’s then-existing executive car program).  The Company shall replace the company car in the Executive's possession on the Effective Date with a new company car at such time(s) as provided under the Company car policy applicable to other peer executives, but in no case less frequently than the Company car policy in effect during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date;
 
(C)   up to $15,000 annually for personal financial planning, accounting and legal advice;
 
(D)   communication equipment such as a car and/or cellular phone, and home or laptop computer until the end of the Continuation Period, at which time the Executive may purchase such equipment;
 
(E)   security system at the Executive's residence, and the related monitoring and maintenance fees; and
 
(F)   up to $800 annually for personal excess liability insurance coverage;
 
To the extent that any of these benefits is determined to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A (and ineligible for any exception from the application of Code Section 409A), payment shall not be made prior to, and shall, if necessary, be deferred to and paid (with interest using 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate, with compounding, as prescribed under Code Section 1274(d)) on the first day of the seventh month following the date on which the Executive experiences a separation from service (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)).
 
(6)   to the extent not theretofore paid or provided, the Company shall timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Executive is eligible to receive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise under any plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, but excluding solely for purposes of this Section 8(a)(6) (and subsequent sections hereof which make reference to payments of amounts or benefits described in this Section 8(a)(6)) amounts waived by the Executive pursuant to Section 8(a)(1)(ii); and
 
(7)   the Company shall provide the Executive with the following benefits consistent with the Company’s Expense Reimbursement Policy, which is intended to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv):
 
(A)   If the Executive is required to move his primary residence in order to pursue other business opportunities during the Continuation Period, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for all such relocation expenses incurred during the Employment Period (not in excess of $10,000) that are not reimbursed by another employer, including, without limitation, assistance in selling the Executive's home and all other assistance and benefits that were customarily provided by the Company to transferred executives prior to the Effective Date;
 
(B)   If the Executive retains counsel or an accounting firm in connection with the taxation of payments made pursuant to Section 11 of this Agreement, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for such reasonable legal and/or accounting fees and disbursements (not in excess of $15,000);
 
(C)   The Company shall continue to pay the Executive's Annual Base Salary during the pendency of a dispute over his termination.  However, such amounts shall not be paid to the Executive prior to, and shall, if necessary, be deferred to and paid (with interest at 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate, with compounding as prescribed under Code Section 1274(d)) on the first day of the seventh month following the date on which the Executive experiences a separation from service (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)). Amounts paid under this subsection are in addition to all other amounts due under this Agreement (other than those due under Section 5(a) hereof) and shall not be offset against or reduce any other amounts due under this Agreement; and
 
(D)   The Company shall provide the Executive with outplacement services commensurate with those provided to terminated executives of comparable level made available through and at the facilities of a reputable and experienced vendor.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the benefits described in paragraphs (A),(B) and (D) above are limited to expenses incurred no later than the end of the second calendar year following the Executive’s termination, and the reimbursements will be made timely upon receipt of the Executive’s request for payment (but in no event later than the third year following such termination).
 
(b)   Following An Effective Date and Prior to a Change of Control: Good Reason; Other Than for Cause or Disability .  If, following an actual Effective Date ( i.e. , not a Deemed Effective Date) and prior to a Change of Control, the Company terminates the Executive's employment during the Employment Period other than for Cause or Disability or death or the Executive terminates employment for Good Reason, then:
 
(1)   the Company shall provide the Executive with the payments and benefits described under Sections 8(a)(1), (4), (5), (6) and (7);
 
(2)   the Company shall provide the Executive with the benefits the Executive would have received under Section 6(a) hereof as if a Change of Control had occurred immediately prior to the Date of Termination, except that, for purposes of Section 6(a)(1), (i) 100% of each outstanding performance stock-based award granted to the Executive which is outstanding immediately prior to the Date of Termination shall become fully vested and earned and (ii) payment shall be made in the form contemplated by the terms of the award.
 
(c)   Deemed Effective Date .  If the Executive's employment terminates under circumstances described in the second sentence of Section 1 hereof, then:
 
(1)   the Company shall provide the Executive with the payments and benefits described under Sections 8(a)(1), (4), (5), (6) and (7); and
 
(2)   a pro rata portion of each outstanding performance stock-based award granted to the Executive shall be fully vested and earned at a deemed achievement level equal to the higher of (x) the targeted level of performance for such award or (y) the average level (expressed as a percentage of target) of achievement in respect of similar performance stock-based awards which matured over the three fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the Date of Termination occurs; payment in respect of such award shall be made at the time and in the manner provided under the plan pursuant to which such award was granted; and the remainder of the award shall be cancelled, subject, however, to the provisions of this paragraph (c);
 
(3)   a pro rata portion of each other outstanding stock-based award granted to the Executive shall be fully vested and earned; payment in respect of such award shall be made at the time and in the manner provided under the plan pursuant to which such award was granted; and the remainder of the award shall be cancelled, subject, however, to the provisions of this paragraph (c);
 
(4)   a pro rata portion of each outstanding option, stock appreciation right, and each other outstanding award in the nature of a right that may be exercised that was granted to the Executive and which was not previously exercisable and vested shall become fully exercisable and vested; and the remainder of each such award shall be cancelled, subject, however, to the provisions of this paragraph (c); and
 
(5)   the restrictions and forfeiture conditions applicable to a pro rata portion of any outstanding award granted to the Executive under an incentive compensation plan, practice, policy or program shall lapse; such portion shall be deemed fully vested; and the remainder of each such award shall be cancelled, subject, however, to the provisions of this paragraph (c).
 
For purposes of this Section 8 (c), pro ration of the foregoing awards shall be determined in accordance with the past practice of the Company generally applicable to peer executives whose employment had been involuntarily terminated.
 
Notwithstanding cancellation of awards hereunder, if a Change of Control occurs following the Date of Termination and the Board determines in good faith prior to the Change of Control that there is a reasonable relationship between the Change of Control and the events or circumstances surrounding the Executive's termination, then the Company shall pay to the Executive, on the 60th day following the Change of Control, a lump sum cash amount (determined by the Board in good faith) which, when added to the value received by the Executive under the provisions of clauses (2)-(5) above, will provide to Executive an aggregate value equal to the aggregate value that would have been provided to the Executive under Section 6(a) and Section 8(a)(2) hereof had the Executive remained employed to the date of the Change of Control and been involuntarily terminated without Cause immediately thereafter.
 
Notwithstanding anything in Section 8(b) or in this Section 8(c) to the contrary, if (A) the Executive was at any time during a Performance Period which has not ended prior to the Date of Termination, a “Covered Employee” as defined by Code Section 162(m) and (B) Code Section 162(m) remains in effect as of the Date of Termination and as of such date is applicable to the element of compensation (including, without limitation, annual cash bonus, performance shares and restricted stock) contemplated for payment or vesting, in each case, as described in Section 8(b) or in this Section 8(c), no such element of compensation to which the Executive shall otherwise be entitled pursuant to Section 8(b) or this Section 8(c) that is intended to constitute and, in the opinion of a nationally reputable law firm having significant experience with Code Section 162(m), absent the Executive’s termination, would have constituted, qualified performance-based compensation for purposes of Code Section 162(m) (assuming, solely for this purpose, that the Corporate Performance Objective to which the payment or vesting of such element of compensation is subject had been achieved) shall be paid or shall vest unless and until the earlier of (i) the date on which a Change of Control occurs, but only if such delay in payment or vesting of such element of compensation is necessary for prior payments or vesting of compensation to or for the benefit of the Executive to continue to constitute qualified performance-based compensation for purposes of Code Section 162(m), or (ii) the date on which the Compensation Committee of the Board shall have certified achievement of the Corporate Performance Objective to which the payment or vesting of such element of compensation is subject, but only if such delay in payment or vesting of such element of compensation is necessary for prior payments or vesting of compensation to or for the benefit of the Executive to continue to constitute qualified performance-based compensation for purposes of Code Section 162(m).  For purposes of this Section 8(c), “Performance Period” means a period of service for which the Compensation Committee of the Board has established a Corporate Performance Objective and for which the Company intends to pay qualified performance-based compensation for purposes of Code Section 162(m) if such Corporate Performance Objective is achieved.
 
(d)   Death .  Upon the Executive's death during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive's legal representatives under this Agreement, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations, the Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits described in Annex A, and the timely payment or provision of the benefits described in Sections 8(a)(4) and 8(a)(6) (the "Other Benefits").  All Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive's estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. The Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits shall be paid to the Executive's Beneficiary (within the meaning of the SERP) under the terms set forth in, and pursuant to the elections made under, the SERP. The term "Other Benefits" as utilized in this Section 8(d) shall include, without limitation, and the Executive's family shall be entitled to receive, benefits at least equal to the most favorable benefits provided by the Company and any of its Affiliated Companies to surviving families of peer executives of the Company and such Affiliated Companies under such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to family death benefits, if any, as in effect with respect to other peer executives and their families at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as in effect on the date of the Executive's death with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies and their families.
 
(e)   Disability .  If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of the Executive's Disability during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations, the Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits described in Annex A, and the timely payment or provision of Other Benefits (as defined in Section 8(d)).  All Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination.   The Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits shall be paid to the Executive or his Beneficiary (within the meaning of the SERP), as the case may be, under the terms set forth in, and pursuant to the elections made under, the SERP. The term "Other Benefits" as utilized in this Section 8(e) shall also include, and the Executive shall be entitled after the Disability Effective Date to receive, disability and other benefits at least equal to the most favorable of those generally provided by the Company and its Affiliated Companies to disabled executives and/or their families in accordance with such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to disability, if any, as in effect generally with respect to other peer executives and their families at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as in effect at any time thereafter generally with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies and their families.
 
(f)   Cause; Other Than for Good Reason .  If the Executive's employment shall be terminated for Cause during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive other than the obligation to pay to the Executive Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination plus the amount of any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (under the terms set forth in, and pursuant to the elections made under, the applicable deferred compensation plan or arrangement), in each case to the extent theretofore unpaid.  If the Executive terminates employment during the Employment Period, excluding a termination for Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for Accrued Obligations, the Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits, if any, described in Annex A to the extent the Executive is vested in his benefits under the Pension Plan, and the timely payment or provision of benefits pursuant to the last sentence of Section 8(a)(4) and Section 8(a)(6).  In such case, all Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination.  The Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits, if any, shall be paid to the Executive or his Beneficiary (within the meaning of the SERP), as the case may be, under the terms set forth in, and pursuant to the elections made under, the SERP.
 
(g)   Payment Schedule . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, to the extent required to comply with Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), (i) if the Executive's termination of employment does not constitute a "separation from service" within the meaning of Code Section 409A, any taxable payment or benefit which becomes due under this Agreement as a result of such termination of employment shall be deferred to the earliest date on which the Executive has a "separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A; and (ii) if the Executive is deemed to be a “specified employee” for purposes of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), payments due to him that would otherwise have been payable at any time during the six-month period immediately following separation from service (as defined for purposes of Code Section 409A) shall not be paid prior to, and shall instead be payable in a lump sum as soon as practicable following, the expiration of such six-month period.   Any amounts deferred under this Section 8(g) shall bear interest from the date originally scheduled to be paid through and including the date of actual payment at 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate (as prescribed under Code Section 1274(d)) per annum, compounded quarterly.   In addition to the foregoing, payments that are or become due on account of a Deemed Effective Date shall be made at the time otherwise provided in this Agreement or, if later, the earlier of the second anniversary of the Date of Termination and the date of occurrence of a “change of control” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder).
 
9.      Non-Exclusivity of Rights .
 
  Except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company or any of its Affiliated Companies and for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its Affiliated Companies.  Amounts which are vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its Affiliated Companies at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement and consistent with Code Section 409A.
 
10.     Full Settlement .
 
    The Company's obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against the Executive or others.   In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement, such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.  The Company agrees to pay, to the fullest extent permitted by law (but only to the extent consistent with Code Section 409A), all legal fees and expenses which the Executive may reasonably incur at all stages of proceedings, including, without limitation, preparation and appellate review, as a result of any contest (regardless of whether formal legal proceedings are ever commenced and regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, the Executive or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by the Executive about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the applicable Federal rate provided for in Code Section 7872(f)(2)(A).
 
  11.  Certain Additional Payments by the Company .    [Messrs. Hay, Davidson, Pimentel, Olivera, Robo and Sieving]

(a)           Anything in any section of this Agreement other than this Section 11 to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that any Payment (as hereinafter defined) would be subject to the Excise Tax (as hereinafter defined), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (the "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any income or employment taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto) and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, but excluding any income taxes and penalties imposed pursuant to Section 409A of the Code, the Executive retains a portion of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments; provided that , if it is determined that the Executive is entitled to the Gross-Up Payment, but that the Parachute Value (as hereinafter defined) of all Payments does not exceed 110% of the Safe Harbor Amount (as hereinafter defined), then no Gross-Up Payment shall be made to the Executive and the amounts payable under this Agreement shall be reduced so that the Parachute Value of all Payments, in the aggregate, equals the Safe Harbor Amount.   To the extent that the payment of any compensation or benefits to Executive from the Company is required to be reduced by this Section 11, such reduction shall be implemented by determining the “Parachute Payment Ratio” (as hereinafter defined) for each “parachute payment” (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and then reducing the parachute payments in order beginning with the parachute payment with the highest Parachute Payment Ratio.  For parachute payments with the same Parachute Payment Ratio, such parachute payments shall be reduced based on the time of payment of such parachute payments, with amounts having later payment dates being reduced first.  For parachute payments with the same Parachute Payment Ratio and the same time of payment, such parachute payments shall be reduced on a pro rata basis (but not below zero) prior to reducing parachute payments with a lower Parachute Payment Ratio.  Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this Section 11, shall be paid by the Company to the Executive no later than the end of the taxable year following the taxable year in which the related taxes are remitted by the Executive.

 
(b)            Definitions . The following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Section 11.
 
(i) “ Excise Tax ” shall mean the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, together with any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such excise tax.
 
(ii) “Parachute Payment Ratio” shall mean a fraction the numerator of which is the value of the applicable parachute payment for purposes of Section 280G of the Code and the denominator of which is the intrinsic value of such parachute payment.
 
(iii)  “ Parachute Value ” of a Payment shall mean the present value as of the date of the change of control for purposes of Section 280G of the Code of the portion of such Payment that constitutes a “parachute payment” under Section 280G(b)(2), as determined for purposes of determining whether and to what extent the Excise Tax will apply to such Payment.
 
(iv) A “ Payment ” shall mean any payment or distribution in the nature of compensation (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether paid or payable pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise.
 
(v) The “ Safe Harbor Amount ” means 2.99 times the Executive’s “base amount,” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code.
 
(c)           In the event that Federal or state legislation is enacted by imposing additional excise or supplementary income taxes on amounts payable or benefits provided to the Executive (other than a mere change in marginal income tax rates), the Company agrees to review the Agreement with the Executive and to consider in good faith any changes hereto that may be required to preserve the full amount of all Payments and the economic purposes of the foregoing provisions of this Section 11.
 
11.   Parachute Payments .    [Mr. Dewhurst]

(a)   Anything in any section of this Agreement other than this Section 11 to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that any Payment (as hereinafter defined) would be subject to the Excise Tax (as hereinafter defined), the right to receive any Payment under this Agreement shall be reduced if but only if:

(i)  such right to such Payment, taking into account all other Payments to or for Participant, would cause any Payment to the Participant under this Agreement to be considered a "parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code as then in effect; and

(ii)  as a result of receiving a parachute payment and paying any applicable tax (including Excise Tax) thereon, the aggregate after-tax amounts received by the Participant from the Company under this Agreement and all Payments would be less than the maximum after-tax amount that could be received by Participant without causing any such Payment to be considered a parachute payment.

In the event that the receipt of any such right to Payment under this Agreement, in conjunction with all other Payments, would cause the Participant to be considered to have received a parachute payment under this Agreement that would have the effect of decreasing the after-tax amount received by the Participant as described in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, then the amounts payable under this Agreement shall be reduced so that the Parachute Value of all Payments, in the aggregate, equals the Safe Harbor Amount.

To the extent that the payment of any compensation or benefits to Executive from the Company is required to be reduced by this Section 11, such reduction shall be implemented by determining the “Parachute Payment Ratio” (as hereinafter defined) for each parachute payment and then reducing the parachute payments in order beginning with the parachute payment with the highest Parachute Payment Ratio.  For parachute payments with the same Parachute Payment Ratio, such parachute payments shall be reduced based on the time of payment of such parachute payments, with amounts having later payment dates being reduced first.  For parachute payments with the same Parachute Payment Ratio and the same time of payment, such parachute payments shall be reduced on a pro rata basis (but not below zero) prior to reducing parachute payments with a lower Parachute Payment Ratio.

(b) Definitions . The following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Section 11.
 
(i) “ Excise Tax ” shall mean the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, together with any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such excise tax.
 
(ii) “ Parachute Payment Ratio ” shall mean a fraction the numerator of which is the value of the applicable parachute payment for purposes of Section 280G of the Code and the denominator of which is the intrinsic value of such parachute payment.
 
(iii)  “ Parachute Value ” of a Payment shall mean the present value as of the date of the change of control for purposes of Section 280G of the Code of the portion of such Payment that constitutes a “parachute payment” under Section 280G(b)(2), as determined for purposes of determining whether and to what extent the Excise Tax will apply to such Payment.
 
(iv) A “ Payment ” shall mean any payment or distribution in the nature of compensation (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether paid or payable pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise.
 
(v) The “ Safe Harbor Amount ” means 2.99 times the Executive’s “base amount,” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code.
 
12.   Confidential Information .   The Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its Affiliated Companies, and their respective businesses, which shall have been obtained by the Executive during the Executive's employment by the Company or any of its Affiliated Companies and which shall not be or become public knowledge (other than by acts of the Executive or representatives of the Executive in violation of this Agreement).  After termination of the Executive's employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Company and those designated by it.  In no event shall an asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 12 constitute a basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive under this Agreement.
 
13.             Indemnification . The Company will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify the Executive in accordance with the terms of Article VI of the Company’s bylaws as in effect on the date hereof, a copy of which Article VI is attached to this Agreement as Annex B and made a part hereof by this reference. This indemnification provision shall survive the expiration or other termination of this Agreement.
 
14.   Successors .
 
(a)   This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the Executive other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's legal representatives.
 
(b)   This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.
 
(c)   The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.  As used in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.
 
15.   Miscellaneous.
 
(a)   This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.  The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect.  This Agreement may not be amended or modified other than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.
 
(b)   All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
 
If to the Executive:




If to the Company:

FPL Group, Inc.
700 Universe Boulevard
Juno Beach, Florida  33408
Attention:  Executive Vice President, Human Resources

or such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith.  Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.

(c)   The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
 
(d)   The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
 
(e)   The Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision hereof or any other provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 7(c)(1)-(5) of this Agreement, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.
 
(f)   The Executive and the Company acknowledge that, except as may otherwise be provided under this Agreement or any other written agreement between the Executive and the Company, the employment of the Executive by the Company is "at will" and, prior to the Effective Date, the Executive’s employment may be terminated by either the Executive or the Company at any time.  Moreover, except as provided herein in the case of a Deemed Effective Date, if prior to the Effective Date, (i) the Executive's employment with the Company terminates, or (ii) there is a diminution in the Executive's position (including status, offices, titles, and reporting requirements), authority, duties, and responsibilities with the Company or its Affiliated Companies, then the Executive shall have no rights under this Agreement.   From and after the Effective Date, this Agreement shall supersede any other agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and in furtherance but not in limitation of this, the Executive hereby waives the right to receive any amount of severance relating to salary or bonus continuation to be received by the Executive upon termination of employment of the Executive under the circumstances contemplated hereby under any severance plan, policy or arrangement of the Company.
 
(g)   The Executive and the Company acknowledge that this Agreement contains the full and complete expression of the rights and obligations of the parties with respect to the matters contained in the Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, written or oral, made by the parties with respect to the matters contained in the Agreement.
 
N otwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, and except in the case of death, it shall be a condition to the Executive receiving any payments or benefits under this Agreement that the Executive shall have (a) executed and delivered to the Company a release of claims against the Company, such release to be in the Company’s then standard form of release; and (b) executed and delivered to the Company resignations of all officer and director positions the Executive holds with the Company or its Affiliated Companies, in each case no later than forty-five (45) days after the Date of Termination unless there is a genuine dispute as to the Executive’s substantive rights under this Agreement within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(g) (or any successor provision) .
 
The Executive and the Company acknowledge that the benefits and payments provided under this Agreement are intended to comply fully with the requirements of Code Section 409A.  This Agreement shall be construed and administered as necessary to comply with Code Section 409A and shall be subject to amendment in the future, in such a manner as the Company may deem necessary or appropriate to attain compliance; provided, however, that any such amendment shall provide the Executive with benefits and payments that are substantially economically equivalent to the benefits and payments that would have been made to the Executive absent such amendment and the requirements of Code Section 409A.
 
16. Retention Payment [ Messrs. Davidson and Robo only ]

If an Effective Date occurs under clause (iv) of Section 1 hereof and if, by reason of the termination or abandonment of the transaction contemplated by the definitive agreement referred to in said clause (iv), the Board adopts a resolution pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof that terminates the Employment Period, then so long as the Executive had remained employed to the date of termination or abandonment of such transaction, the Company shall pay the Executive in a lump sum in cash, within 30 days after the date of the adoption of such resolution, an amount equal to 50% of the sum of the Executive's Annual Base Salary and Annual Bonus (each as in effect as of the date of such termination or abandonment).
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive's hand and the Company has caused this [further][ Messrs. Davidson, Hay, Olivera, Pimentel and Robo] Amended and Restated Executive Retention Employment Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of ___________________, 2009.
 

 
EXECUTIVE



By   __________________________________



FPL GROUP, INC.



By   __________________________________

 
 

 

ANNEX A
TO THE
FORM OF AMENDED AND RESTATED
EXECUTIVE RETENTION EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT



PAYMENT IN LIEU OF LOST FUTURE BENEFITS
 
(1)           Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits.

(a)           In General.  The Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits to which the Executive shall be entitled under this Agreement shall be (i) the supplemental pension benefit described in Paragraph 1(b) of this Annex A, and (ii) the supplemental matching contribution account described in Paragraph 1(c) of this Annex A.
 
(b)           Supplemental Pension Benefit.  The "supplemental pension benefit" shall be the greater of (i) the supplemental cash balance accrued benefit described in Paragraph 1(b)(1) of this Annex A, or (ii) the supplemental unit credit accrued benefit described in Paragraph 1(b)(2) of this Annex A.
 
(1)           The "supplemental cash balance accrued benefit" is the difference, if any, between (A) and (B) where:
 
(A)          is the benefit to which the Executive would be entitled under the Pension Plan as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter during the Employment Period with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, expressed in the normal form of benefit, if such benefit was computed (i) as if benefits under such plan were based upon the Executive's Bonus Compensation (within the meaning of the SERP as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control), (ii) without the annual compensation limitation imposed by Code Section 401(a)(17), and (iii) without the restrictions or the limitations imposed by Code Section 415(b); and
 
(B)          is the sum of the benefits payable to the Executive under the Pension Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plans, expressed in the normal form of benefit.
 
(2)           The "supplemental unit credit accrued benefit" is the difference, if any, between (A) and (B) where:
 
(A)           is the benefit to which the Executive would be entitled under the Prior Pension Plan (within the meaning of the SERP as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control) (provided that the Executive was actually a participant in the Prior Pension Plan), expressed in the normal form of benefit, if such benefit was computed (i) as if benefits under such plan were based upon the Executive's Bonus Compensation, (ii) without the annual compensation limitation imposed by Code Section 401(a)(17), and (iii) without the restrictions or the limitations imposed by Code Section 415(b); and
 
(B)          is the sum of the benefits payable to the Executive under the Pension Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plans, expressed in the normal form of benefit.
 
(c)           Supplemental Matching Contribution Account.  The "supplemental matching contribution account" shall be an account that is credited annually with (i) supplemental matching contributions described in Paragraph 1(c)(1) of this Annex A, and (ii) theoretical earnings described in Paragraph 1(c)(2) of this Annex A.
 
(1)           "Supplemental matching contributions" shall be for each year ending on or prior to the Effective Date in which the Executive participated in the Supplemental Retirement Plans and for each year ending after the Effective Date in which the Executive performs services for the Company or its Affiliated Companies the difference, if any, between (A) and (B) where:
 
(A)          is the matching contribution allocation for such year to which the Executive would be entitled under the Retirement Savings Plan as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter during the Employment Period with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies if such allocation were computed (i) as if the matching contribution allocation under such plan was based upon the Executive's Bonus Compensation, (ii) without the annual compensation limitation imposed by Code Section 401(a)(17), (iii) without the restrictions or the limitations imposed by Code Section 415(c), and (iv) as if he made After Tax Contributions (within the meaning of the Retirement Savings Plan) and Pretax Contributions (within the meaning of the Retirement Savings Plan) at the same percentage of Bonus Compensation as he made such contributions to the Retirement Savings Plan for such years; and
 
(B)          is the sum of the matching contributions allocated or credited to the Executive under the Retirement Savings Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plans for such year.
 
(2)           "Theoretical earnings" shall be the income, gains and losses which would have been credited on the Executive's supplemental matching contribution account balance if such account were invested in the Company Stock Fund (within the meaning of the Retirement Savings Plan) offered as a part of the Retirement Savings Plan.
 
(2)           Construction and Definitions.

Unless defined below or otherwise in this Annex A, all of the capitalized terms used in this Annex A shall have the meanings assigned to them in this Agreement:
 
(a)           "Projected Years of Service" shall mean the Years of Service (within the meaning of the SERP as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control).  Notwithstanding the foregoing and except in the event the Executive terminates employment during the Employment Period other than for Good Reason, in determining the Executive's Years of Service, in addition to his actual Years of Service he shall be treated as if his employment terminated on the later of the third anniversary of the Date of Termination or the last day of the Employment Period.
 
(b)           "Projected Age" shall mean the age that the Executive will have attained on the later of the third anniversary of the Date of Termination or the last day of the Employment Period, except that in the event the Executive terminates employment during the Employment Period other than for Good Reason, "Projected Age" shall mean the age of the Executive on the Date of Termination.
 

 
 

 

Annex B
 
FPL GROUP, INC. AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
 
ARTICLE VI.  INDEMNIFICATION/ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES

Section 1.  Right to Indemnification .   Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or was or is called as a witness or was or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding in connection with his or her status as an Indemnified Person, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company to the fullest extent permitted under the Florida Business Corporation Act (the "Act"), as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than the Act permitted the Company to provide prior to such amendment).  Such indemnification shall cover all expenses incurred by an Indemnified Person (including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees and other expenses of litigation) and all liabilities and losses (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, ERISA or other excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) incurred by such person in connection therewith.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, except with respect to indemnification specified in Section 3 of this Article VI, the Company shall indemnify an Indemnified Person in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if authorization for such Proceeding (or part thereof) was not denied by the board of directors of the Company prior to 60 days after receipt of notice thereof from such person.

For purposes of this Article VI:

(i) a "Proceeding" is an action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and any appeal therefrom;

(ii) an "Indemnified Person" is a person who is, or who was (whether at the time the facts or circumstances underlying the Proceeding occurred or were alleged to have occurred or at any other time), (A) a director or officer of the Company, (B) a director, officer or other employee of the Company serving as a trustee or fiduciary of an employee benefit plan of the Company, (C) an agent or non-officer employee of the Company as to whom the Company has agreed to grant such indemnity, or (D) serving at the request of the Company in any capacity with any entity or enterprise other than the Company and as to whom the Company has agreed to grant such indemnity.

Section 2.  Expenses .   Expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by an Indemnified Person in defending or otherwise being involved in a Proceeding in connection with his or her status as an Indemnified Person shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therefrom, (i) in the case of (A) a director or officer, or former director or officer, of the Company or (B) a director, officer or other employee, or former director, officer or other employee, of the Company serving as a trustee or fiduciary of any employee benefit plan of the Company, upon receipt of an undertaking ("Undertaking") by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company; or (ii) in the case of any other Indemnified Person, upon such terms and as the board of directors, the chairman of the board or the president of the Company deems appropriate.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person, except a Proceeding authorized by Section 3 of this Article VI, the Company shall pay said expenses in advance of final disposition only if authorization for such Proceeding (or part thereof) was not denied by the board of directors of the Company prior to 60 days after receipt of a request for such advancement accompanied by an Undertaking.

A person to whom expenses are advanced pursuant to this Section 2 shall not be obligated to repay such expenses pursuant to an Undertaking until the final determination of any pending Proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction concerning the right of such person to be indemnified or the obligation of such person to repay pursuant to such Undertaking.

Section 3.  Protection of Rights .   If a claim for indemnification under Section 1 of this Article VI is not promptly paid in full by the Company after a written claim has been received by the Company or if expenses pursuant to Section 2 of this Article VI have not been promptly advanced after a written request for such advancement accompanied by an Undertaking has been received by the Company (in each case, except if authorization thereof was denied by the board of directors of the Company as provided in Article VI, Section 1 and Section 2, as applicable), the Indemnified Person may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Company to recover the unpaid amount of the claim or the advancement of expenses.  If successful, in whole or in part, in such suit, such Indemnified Person shall also be entitled to be paid the reasonable expense thereof.  It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required Undertaking has been tendered to the Company) that indemnification of the Indemnified Person is prohibited by law, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Company.  Neither the failure of the Company (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) to have made a determination, if required, prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the Indemnified Person is proper in the circumstances, nor an actual determination by the Company (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) that indemnification of the Indemnified Person is prohibited, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that indemnification of the Indemnified Person is prohibited.

Section 4. Miscellaneous .

(i) Power to Request Service and to Grant Indemnification .   The chairman of the board or the president or the board of directors may request any director, officer, agent or employee of the Company to serve as its representative in the position of a director or officer (or in a substantially similar capacity) of an entity or enterprise other than the Company, and may grant to such person indemnification by the Company as described in Section 1 of this Article VI.

(ii) Non-Exclusivity of Rights .   The rights conferred on any person by this Article VI shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Charter, bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.  The board of directors shall have the authority, by resolution, to provide for such indemnification of employees or agents of the Company or others and for such other indemnification of directors, officers, employees or agents as it shall deem appropriate.

(iii) Insurance Contracts and Funding .   The Company may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of or person serving in any other capacity with, the Company or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including serving as a trustee or fiduciary of any employee benefit plan) against any expenses, liabilities or losses, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such expenses, liabilities or losses under the Act.  The Company may enter into contracts with any director, officer, agent or employee of the Company in furtherance of the provisions of this Article VI, and may create a trust fund, grant a security interest or use other means (including, without limitation, a letter of credit) to ensure the payment of such amounts as may be necessary to effect the advancing of expenses and indemnification as provided in this Article VI.

(iv) Contractual Nature .   The provisions of this Article VI shall continue in effect as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, agent or employee and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such person.  This Article VI shall be deemed to be a contract between the Company and each person who, at any time that this Article VI is in effect, serves or served in any capacity which entitles him or her to indemnification hereunder and any repeal or other modification of this Article VI or any repeal or modification of the Act, or any other applicable law shall not limit any rights of indemnification with respect to Proceedings in connection with which he or she is an Indemnified Person, or advancement of expenses in connection with such Proceedings, then existing or arising out of events, acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification, including without limitation, the right to indemnification for Proceedings, and advancement of expenses with respect to such Proceedings, commenced after such repeal or modification to enforce this Article VI with regard to Proceedings arising out of acts, omissions or events arising prior to such repeal or modification.

(v) Savings Clause .   If this Article VI or any portion hereof shall be invalidated or held to be unenforceable on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of which shall not have been reversed on appeal, the Company shall nevertheless (A) indemnify each Indemnified Person as to costs, charges and expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and (B) advance expenses in accordance with Section 2 of this Article VI, in each case with respect to any Proceeding in connection with which he or she is an Indemnified Person, including an action by or in the right of the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Article VI that shall not have been invalidated or held to be unenforceable and as permitted by applicable law.


 





Exhibit 10(pp)


December 10, 2009

Lewis Hay, III
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
FPL Group, Inc.
700 Universe Boulevard
Juno Beach, FL 33408
 
        Re: Amended and Restated Employment Letter with FPL Group, Inc. (“FPL Group”)

Dear Lew:
 
Regarding your employment by FPL Group, or the ultimate parent entity of FPL Group, in the event that any entity, directly or through one or more subsidiaries, holds fifty percent or more of the outstanding voting stock of FPL Group (the “Corporation”), we have agreed as follows:
 
1. This Amended and Restated Employment Letter (“Letter Agreement”) amends and restates (and when executed supersedes in its entirety) that certain Amended and Restated Employment Letter dated December 12, 2008.  The terms of your employment will be governed by the terms of this Letter Agreement. The initial term of your employment hereunder shall be three years beginning on January 1, 2005, subject to earlier termination pursuant to Section 4.
 
2. Commencing January 1, 2006, and each January 1 thereafter, unless notice of non-extension is given by either party no later than 90 days prior to any such scheduled extension date, the term of your employment hereunder shall be extended for an additional year, still subject to earlier termination pursuant to Section 4.
 
3. During the term of your employment hereunder and subject to Section 4 below, you shall serve as the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and as a Director and Chairman of the Corporation’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). You shall devote your full business time and attention to the business and affairs of the Corporation and its Affiliates, except during (a) four weeks of vacation per year, and (b) periods of incapacity due to accident or illness. Nothing in this Letter Agreement shall preclude you from devoting reasonable periods required for serving as a director or a member of an advisory committee of any organization involving no conflict of interest with the Corporation, from engaging in charitable and community activities, and from managing your personal investments; provided, however, that such activities do not materially interfere with the performance of your duties and responsibilities under this Letter Agreement and that you limit your participation on public-company boards to no more than two other than the Board or the board of directors of any Affiliate.
 
As used in this Letter Agreement, (i) the term “Affiliate” means any entity controlled by the Corporation, whether by means of ownership or otherwise, (ii) the term “Corporate Performance Objective” means, with respect to any element of your compensation, the objective performance objective, if any, which is selected and established by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”) for purposes of making such element of compensation, if paid, fully deductible for federal income tax purposes pursuant to Section 162(m)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the regulations thereunder or any successor provision, (iii) the term “named executive officer” has the meaning given to such term in Item 402(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and (iv) the term “Performance Share” means a performance-based equity award other than a Stock Option or a Stock Appreciation Right.  "Termination of employment" as used in this Letter Agreement shall occur only upon a “separation of service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”).
 
4. Your employment hereunder may be terminated upon written notice (except that notice shall not be required in the event of a termination due to death or Disability) prior to the end of the scheduled term as follows: by the Corporation with or without Cause (as defined below); upon your death; upon your Disability (as defined below); upon your Retirement (as defined below); or upon your resignation with or without Good Reason (as defined below).
 
a. Termination for Cause : For purposes of this Letter Agreement, “Cause” shall mean a material and willful failure by you to meet your obligations described in Section 3, which is not remedied in a reasonable period of time after receipt of written notice from the Corporation specifying such failure. Cause shall also mean your conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony involving (i) an act of dishonesty against the Corporation, (ii) an act of moral turpitude, or (iii) an act that causes, or could reasonably be expected to cause, material harm to the Corporation’s financial status or reputation. The Corporation’s termination of you for Cause shall be effected in accordance with the following procedures: The Corporation will give you written notice of its intention to terminate you for Cause, setting forth in reasonable detail the specific conduct that it considers to constitute Cause and the specific provision(s) under this Letter Agreement on which it relies. The Board will convene a special meeting held specifically for the purpose of considering your termination for Cause. This special meeting will take place not less than 30 and not more than 60 days after you have received written notice of the Corporation’s intention. You will be given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard at this meeting. If the Board thereafter duly adopts a resolution stating that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, your conduct constitutes Cause under this Letter Agreement, your termination for Cause will be effective as of the date of such resolution, subject to your rights under Section 17.
 
In the event of termination of your employment by the Corporation for Cause, you shall be entitled to the following benefits (“Accrued Obligations”):
 
(i) any earned but unpaid base salary through your date of termination;
 
(ii) all benefits in accordance with the terms of all pension, 401(k), deferred compensation, SERP and Supplemental SERP plans and all other benefit plans (e.g., life insurance, disability insurance, etc.) in accordance with their terms and conditions;
 
(iii) all accrued vacation pay;
 
(iv) reimbursement of reasonable business expenses incurred prior to the date of termination; and
 
(v) any other or additional compensation or benefits to which you are entitled under and in accordance with the terms of applicable plans or employee benefit programs of the Corporation, including, without limitation, the FPL Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan (together with any successor or other long term incentive plan, the “LTIP”) and any award agreements thereunder.
 
The Accrued Obligations described in paragraphs a(i) and a(iii) of this Section 4 shall be paid:
 
(A) to the extent a deferral election has been made with respect to such amounts under the terms of the Corporation’s Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”), at the time and in the manner determined under such election; and
 
(B) in all other cases, within 30 days after your termination of employment.
 
The Accrued Obligations described in paragraph a(iv) of this Section 4 shall be paid within 30 days after submission of requests for reimbursement in accordance with applicable policies and procedures of the Corporation  and in any event no later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which termination occurs .  The Accrued Obligations described in paragraphs a(ii) and a(v) of this Section 4 shall be paid within the periods for payment specified in the benefit plans or employee programs (and any award agreements thereunder) referred to in such paragraphs a(ii) and a(v).
 
b. Death, Disability or Retirement . For purposes of this Letter Agreement, “Disability” shall mean that you have been determined to be eligible for long-term disability benefits under the executive long-term disability plan sponsored by the Corporation applicable to you and you shall be deemed to have incurred a Disability as of the date such determination is made. Your employment shall be automatically terminated as of the date of your death or, if applicable, as of the date of your being determined to have incurred a Disability, and in any event not later than the date which is after 29 months of disability leave.  Your employment may also be voluntarily terminated by your Retirement, which shall mean your voluntary termination of employment (A) on or after your normal retirement date (as defined under the provisions of the FPL Group Employee Pension Plan (the “Pension Plan”)) or, (B) with the consent of the Board, either prior to, on or after your normal retirement date (an “Approved Early Retirement”). You, or your estate or legal representative, as applicable, shall be entitled to the following benefits under the circumstances indicated, unless, with respect to any specific benefit set forth below, you are entitled to more favorable benefits under the express terms of such benefits:
 
(i) upon your death, Disability or Retirement (including, without limitation, upon an Approved Early Retirement), the Accrued Obligations listed in paragraph a. of this Section 4, as well as any earned but unpaid annual incentive bonus for the prior fiscal year under the Corporation’s Annual Incentive Plan or any successor or other annual incentive plan (the “Annual Incentive Plan”);
 
(ii) upon your death or Disability, a pro rata portion of your then-current annual incentive bonus at the average annual achievement level for the prior two years;
 
(iii)  upon your Retirement (including, without limitation, upon an Approved Early Retirement), a pro rata portion of your annual incentive bonus for the year in which your Retirement occurs, if the Corporate Performance Objective for such year is achieved; provided, that, any percentage reduction approved by the Committee to the maximum amount of the annual incentive bonus payable to you based on the achievement of such Corporate Performance Objective shall not exceed the lowest percentage reduction approved by the Committee to the maximum amount of any annual incentive bonus payable for such year to any other named executive officer; provided, further, that if such Corporate Performance Objective has been achieved, in no event will the pro rated portion of such annual incentive bonus payable to you be less than the pro rated amount of your average annual incentive bonus for the two years prior to the year in which your Retirement occurs;
 
(iv) upon your death, Disability or Retirement (other than an Approved Early Retirement):
 
(x) with respect to each outstanding and unvested Performance Share award that provides for vesting in a fixed number of shares that is not subject to reduction by the Committee other than if the Corporate Performance Objective is not achieved or you cease continued employment by the Company (which type of award, for example, is reflected by the terms of the Restricted Stock awards most recently awarded to you prior to the date of this Letter Agreement) (a “Time-Vesting Award”), vesting of a pro rata share (calculated in the manner specified in the agreement evidencing such Time-Vesting Award or, if there is no manner of calculation so specified, based upon the number of completed days of service during the entire vesting period divided by the number of days in the entire vesting period multiplied by the number of unvested shares) of the then unvested portion of such award (A) in the event of death or Disability, on the date of your termination of employment, or (B) in the event of Retirement (other than an Approved Early Retirement), on the vesting schedule and otherwise in accordance with the terms and conditions (including, without limitation, satisfaction of the applicable performance conditions) set forth in such award, notwithstanding that your employment will have previously terminated; and
 
(y) with respect to each outstanding and unvested Performance Share award that, assuming achievement of applicable Corporate Performance Objectives, if any, provides for vesting in the maximum number of shares subject to reduction by the Committee (which, for example, is reflected by the terms of the Performance Share awards most recently awarded to you prior to the date of this Letter Agreement) (an “Achievement Award”), reduction of the target number of shares subject to such award to a pro rated number of shares based on the number of full days of your service during the performance period, with your right to shares under such award determined as such reduced number of target shares times the average of your percentage achievement under the Annual Incentive Plan for each year or other applicable period in the performance period (subject to the maximum percentage achievement specified by the Committee); provided that, subject to paragraph (vii) of this Section 4b, your percentage achievement for each year or other applicable portion of the performance period that shall not have been certified or otherwise fixed by the Committee prior to the date of your termination and each subsequent year or other applicable period in the performance period shall be deemed to be 100%; and
 
 
(v)
upon an Approved Early Retirement:
 
(x)  with respect to each outstanding and unvested Time-Vesting Award, vesting of the then-unvested portion of such award on the vesting schedule and otherwise in accordance with the terms and conditions (including, without limitation, satisfaction of the applicable performance conditions) set forth in such award, notwithstanding that your employment will have previously terminated; and
 
(y) with respect to each outstanding and unvested Achievement Award, the target number of shares for the performance period covered by such award shall be as expressly specified in such award, with your right to shares under such award determined as  such target number of shares times the average of your percentage achievement under the Annual Incentive Plan for each year or other applicable period in the performance period (subject to the maximum percentage achievement specified by the Committee); provided that, subject to paragraph (vii) of this Section 4b, your percentage achievement for each year or other applicable portion of the performance period that shall not have been certified or otherwise fixed by the Committee prior to the date of your termination and each subsequent year or other applicable period in the performance period shall be deemed to be 100%.
 
 
  (vi)
Notwithstanding paragraph (iv) or (v) of this Section 4b, if, after your termination of employment but prior to your receipt of the shares specified therein, you breach any provision set forth in the award agreement applicable to such shares, including without limitation any non-competition or non-solicitation covenants set forth therein, and such award agreement so provides, you shall immediately forfeit all rights to such shares and any dividends theretofore paid on such shares.
 
 
(vii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Letter Agreement, if your employment is terminated due to Retirement or Approved Early Retirement as set forth in paragraph (iv)(y) or (v)(y) of this Section 4b, no portion of any award that is subject to the achievement of a Corporate Performance Objective to which you would otherwise be entitled pursuant to paragraph (iv)(y) or (v)(y) of this Section 4b shall be payable unless and until the date on which such Corporate Performance Objective shall have been achieved, as certified by the Committee.  If the Corporate Performance Objective for any such performance period is not achieved and certified, your percentage achievement for such performance period shall be deemed to be 0%.
 
 
(viii)
The additional payments described in paragraphs b(i) (other than the payments described therein which are referred to in paragraphs a(ii), a(iv) and a(v) of this Section 4), b(iii), b(iv) and b(v) of this Section 4 shall be paid:
 
(A) to the extent a deferral election has been made under the Deferred Compensation Plan with respect to such amounts if paid under the terms of the Annual Incentive Plan or LTIP, at the time and in the manner determined under such election; and
 
(B) in all other cases, 30 days after your termination of employment, unless calculation of such payment depends on the Committee’s determination of whether the Corporate Performance Objective has been achieved, in which case the payment shall be made within two months after the end of the applicable performance measurement period.  In the event that any payment that is payable in cash is delayed solely as a result of provisions of this Letter Agreement that are primarily intended to ensure that any amounts which the Company has deducted or wishes to deduct for federal income tax purposes pursuant to Section 162(m)(1) of the Code will not be disallowed, interest shall accrue on the amount of such payments at an annual rate equal to 120% of the applicable short-term federal rate established pursuant to Section 1274(d) of the Code as set forth for the previous fiscal quarter (based on actual number of days elapsed and a 365-day year) from the date such payment would have been made but for such provisions through and including the actual date of such payment.  In the event that any payment that is payable in common stock is delayed solely as a result of provisions of this Letter Agreement that are primarily intended to ensure that any amounts which the Company has deducted or wishes to deduct for federal income tax purposes will not be disallowed pursuant to Section 162(m)(1) of the Code, any dividend payments on such common stock that you otherwise would have received had such delay not occurred shall be payable to you at the same time as the payment of such common stock, together with interest thereon, at the rate and on the terms set forth in the preceding sentence, from the applicable dividend payment dates through and including the actual date of such payment.
 
c. Termination by Corporation Without Cause or by you for Good Reason.
 
 
For purposes of this Letter Agreement “Good Reason” shall mean any of the following:
 
(i) a material reduction in the amount of your then current base salary, target annual incentive bonus, target LTIP compensation, or aggregate employee benefits, other than any such reduction that the Board, in good faith, believes to be in the best interests of the Corporation and that is uniformly applicable to all other senior executives of the Corporation;
 
(ii) the removal of, or failure to elect or reelect, you as Chief Executive Officer or Chairman of the Board of the Corporation; provided, however, (1) the failure to elect you as Chairman of the Board shall not, by itself, constitute Good Reason if such failure results from any law, regulation or listing requirement to the effect that the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer shall not be held by the same individual or that the Chairman of the Corporation shall be independent; or if the Board elects a non-executive Chairman whose duties as Chairman consist primarily of establishing the Board agenda and presiding over Board meetings and shareholder meetings;
 
(iii) the assignment to you of duties or responsibilities which are materially inconsistent with your current position, excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial, and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith which is remedied by the Corporation reasonably promptly after receipt of written notice thereof from you;
 
(iv) the Corporation’s amendment or termination of this Letter Agreement without your prior written consent; or
 
(v) any material violation by the Corporation of the provisions of this Letter Agreement other than a violation that is remedied by the Corporation reasonably promptly after receipt of written notice thereof given by you.
 
If the Corporation should terminate your employment without Cause, or in the event you terminate employment for Good Reason, you shall be entitled to the following benefits (“Termination Benefits”):
 
(1) the Accrued Obligations listed in paragraph a. of this Section 4, as well as any earned but unpaid annual incentive bonus for the prior fiscal year;
 
(2) your annual incentive bonus for the year in which your termination of employment occurs, pro rated based on the portion of such year in which you were employed, if the Corporate Performance Objective for such year is achieved; provided, that, any reduction approved by the Committee to the maximum amount of the annual incentive bonus payable to you based on the achievement of such Corporate Performance Objective shall not exceed the lowest percentage reduction approved by the Committee to the maximum amount of any annual incentive bonus payable for such year to any other named executive officer; provided, further, that if the Corporate Performance Objective has been achieved, in no event will the pro rated portion of such annual incentive bonus payable to you be less than the greater of the pro rated amount of (A) your average annual incentive bonus for the two years prior to the year in which your termination of employment occurs or (B) your target annual incentive bonus for the year in which your termination of employment occurs;
 
(3)      two times your then current base salary;
 
(4) two times the higher of (A) your average annual incentive bonus for the two years prior to the year in which your termination of employment occurs or (B) your target annual incentive bonus for the year in which your termination of employment occurs;
 
(5) a pro rata portion of each outstanding and not theretofore vested and paid Performance Share award under the LTIP; provided, however, that (A) with respect to each year (if any) of the applicable performance measurement period which shall have elapsed prior to the year in which your termination of employment occurs, your percentage achievement shall be the actual percentage achievement (if any) approved by the Committee, and (B) with respect to the year in which your termination of employment occurs and any subsequent years in the applicable performance measurement period, your percentage achievement shall be (x) target for any such year for which the Corporate Performance Objective is achieved and (y) 0% for any such year in which the Corporate Performance Objective is not achieved;
 
(6) notwithstanding the terms and conditions of any applicable Restricted Stock or Stock Option agreements, continued vesting in all unvested Restricted Stock and Stock Options outstanding under the LTIP for a period of two years following the date of termination of your employment; provided, however, that no portion of any award of Restricted Stock that is expressly intended to constitute qualified performance-based compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code shall vest unless and until the Corporate Performance Objective shall have been achieved (it being understood that all other conditions to vesting, if any, shall be deemed waived);
 
(7) continued participation in the medical, dental, hospitalization, short-term and long-term disability and group life insurance coverage plans of the Corporation (“Welfare Plans”) in which you were participating on the date of termination of your employment until the earlier of:
 
(A) the end of the two-year period following your termination of employment; and
 
(B) the date, or dates you receive comparable coverage and benefits under the plans and programs of a subsequent employer;
 
provided, however, that if under the terms of any such Welfare Plan you cannot continue to participate in such Welfare Plan, the Corporation shall otherwise provide such benefits on the same after-tax basis as if continued participation had been permitted; and provided, further, however, that at the end of your period of continued participation (determined under (A) or (B) above, as applicable), the Corporation will provide you with continued medical coverage at your own expense pursuant to COBRA; and
 
(8) the cash value of two additional years of service credit under all applicable pension, 401(k), SERP and Supplemental SERP plans (including, without limitation, the FPL Group, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan amended and restated effective January 1, 2005 and the Amended and Restated Supplement to the FPL Group, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as it applies to Lewis Hay, III dated December 12, 2008).
 
The additional payments described in paragraphs c(1) (other than the payments described therein which are referred to in paragraphs a(ii), a(iv) and a(v) of this Section 4), c(5) and c(6) of this Section 4 shall be paid:
 
(A) to the extent a deferral election has been made under the Deferred Compensation Plan with respect to such amounts if paid under the terms of the Annual Incentive Plan or LTIP, at the time and in the manner determined under such election; and
 
(B) in all other cases, 30 days after your termination of employment (unless (aa) calculation of such payment depends on the Committee’s determination of whether the Corporate Performance Objective has been achieved, in which case the payment shall be made within two months after the end of the applicable performance measurement period, or (bb) the revocation period for the release of claims referred to in Section 10(a) has not yet lapsed, in which case the payment shall be made ten days after the lapse of such revocation period).
 
The Termination Benefits described in paragraphs c(2), c(3), c(4) and c(8) of this Section 4 shall be paid 30 days after your termination of employment (unless the revocation period for the release of claims referred to in Section 10(a) has not yet lapsed, in which case the payment shall be made ten days after the lapse of such revocation period).
 
If you believe that the Committee shall not have acted in a manner “materially consistent with past practice,” as defined in the following two sentences, in making any determination referred to in paragraph b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vii), c(2), (c)5 or c(6) of this Section 4, and you so notify the Corporation in writing, the Corporation shall promptly enter into discussions with you concerning the impact, if any, of the Committee’s determination on the compensation payable to you pursuant to paragraph b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vii),  c(2), (c)5 or c(6), as the case may be, which discussions shall include consideration of modifications to the terms of payment of the elements of compensation referred to in paragraph b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vii),  c(2), (c)5 or c(6), as applicable.  For purposes of this paragraph, “materially consistent with past practice” shall mean the practice observed by the Committee during the two year period ending on the date of this Letter Agreement with respect to the determination of the elements of compensation referred to in paragraph b(iii), b(iv), b(v), b(vii),  c(2), (c)5 or c(6), including, without limitation, the Committee’s practice relating to the establishment of the Corporate Performance Objective and the Committee’s certification of the achievement of the Corporate Performance Objective.  Without limiting the foregoing sentence, the Committee shall be deemed to have acted in a manner materially consistent with past practice with respect to awards under the LTIP with a multi-year performance period only if it shall have fixed the performance targets for periods within such multi-year performance period in the same manner with respect to each period within such multi-year performance period.
 
d. Termination without Good Reason . In the event of a termination of employment by you without Good Reason, you shall be entitled to the Accrued Obligations listed in paragraph a. of this Section 4, as well as any earned but unpaid annual incentive bonus under the Annual Incentive Plan or any similar plan or arrangement for the prior fiscal year.
 
e. Section 409A .  You and the Corporation acknowledge that each of the payments and benefits promised to you under this Agreement must either comply with the requirements of Section 409A and the regulations thereunder or qualify for an exception from compliance.  To that end, you and the Corporation agree that:
 
(i) In the case of Termination Benefits that are not exempt from Section 409A, as mutually determined by the Corporation and you, payment shall not be made prior to, and shall, if necessary, be deferred (with interest at the annual rate of the lesser of (x) the prime rate and (y) 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate (as prescribed under Section 1274(d) of the Code) per annum, compounded quarterly from the date of your termination of employment to the date of actual payment) to and paid on the later of the earliest date on which you experience a separation from service (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)) and, if you are a specified employee (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i), including a determination under the Corporation’s policy for determining such individuals, as permitted by Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i)) on the date of your separation from service, the first day of the seventh month following your separation from service.
 
(ii) This Letter Agreement shall be subject to amendment in the future in such manner as the Corporation and you shall reasonably deem necessary or appropriate to effect compliance with Section 409A and the regulations thereunder and to avoid the imposition of penalties and additional taxes under Section 409A, it being the express intent of the parties that neither the Corporation nor you shall be subject to penalties or taxes under Section 409A by virtue of the provisions of this Letter Agreement.
 
f.   Certain Benefits .  During the term of your employment, any unused vacation days shall be carried over from year to year.  Upon termination of your employment for any reason, any unused vacation days shall be reimbursed to you at your then current base salary rate.  On your termination of employment other than for Cause, you will be entitled to enroll in Access Only Benefits, as defined in the Retiree Benefits Plan for Employees of FPL Group, Inc., as amended and restated effective January 1, 2008 (the “Retiree Benefits Plan”), or in a comparable medical benefits arrangement, if you satisfy the eligibility requirements as stated in Appendix B to the Retiree Benefits Plan as in effect as of the date of this Letter Agreement, even if Access Only Benefits, or comparable medical benefits, are no longer being provided to other employees of the Corporation.  Such medical benefits will be provided to you to the extent that such coverage is available under the Corporation’s health, dental and vision plans or can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms.
 
g.   Section 162(m) .  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any performance-based compensation with respect to which the applicable performance period commenced on or before January 1, 2009 shall be payable to you in accordance with the terms of your Amended and Restated Employment Letter in effect immediately prior to the date of this Letter Agreement and any other agreement with respect to such performance-based compensation.
 
5. During your employment with the Corporation and for a period of two years after the date your employment is terminated for whatever reason, you will not directly or indirectly hire, employ, or solicit the employment or services of (whether as an employee, officer, director, agent, consultant or independent contractor), any person who is serving as an employee, representative, officer or director of the Corporation or any of its Affiliates (or who served in such capacity at any time during the six-month period preceding such hiring, employment, or solicitation) without the prior written consent of the Corporation or such Affiliate, as applicable.
 
6. You shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Corporation all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates and their respective businesses, which is obtained by you during your employment by the Corporation or any of its Affiliates and which is not public knowledge. While you are employed by the Corporation and thereafter, you shall not, without prior written consent of the Corporation or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Corporation and those designated by it.
 
7. You acknowledge that a breach of the restrictions contained in Sections 5 or 6 will cause irreparable damage to the Corporation and its Affiliates, the exact amount of which will be difficult to ascertain, and that the remedies at law for any such breach will be inadequate. Accordingly, you and the Corporation agree that if you breach any of the restrictions contained in Sections 5 or 6, then the Corporation and its Affiliates shall be entitled to injunctive relief, without posting bond or other security, in addition to any other remedy or relief to which they may be entitled. You further agree that if you breach any of the restrictions contained in Sections 5 or 6, then in addition to being subject to injunctive relief and any other remedy or relief to which the Corporation and its   Affiliates may be entitled, you shall forfeit your right to all entitlements under this Letter Agreement that have not yet been paid or provided to you, including your right to any unpaid Termination Benefits; provided, however, that such forfeiture shall not apply to any entitlements included in the Accrued Obligations or where not permitted by applicable law.
 
8. In the event your employment is terminated for any reason, you shall not be required to mitigate any payment or benefits provided to you by the Corporation by seeking other employment.
 
9. Your Executive Retention Employment Agreement dated June 17, 2002, as amended  through the date hereof (“Executive Retention Employment Agreement”), remains in full force and effect and is not modified or amended in any manner whatsoever as a result of your entering into this Letter Agreement. In the event of an “Effective Date” under and as defined in the Executive Retention Employment Agreement, you shall be entitled to the compensation and benefits provided under the Executive Retention Employment Agreement if your employment terminates under the circumstances provided under the Executive Retention Employment Agreement; provided, however, that such compensation and benefits shall be in lieu of any entitlements payable or provided to you under this Letter Agreement.
 
10. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, and except in the case of death, it shall be a condition to your receiving any payments or benefits referred to in Section 4 (other than the Accrued Obligations) that you shall have (a) executed and delivered to the Corporation a release of claims against the Corporation, such release to be in the Corporation’s then standard form of release, and (b) executed and delivered to the Corporation resignations of all officer and director positions you hold with the Corporation or its Affiliates, in each case no later than  45 days after your termination of employment, unless there is a genuine dispute as to your substantive rights under this Letter Agreement within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(g) (or any successor provision).
 
11. You acknowledge that you have received the advice of counsel with respect to the matters contemplated in this Letter Agreement and the Corporation has agreed to pay directly your reasonable legal fees and expenses.
 
12. This Letter Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without reference to rules relating to conflicts of law.
 
13. Your employment pursuant to this Letter Agreement is not a guarantee of employment. As stated in this Letter Agreement, the Corporation may terminate your employment on written notice; provided, however, that in certain instances as specified in Section 4, such termination may require the Corporation to provide compensation or other benefits to you.
 
14. This Letter Agreement between you and the Corporation sets forth the entire agreement with respect to the subject matters hereof and supersedes all prior understandings and agreements (except the Executive Retention Employment Agreement) as to employment of you by the Corporation.
 
15 . This Letter Agreement cannot be amended, changed or modified without the written consent of you and the Corporation.
 
16. If any one or more of the provisions contained in this Letter Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
 
17. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Letter Agreement, or any breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration conducted in accordance with the Florida Arbitration Code (Fla. Stat. Sec. 682.01 et seq.) and judgment upon such award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. There will be one arbitrator, who shall be mutually selected by you and the Corporation and if agreement cannot be reached, then the arbitrator shall be selected from the CPR National Panel of Distinguished Neutrals by a senior executive official of the CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution. The arbitration shall be held in West Palm Beach, Florida, or such other place as may be agreed upon at the time by the parties to the arbitration. The cost of arbitration shall be borne among the parties to the arbitration as determined by the arbitrator. It is the intention of the parties that to the extent your position is upheld, your expenses (including cost of witnesses, evidence, and attorneys), as determined by the arbitrator, shall be reimbursed by the Corporation.
 
18. This Letter Agreement shall be binding upon any and all successors to the Corporation.
 
   
Sincerely,
     
FPL GROUP, INC.
 
 
J. BRIAN FERGUSON
   
By:
Brian Ferguson
Chairperson of the
Compensation Committee
Agreed to and accepted:
 
 
LEWIS HAY, III
 
Date:
December 10, 2009
Lewis Hay, III
     





Exhibit 10(rr)

EXECUTIVE RETENTION EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
Executive Retention Employment Agreement between FPL Group, Inc., a Florida corporation (the "Company"), and Manoochehr Nazar (the "Executive"), dated as of January 1, 2010.  The Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to assure that the Company and its Affiliated Companies will have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Potential Change of Control or a Change of Control (each as defined below) of the Company.  The Board believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties and risks created by the circumstances surrounding a Potential Change of Control or a Change of Control and to encourage the Executive's full attention and dedication to the Company and its Affiliated Companies currently and in the event of any Potential Change of Control or Change of Control (and, under certain circumstances, in the event of the termination or abandonment of a Change of Control transaction), and to provide the Executive with compensation and benefits arrangements which ensure that the compensation and benefits expectations of the Executive will be satisfied and which are competitive with those of other corporations which may compete with the Company for the services of the Executive. Therefore, in order to accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused the Company to enter into this Executive Retention Employment Agreement (this "Agreement").
 
Therefore, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:
 
1.   Effective Date .
 
The effective date of this Agreement (the "Effective Date") shall be the date on which (i) a Potential Change of Control occurs, (ii) the Board approves a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company, (iii) a Change of Control occurs pursuant to Section 2(a)(1) or (2) below or (iv) a definitive agreement is signed by the Company which provides for a transaction that, if approved by shareholders or consummated, as applicable, would result in a Change of Control pursuant to Section 2(a)(3) or (4) below; provided, however, that any of the foregoing which may have occurred prior to the date hereof shall be disregarded.  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if, prior to the Effective Date, the Executive's employment with the Company or its Affiliated Companies was terminated by the Company or its Affiliated Companies, or both, as applicable, other than for Cause or Disability (each as defined below) or by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined below) and the Executive can reasonably demonstrate that such termination (or the event constituting Good Reason) took place (a) at the request or direction of a third party who took action that caused a Potential Change of Control or (b) in contemplation of an event that would give rise to an Effective Date, an Effective Date will be deemed to have occurred (“Deemed Effective Date”) immediately prior to the Date of Termination (as defined in Section 7(e) below), provided that a Change of Control occurs within a two-year period following such Date of Termination. As used in this Agreement, the term "Affiliated Companies" shall include any corporation or other entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company and the term “Subsidiary” shall mean (x) any corporation or other entity (other than the Company) with respect to which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock or other ownership interests or (y) any other related entity which may be designated by the Board as a Subsidiary, provided such entity could be considered a subsidiary according to generally accepted accounting principles .
 

2.   Change of Control; Potential Change of Control .   For the purposes of this Agreement:
 
(a)   A "Change of Control" shall mean the first (and only the first) to occur of the following:
 
(1)   The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of either (x) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (y) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities"); provided, however, that the following acquisitions (collectively, the "Excluded Acquisitions") shall not constitute a Change of Control (it being understood that shares acquired in an Excluded Acquisition may nevertheless be considered in determining whether any subsequent acquisition by such individual, entity or group (other than an Excluded Acquisition) constitutes a Change of Control): (i) any acquisition directly from the Company or any Subsidiary; (ii) any acquisition by the Company or any Subsidiary; (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary; (iv) any acquisition by an underwriter temporarily holding Company securities pursuant to an offering of such securities; (v) any acquisition in connection with which, pursuant to Rule 13d-1 promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act, the individual, entity or group is permitted to, and actually does, report its beneficial ownership on Schedule 13G (or any successor Schedule); provided that, if any such individual, entity or group subsequently becomes required to or does report its beneficial ownership on Schedule 13D (or any successor Schedule), then, for purposes of this paragraph, such individual, entity or group shall be deemed to have first acquired, on the first date on which such individual, entity or group becomes required to or does so report, beneficial ownership of all of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and/or Outstanding Company Voting Securities beneficially owned by it on such date; or (vi) any acquisition in connection with a Business Combination (as hereinafter defined) which, pursuant to subparagraph (3) below, does not constitute a Change of Control; or
 
(2)   Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of an individual, entity or group other than the Board; or
 
(3)   Consummation by the Company of a reorganization, merger, consolidation or other business combination (any of the foregoing, a "Business Combination") of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation, in any case with respect to which:
 
(i)   the Outstanding Company Voting Securities outstanding immediately prior to such Business Combination do not, immediately following such Business Combination, continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the resulting or surviving entity or any ultimate parent thereof) more than 55% of the outstanding common stock and of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the resulting or surviving entity (or any ultimate parent thereof); or
 
(ii)   less than a majority of the members of the board of directors of the resulting or surviving entity (or any ultimate parent thereof) in such Business Combination (the "New Board") consists of individuals ("Continuing Directors") who were members of the Incumbent Board (as defined in subparagraph (2) above) immediately prior to consummation of such Business Combination (excluding from Continuing Directors for this purpose, however, any individual whose election or appointment to the Board was at the request, directly or indirectly, of the entity which entered into the definitive agreement with the Company or any Subsidiary providing for such Business Combination); or
 
(4)    (i) Consummation of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, other than to a corporation with respect to which, following such sale or other disposition, more than 55% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly,   by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such sale or other disposition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately prior to such sale or other disposition, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities as the case may be; or (ii) shareholder approval of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
 
The term "the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company" shall mean a sale or other disposition transaction or series of related transactions involving assets of the Company or of any Subsidiary (including the stock of any Subsidiary) in which the value of the assets or stock being sold or otherwise disposed of (as measured by the purchase price being paid therefor or by such other method as the Board determines is appropriate in a case where there is no readily ascertainable purchase price) constitutes more than two-thirds of the fair market value of the Company (as hereinafter defined).  The "fair market value of the Company" shall be the aggregate market value of the then Outstanding Company Common Stock (on a fully diluted basis) plus the aggregate market value of the Company's other outstanding equity securities.  The aggregate market value of the shares of Outstanding Company Common Stock shall be determined by multiplying the number of shares of Outstanding Company Common Stock (on a fully diluted basis) outstanding on the date of the execution and delivery of a definitive agreement with respect to the transaction or series of related transactions (the "Transaction Date") by the average closing price of the shares of Outstanding Company Common Stock for the ten trading days immediately preceding the Transaction Date.  The aggregate market value of any other equity securities of the Company shall be determined in a manner similar to that prescribed in the immediately preceding sentence for determining the aggregate market value of the shares of Outstanding Company Common Stock or by such other method as the Board shall determine is appropriate.
 
(b)   A "Potential Change of Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if an event set forth in either of the following subparagraphs shall have occurred:
 
(1)   the Company or any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) pub­licly an­nounces or otherwise communicates to the Board in writing an inten­tion to take or to consider taking actions ( e.g. , a "bear hug" letter, an unsolicited offer or the commencement of a proxy contest) which, if con­summated or approved by shareholders, as applicable, would constitute a Change of Control; or
 
(2)   any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) di­rectly or indi­rectly, acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities; provided, however, that Excluded Acquisitions shall not constitute a Potential Change of Control.
 
3.   Employment Period .
 
(a)   The Company hereby agrees to continue the Executive in its or its Affiliated Companies' employ, or both, as the case may be, and the Executive hereby agrees to remain in the employ of the Company, or its Affiliated Companies, or both, as the case may be, subject to the terms of this Agreement, for a period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the second anniversary of such date (such period or, if shorter, the period from the Effective Date to the Date of Termination, is hereinafter referred to as the "Employment Period").
 
(b)   Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, (x) if an Effective Date occurs (other than as a result of a Change of Control under Section 2(a)(1) or (2) above) and the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that the event or circumstance giving rise to the Effective Date no longer exists (including by reason of the termination or abandonment of the transaction contemplated by the definitive agreement referred to in clause (iv) of Section 1 hereof), the Employment Period shall terminate on the date the Board adopts such resolution, but this Agreement shall otherwise remain in effect, and (y) if a Change of Control occurs pursuant to Section 2(a)(3) or (4) above during the Employment Period, the Employment Period shall immediately extend to and end on the second   anniversary of the date of such Change of Control (or, if earlier, to the Date of Termination) and a new Effective Date will be deemed to have occurred on the date of such Change of Control.
 
4.   Position and Duties .
 
During the Employment Period, the Executive's status, offices, titles, and reporting requirements with the Company or its Affiliated Companies or both, as the case may be, shall be commensurate with those in effect during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date. The duties and responsibilities assigned to the Executive may be increased, decreased or otherwise changed during the Employment Period, provided that the duties and responsibilities assigned to the Executive at any given time are not materially inconsistent with the Executive's status, offices, titles, and reporting requirements as in effect during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date. The Executive's services shall be performed at the location where the Executive was employed immediately preceding the Effective Date or any location less than 20 miles from such location, although the Executive understands and agrees that he may be required to travel from time to time for business purposes.
 
During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees to devote substantially all of his time and attention during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and its Affiliated Companies and to use his reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently the duties and responsibilities assigned to him hereunder.  During the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions and devote reasonable amounts of time to the management of his and his family's personal investments and affairs, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities as an employee of the Company or its Affiliated Companies in accordance with this Agreement.  It is expressly understood and agreed that to the extent that any such activities have been conducted by the Executive prior to the Effective Date, the reinstatement or continued conduct of such activities (or the reinstatement or conduct of activities similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Effective Date shall not thereafter be deemed to interfere with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities to the Company and its Affiliated Companies.
 
5.   Compensation .
 
During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be compensated as follows:
 
(a)   Annual Base Salary .  The Executive shall be paid an annual base salary ("Annual Base Salary"), in equal biweekly installments or otherwise in accordance with the Company’s then-current payroll practice, at least equal to the annual rate of base salary being paid to the Executive by the Company and its Affiliated Companies as of the Effective Date.  The Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually and shall be increased substantially consistent with increases in base salary generally awarded to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.  Such increases shall in no event be less than the increases in the U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index - U.S. City Average Index.  Any increase in Annual Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Executive under this Agreement.  Annual Base Salary shall not be reduced after any such increase and the term "Annual Base Salary" as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to Annual Base Salary as so increased.
 
(b)   Annual Bonus .  In addition to Annual Base Salary, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this paragraph (b), the Executive shall be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the Employment Period an annual cash bonus (the "Annual Bonus") equal to a percentage of his Annual Base Salary.  Such percentage shall be substantially consistent with the targeted percentages generally awarded to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, but at least equal to the higher of (i) the percentage obtained by dividing his targeted annual bonus for the then current fiscal year by his then Annual Base Salary or (ii) the average percentage of his annual base salary  (as in effect for the applicable years) that was paid or payable, including by reason of any deferral, to the Executive by the Company and its Affiliated Companies as an annual bonus (however described, including as annual incentive compensation)  for each of the three fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the Effective Date occurs (or, if higher, for each of the three fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which a Change of Control occurs, if a Change of Control occurs following the Effective Date).  For the purposes of any calculation required to be made under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, an annual bonus shall be annualized for any fiscal year consisting of less than twelve full months or with respect to which the Executive was employed for, and received pro-rated annual incentive compensation with respect to, less than the full twelve months, and, if the Executive has not been employed for the full duration of the three fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the Effective Date occurs, the average shall be calculated over the duration of the Executive's employment in such period.  Each such Annual Bonus shall be paid no later than the end of the second month of the fiscal year next following the fiscal year for which the Annual Bonus is awarded, unless the Executive otherwise elects to defer the receipt of such Annual Bonus in accordance with a deferred compensation plan of the Company or its Affiliated Companies that complies with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”).  The foregoing provisions of this paragraph (b) shall be qualified by the following terms and conditions.  If (A) as of the end of any fiscal year during the Employment Period the Executive is a “Covered Employee” as defined in Code Section 162(m), (B) Code Section 162(m) remains in effect as of the end of such fiscal year and as of such date is applicable to the payment of an Annual Bonus for such fiscal year and (C) the Executive participated for such fiscal year in an Annual Incentive Plan (as hereinafter defined), the Annual Bonus for such fiscal year shall be paid to the Executive pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan, rather than in accordance with the first four sentences of this paragraph (b), in the amount, at the time and upon the other terms and conditions specified in such Annual Incentive Plan; provided, however, that if a Change of Control occurs before such payment is made, the Executive shall be paid, in lieu of such amount and on the date on which such Change of Control occurs, as follows: (A) as the Annual Bonus for such fiscal year, an amount equal to the greater of (x) the maximum amount payable to the Executive under the Annual Incentive Plan for such fiscal year assuming achievement thereunder of the Corporate Performance Objective (as hereinafter defined) for such fiscal year and (y) the maximum amount payable in accordance with the first four sentences of this paragraph (b) and (B) as Annual Bonuses for all prior fiscal years ended during the Employment Period, an amount equal to the aggregate amount, if any, by which the maximum amount otherwise payable in accordance with the first four sentences of this paragraph (b) for all such prior fiscal years exceeds the aggregate amount of all Annual Bonuses previously paid to the Executive for such prior fiscal years pursuant to the Annual Incentive Plan or otherwise under this paragraph (b).  If, as of the end of any fiscal year for which an Annual Bonus is payable pursuant to this paragraph (b), the Executive is not, and at any time during the three full fiscal years preceding such date was not, a “Covered Employee” as defined in Section 162(m), the Executive shall be paid the Annual Bonus for such fiscal year in accordance with the first four sentences of this paragraph (b); provided, however, that the amount of the Annual Bonus so paid to the Executive shall be reduced by the amount, if any, of the annual cash bonus paid to the Executive for such fiscal year pursuant to an Annual Incentive Plan.  For purposes of this paragraph (b), “Annual Incentive Plan” means an annual cash incentive compensation plan of the Company that (x) is intended to result in, and, in the opinion of a nationally reputable law firm having significant experience with Code Section 162(m), does result in, the payment of qualified performance-based compensation for purposes of Code Section 162(m) (assuming solely for this purpose achievement of the Corporate Performance Objective to which the payment of such compensation is subject), (y) conditions the payment of all compensation pursuant thereto on the achievement of a Corporate Performance Objective that is generally applicable to all participants in such plan, and (z) is administered, and includes a Corporate Performance Objective that is selected, in a manner that is consistent in all material respects with past practice as applied to the most recent annual cash incentive compensation plan of the Company that was in effect prior to the date of this Agreement (December 31, 2009) for which the applicable Corporate Performance Objective was achieved.  For purposes of this Agreement, the “Corporate Performance Objective” to which any payment of compensation is subject shall mean the objective performance objective which is selected and established by the Compensation Committee of the Board for purposes of making such payment fully deductible for federal income tax purposes pursuant to Code Section 162(m).
 
(c)   Long Term Incentive Compensation .  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all incentive compensation plans, practices, policies, and programs applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies, and programs provide the Executive with incentive opportunities and potential benefits, both as to amount and percentage of compensation, less favorable, in the aggregate, than those provided by the Company and its Affiliated Companies for the Executive under the FPL Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan (including, without limitation, performance share awards, stock option grants and restricted stock awards), or other plan providing for the grant of equity compensation for executive officers, as in effect at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, those provided generally at any time after the Effective Date to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.
 
(d)   Savings and Retirement Plans .  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all savings and retirement plans, practices, policies, and programs applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies, and programs provide the Executive with savings opportunities and retirement benefit opportunities, in each case, less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of those provided by the Company and its Affiliated Companies for the Executive under such plans, practices, policies, and programs as in effect at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, those provided generally at any time after the Effective Date to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.
 
In addition, during the Employment Period the Executive shall be entitled under this Agreement to the Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits described in Annex A attached hereto and made a part hereof by this reference (“Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits”).  The vesting of such Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits shall be determined in accordance with Section 8 of this Agreement.  The payment of such amount shall be determined in accordance with Section 8 of this Agreement, to the extent the ability to make such payment under Section 8 is consistent with the limitations of Code Section 409A and the terms of the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.

To the extent that the payment of this amount pursuant to Section 8 would be inconsistent with the limitations of Code Section 409A or the terms of the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, the payment of this amount described in Annex A shall be made under the terms of the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, pursuant to the provisions therein relating to post-2005 accrued benefits that are subject to Code Section 409A.

(e)   Benefit Plans .  During the Employment Period, the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies, and programs provided by the Company and its Affiliated Companies (including, without limitation, medical, executive medical, annual executive physical, prescription, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, executive long-term disability, salary continuance, employee life, group life, accidental death and dismemberment, and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, but in no event shall such plans, practices, policies, and programs provide the Executive with benefits which are less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of such plans, practices, policies, and programs in effect for the Executive at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, those provided generally at any time after the Effective Date to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.
 
(f)   Expenses .  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the most favorable policies, practices, and procedures of the Company and its Affiliated Companies in effect for the Executive at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.  The payment of such reimbursements shall be made within thirty (30) days after submission of requests for reimbursement in accordance with applicable policies and procedures of the Company.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5(f) or elsewhere, reimbursement of expenses will be made consistent with the Company’s Expense Reimbursement Policy, which is intended to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv).
 
(g)   Fringe Benefits .  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits, including but not limited to those described in Section 8(a)(5), in accordance with the most favorable plans, practices, programs, and policies of the Company and its Affiliated Companies in effect for the Executive at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.
 
(h)   Office and Support Staff .  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to exclusive personal secretarial and other assistance, at least equal to the most favorable of the foregoing provided to the Executive by the Company and its Affiliated Companies at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as provided generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.
 
(i)   Vacation .  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable plans, policies, programs, and practices of the Company and its Affiliated Companies as in effect for the Executive at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies.  In addition to, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in, the preceding sentence, any unused vacation days shall be carried over from year to year.
 
6.   Change of Control .
 
(a)   Benefits Upon Change of Control .  If, as of the date of a Change of Control which occurs during the Employment Period (including on the Effective Date), the Executive is employed by the Company or one of its Affiliated Companies, then as of such date:
 
(1)   50% of each outstanding performance stock-based award granted to the Executive shall become fully vested and earned at a deemed achievement level equal to the higher of (x) the targeted level of performance for such award or (y) the average level (expressed as a percentage of target) of achievement in respect of similar performance stock-based awards which matured over the three fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the Change of Control occurred; payment of each such vested award shall be made to the Executive, in the form described below, as soon as practicable following such Change of Control consistent with Code Section 409A; and the remainder of each such award shall remain outstanding (on a converted basis, if applicable) and shall remain subject to the terms and conditions of the plan under which such award was granted, as well as the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and
 
(2)   all other outstanding stock-based awards granted to the Executive shall be fully vested and earned; and
 
(3)   any outstanding option, stock appreciation right, and other outstanding award in the nature of a right that may be exercised that was granted to the Executive and which was not previously exercisable and vested shall become fully exercisable and vested; and
 
(4)   the restrictions and forfeiture conditions applicable to any outstanding award granted to the Executive under an incentive compensation plan, practice, policy or program shall lapse and such award shall be deemed fully vested.
 
If as a result of the Change of Control, the Outstanding Company Common Stock is exchanged for or converted into a different form of equity security and/or the right to receive other property (including cash), payment in respect of the underlying awards described in subparagraphs (1), (2) and, with respect to stock-based awards, (4) hereof shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in the same form.  If a Change of Control occurs and Company shareholders do not, as a group, receive consideration in connection with such Change of Control, then payment in respect of awards described in subparagraphs (1),(2) and, with respect to stock-based awards, (4) hereof shall be made in cash based on the average closing price of the shares of Outstanding Company Common Stock for the 20 trading days immediately preceding the date of the Change of Control.
 
(b)            Benefits Upon First Anniversary of Change of Control .  If the Executive has remained employed by the Company or one of its Affiliated Companies from the date of a Change of Control which occurs during the Employment Period (including on the Effective Date) to the date of the first anniversary of such Change of Control, the performance stock-based awards outstanding immediately prior to such Change of Control that did not become vested and earned at the time of such Change of Control pursuant to Section 6(a)(1) shall become vested and earned as of such first anniversary date and payment in respect of such awards shall be made as soon as practicable following such date, but in no event later than the 15th day of the third month following the end of the first taxable year in which the right to such payment arises.  The deemed level of achievement with respect to such awards, as well as the form of payment thereof, shall be as described in paragraph (a) above.
 
7.   Termination of Employment .
 
(a)   Death or Disability .  The Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive’s death during the Employment Period.  If the Company determines in good faith that the Disability of the Executive has occurred during the Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of Disability set forth below), it may give to the Executive written notice in accordance with Section 15(b) of this Agreement of its intention to terminate the Executive's employment.  In such event, the Executive's employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (the "Disability Effective Date"), provided that, within the 30 days after such receipt, the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of the Executive’s duties.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall mean the absence of the Executive from the Executive's duties with the Company on a full-time basis for 180 consecutive business days as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness which is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executive's legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be withheld unreasonably).
 
(b)   Cause .  The Company may terminate the Executive's employment during the Employment Period for Cause.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean (i) repeated violations by the Executive of the Executive's obligations under Section 4 of this Agreement (other than as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness) which are demonstrably willful and deliberate on the Executive's part, which are committed in bad faith or without reasonable belief that such violations are in the best interests of the Company and which are not remedied in a reasonable period of time after receipt of written notice from the Company specifying such violations or (ii) the conviction of the Executive of a felony involving an act of dishonesty intended to result in substantial personal enrichment at the expense of the Company or its Affiliated Companies.
 
(c)   Good Reason .  The Executive's employment may be terminated during the Employment Period by the Executive for Good Reason.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean:
 
(1)   any failure by the Company to comply with the provisions of Section 4 of this Agreement, including without limitation, the assignment to the Executive of any duties and responsibilities that are materially inconsistent with the Executive's status, offices, titles, and reporting requirements as in effect during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date, but excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of written notice thereof given by the Executive;
 
(2)   any failure by the Company to comply with any of the provisions of Sections 5 or 6 of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;
 
(3)   the Company's requiring the Executive to be based at any office or location other than that described in Section 4 hereof;
 
(4)   any purported termination by the Company of the Executive's  employment other than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or
 
(5)   any failure by the Company to comply with and satisfy Section 14(c) of this Agreement, provided that such successor has received at least ten days prior written notice from the Company or the Executive of the requirements of Section 14(c) of the Agreement.
 
For purposes of this Section 7(c), any good faith determination of "Good Reason" made by the Executive shall be conclusive.
 
(d)   Notice of Termination .  Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 15(b) of this Agreement.  For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated, and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall be not more than fifteen calendar days after the giving of such notice).  The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any facts or circumstances which contribute to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such facts or circumstances in enforcing the Executive's or the Company's rights hereunder.
 
(e)   Date of Termination .  "Date of Termination" means (i) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or any later date specified therein, as the case may be, (ii) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or Disability, the date on which the Company notifies the Executive of such termination, and (iii) if the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case may be.
 
8.   Obligations of the Company upon Termination .
 
(a)   Following a Change of Control: Good Reason; Other Than for Cause or Disability .  If following a Change of Control and during the Employment Period, the Company terminates the Executive's employment other than for Cause or Disability or death or the Executive terminates employment for Good Reason, then:
 
(1)   the Company shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 45 days after the Date of Termination the aggregate of the following amounts (such aggregate being hereinafter referred to as the "Special Termination Amount"):
 
(i)   the sum of (1) the Executive's Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (2) the product of (x) the Annual Bonus in effect at such date and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the current fiscal year through the Date of Termination, and the denominator of which is 365 (such amount to be paid in addition to and not in lieu of any Annual Bonus earned for such year), and (3) any accrued vacation pay at the Annual Base Salary rate in effect as of the termination of employment, in each case to the extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the amounts described in subclauses (1), (2), and (3) herein shall be called the "Accrued Obligations"); and
 
(ii)   the amount equal to the product of (1) two , and (2) the sum of (x) the Executive's Annual Base Salary and (y) the Executive's Annual Bonus in effect at such date; provided, however, that such amount shall be paid in lieu of, and the Executive hereby waives the right to receive, any other amount of severance relating to salary or bonus continuation to be received by the Executive upon termination of employment of the Executive under any severance plan, policy or arrangement of the Company; and
 
(iii)   a separate lump-sum equal to the greater of (1) the supplemental pension benefit described in Paragraph 1(b) of Annex A that the Executive would have been entitled to had his employment continued at the compensation level provided for in Sections 5(a) and 5(b) of this Agreement for two years and based upon his Projected Years of Service (as defined in Paragraph 2(a) of Annex A) and his Projected Age (as defined in Paragraph 2(b) of Annex A), or (2) the difference between (x) the actuarial equivalent (utilizing for this purpose the actuarial assumptions utilized with respect to the FPL Group Employee Pension Plan (or any successor plan thereto) (the "Pension Plan") during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date) of the benefit payable under the Pension Plan and all supplemental and/or excess retirement plans providing benefits for the Executive (“Supplemental Retirement Plans”) (other than the Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits described in Annex A) including, but not limited to the Supplemental Pension Benefit as defined in the FPL Group, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) which the Executive would receive if the Executive's employment continued at the compensation level provided for in Sections 5(a) and 5(b) of this Agreement for, and his age increased by, two years, assuming for this purpose that all accrued benefits are fully vested and that benefit accrual formulas are no less advantageous to the Executive than those in effect during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date, or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter during the Employment Period with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, and (y) the actuarial equivalent (utilizing for this purpose the actuarial assumptions utilized with respect to the Pension Plan during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date) of the Executive's actual benefits (paid or payable), if any, under the Pension Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plans;
 
(iv)   a separate lump-sum equal to the greater of (1) the supplemental matching contribution account described in Paragraph 1(c) of Annex A that the Executive would have been entitled to had his employment continued at the compensation level provided for in Sections 5(a) and 5(b) of this Agreement for two years and assuming that the Executive made After Tax Contributions (within the meaning of the FPL Group Employee Retirement Savings Plan or any successor plan thereto (the "Retirement Savings Plan")) and Pretax Contributions (within the meaning of the Retirement Savings Plan) to the Retirement Savings Plan at the highest permissible rate (disregarding any limitations imposed by the Code) following the Date of Termination, or (2) the difference between (x) the value of the Company Account (as defined in the Retirement Savings Plan) and any other matching contribution accounts (including, but not limited to the Supplemental Matching Contribution Account (as defined in the SERP)) under the Supplemental Retirement Plans (other than the Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits described in Annex A) which the Executive would receive if (A) the Executive's employment continued at the compensation level provided for in Sections 5(a) and 5(b) of this Agreement for two years, (B) the Executive made pre- and after-tax contributions at the highest permissible rate (disregarding any limitations imposed by the Code, which may or may not be set forth in the Retirement Savings Plan) for two years, (C) the Company Account and the matching contribution accounts are fully vested, and (D) the matching contribution formulas are no less advantageous to the Executive than those in effect during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time during the remainder of the Employment Period with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, and (y) the actual value of the Executive's Company Account and matching contribution accounts (paid or payable), if any, under the Retirement Savings Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plans; and
 
(v)   if the Change of Control hereunder is also a “change in ownership,” a “change in effective control” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Company within the meaning of Code Section 409A, any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) including, without limitation, compensation, bonus, incentive compensation or awards deferred under the FPL Group, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan or incentive compensation or awards deferred under the FPL Group, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan of 1985, the FPL Group, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan of 1994, or pursuant to any individual deferral agreement; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, if the Change of Control hereunder is not any such event within the meaning of Code Section 409A, payment of the foregoing amounts shall be made as soon practicable consistent with Code Section 409A;
 
(2)   the Company shall provide the Executive, if such termination occurs prior to the first anniversary of the Change of Control, with the vested and earned awards that the Executive would have received pursuant to Section 6(b) hereof had the Executive remained employed to the first anniversary of the Change of Control;
 
(3)   Subject to the provisions of this paragraph (3):
 
(A)   a pro rata portion of each outstanding performance stock-based award granted to the Executive on or after the date of the Change of Control shall be fully vested and earned at a deemed achievement level equal to the higher of (x) the targeted level of performance for such award or (y) the average level (expressed as a percentage of target) of achievement in respect of similar performance stock-based awards which matured over the three fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the Change of Control occurred; and
 
(B)   a pro rata portion of each other outstanding stock-based award granted to the Executive on or after the date of the Change of Control shall be fully vested and earned;
 
(C)   a pro rata portion of each outstanding option, stock appreciation right, and other award in the nature of a right that may be exercised that was granted to the Executive on or after the date of the Change of Control and which was not previously exercisable and vested shall become fully exercisable and vested; and
 
(D)   the restrictions and forfeiture conditions applicable to any outstanding award granted to the Executive on or after the date of the Change of Control under an incentive compensation plan, practice, policy or program shall lapse and a pro rata portion of such award shall be deemed fully vested and earned.
 
In determining the pro rata portion of an award that shall become fully vested and earned or fully vested and exercisable pursuant to this paragraph (3), an Executive shall be deemed to have remained employed to the end of the Employment Period (determined without regard to his earlier termination of employment).  Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, an award shall not become vested and earned or vested and exercisable hereunder (and instead shall be cancelled) to the extent that pursuant to Section 6 or Section 8(a)(2) hereof, a similar predecessor award in respect of the same performance or vesting period shall have become vested and earned, shall have become vested and exercisable or shall have been paid.  Payment in respect of the underlying awards described in subparagraphs (A), (B) and (D) hereof shall be made in the shares to which such awards relate if such shares are then admitted for trading on a national securities exchange or are then admitted for quotation on a national quotation system as soon as practicable following the Date of Termination, but in no event later than the 15th day of the third month following the end of the first taxable year in which the right to such payment arises.  If such shares are not so admitted, payment in respect of the underlying awards described in subparagraphs (A), (B) and (D) hereof shall be made in cash based on the fair market value of the shares (as determined by the board of directors of the issuer of such shares in good faith) to which such awards relate.  Any portion of an award that does not become vested and earned or vested and exercisable pursuant to this paragraph (3) shall be cancelled as of the Date of Termination.
 
(4)   for a two year period commencing on the Date of Termination (the "Continuation Period"), or such longer period as any plan, program, practice or policy may provide, the Company shall continue benefits to the Executive and/or the Executive's family at least equal to those which would have been provided to them in accordance with the plans, programs, practices and policies described in Sections 5(e) and 5(g) of this Agreement if the Executive's employment had not been terminated, in accordance with the most favorable plans, practices, programs or policies of the Company and its Affiliated Companies applicable generally to other peer executives and their families during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies and their families, provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive medical or other welfare benefits under another employer provided plan, the medical and other welfare benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility.  For purposes of determining eligibility of the Executive for retiree benefits pursuant to such plans, practices, programs and policies, the Executive shall be considered to have remained employed until the end of the Continuation Period and to have retired on the last day of such period.  In addition to, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in, the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (4), and to the extent that the benefit referred to in this sentence is more favorable to the Executive than the benefit conferred by the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (4), upon termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled without limitation as to period to enroll in Access Only Benefits, as defined in the Retiree Benefits Plan for Employees of FPL Group, Inc., as amended and restated effective January 1, 2008 (the “Retiree Benefits Plan”), or in a comparable medical benefits arrangement, if the Executive satisfies the eligibility requirements as stated in Appendix B to the Retiree Benefits Plan as in effect as of December 12, 2008, even if Access Only Benefits, or comparable medical benefits, are no longer being provided to other employees of the Company; provided, that such medical benefits shall be provided to the Executive to the extent that such coverage is available under the Company’s health, dental and vision plans or can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms;
 
(5)   for the remainder of the Continuation Period and to the extent previously paid for or provided by the Company or its Affiliated Companies, the Company shall continue to provide the following, consistent with the Company’s Expense Reimbursement Policy, which is intended to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv):
 
(A)   social and business club memberships to the Executive (as in effect immediately prior to the Date of Termination);
 
(B)   use, maintenance, insurance, and repair of the company car that is in the possession of the Executive, until the earlier of the end of the lease term or the end of the Continuation Period, at which time the Executive may purchase such car (in accordance with the Company’s then-existing executive car program).  The Company shall replace the company car in the Executive's possession on the Effective Date with a new company car at such time(s) as provided under the Company car policy applicable to other peer executives, but in no case less frequently than the Company car policy in effect during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date;
 
(C)   up to $15,000 annually for personal financial planning, accounting and legal advice;
 
(D)   communication equipment such as a car and/or cellular phone, and home or laptop computer until the end of the Continuation Period, at which time the Executive may purchase such equipment;
 
(E)   security system at the Executive's residence, and the related monitoring and maintenance fees; and
 
(F)   up to $800 annually for personal excess liability insurance coverage;
 
To the extent that any of these benefits is determined to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A (and ineligible for any exception from the application of Code Section 409A), payment shall not be made prior to, and shall, if necessary, be deferred to and paid (with interest using 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate, with compounding, as prescribed under Code Section 1274(d)) on the first day of the seventh month following the date on which the Executive experiences a separation from service (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)).
 
(6)   to the extent not theretofore paid or provided, the Company shall timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Executive is eligible to receive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise under any plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, but excluding solely for purposes of this Section 8(a)(6) (and subsequent sections hereof which make reference to payments of amounts or benefits described in this Section 8(a)(6)) amounts waived by the Executive pursuant to Section 8(a)(1)(ii); and
 
(7)   the Company shall provide the Executive with the following benefits consistent with the Company’s Expense Reimbursement Policy, which is intended to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv):
 
(A)   If the Executive is required to move his primary residence in order to pursue other business opportunities during the Continuation Period, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for all such relocation expenses incurred during the Employment Period (not in excess of $10,000) that are not reimbursed by another employer, including, without limitation, assistance in selling the Executive's home and all other assistance and benefits that were customarily provided by the Company to transferred executives prior to the Effective Date;
 
(B)   If the Executive retains counsel or an accounting firm in connection with the taxation of payments made pursuant to Section 11 of this Agreement, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for such reasonable legal and/or accounting fees and disbursements (not in excess of $15,000);
 
(C)   The Company shall continue to pay the Executive's Annual Base Salary during the pendency of a dispute over his termination.  However, such amounts shall not be paid to the Executive prior to, and shall, if necessary, be deferred to and paid (with interest at 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate, with compounding as prescribed under Code Section 1274(d)) on the first day of the seventh month following the date on which the Executive experiences a separation from service (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)). Amounts paid under this subsection are in addition to all other amounts due under this Agreement (other than those due under Section 5(a) hereof) and shall not be offset against or reduce any other amounts due under this Agreement; and
 
(D)   The Company shall provide the Executive with outplacement services commensurate with those provided to terminated executives of comparable level made available through and at the facilities of a reputable and experienced vendor.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the benefits described in paragraphs (A),(B) and (D) above are limited to expenses incurred no later than the end of the second calendar year following the Executive’s termination, and the reimbursements will be made timely upon receipt of the Executive’s request for payment (but in no event later than the third year following such termination).
 
(b)   Following An Effective Date and Prior to a Change of Control: Good Reason; Other Than for Cause or Disability .  If, following an actual Effective Date ( i.e. , not a Deemed Effective Date) and prior to a Change of Control, the Company terminates the Executive's employment during the Employment Period other than for Cause or Disability or death or the Executive terminates employment for Good Reason, then:
 
(1)   the Company shall provide the Executive with the payments and benefits described under Sections 8(a)(1), (4), (5), (6) and (7);
 
(2)   the Company shall provide the Executive with the benefits the Executive would have received under Section 6(a) hereof as if a Change of Control had occurred immediately prior to the Date of Termination, except that, for purposes of Section 6(a)(1), (i) 100% of each outstanding performance stock-based award granted to the Executive which is outstanding immediately prior to the Date of Termination shall become fully vested and earned and (ii) payment shall be made in the form contemplated by the terms of the award.
 
(c)   Deemed Effective Date .  If the Executive's employment terminates under circumstances described in the second sentence of Section 1 hereof, then:
 
(1)   the Company shall provide the Executive with the payments and benefits described under Sections 8(a)(1), (4), (5), (6) and (7); and
 
(2)   a pro rata portion of each outstanding performance stock-based award granted to the Executive shall be fully vested and earned at a deemed achievement level equal to the higher of (x) the targeted level of performance for such award or (y) the average level (expressed as a percentage of target) of achievement in respect of similar performance stock-based awards which matured over the three fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the Date of Termination occurs; payment in respect of such award shall be made at the time and in the manner provided under the plan pursuant to which such award was granted; and the remainder of the award shall be cancelled, subject, however, to the provisions of this paragraph (c);
 
(3)   a pro rata portion of each other outstanding stock-based award granted to the Executive shall be fully vested and earned; payment in respect of such award shall be made at the time and in the manner provided under the plan pursuant to which such award was granted; and the remainder of the award shall be cancelled, subject, however, to the provisions of this paragraph (c);
 
(4)   a pro rata portion of each outstanding option, stock appreciation right, and each other outstanding award in the nature of a right that may be exercised that was granted to the Executive and which was not previously exercisable and vested shall become fully exercisable and vested; and the remainder of each such award shall be cancelled, subject, however, to the provisions of this paragraph (c); and
 
(5)   the restrictions and forfeiture conditions applicable to a pro rata portion of any outstanding award granted to the Executive under an incentive compensation plan, practice, policy or program shall lapse; such portion shall be deemed fully vested; and the remainder of each such award shall be cancelled, subject, however, to the provisions of this paragraph (c).
 
For purposes of this Section 8 (c), pro ration of the foregoing awards shall be determined in accordance with the past practice of the Company generally applicable to peer executives whose employment had been involuntarily terminated.
 
Notwithstanding cancellation of awards hereunder, if a Change of Control occurs following the Date of Termination and the Board determines in good faith prior to the Change of Control that there is a reasonable relationship between the Change of Control and the events or circumstances surrounding the Executive's termination, then the Company shall pay to the Executive, on the 60th day following the Change of Control, a lump sum cash amount (determined by the Board in good faith) which, when added to the value received by the Executive under the provisions of clauses (2)-(5) above, will provide to Executive an aggregate value equal to the aggregate value that would have been provided to the Executive under Section 6(a) and Section 8(a)(2) hereof had the Executive remained employed to the date of the Change of Control and been involuntarily terminated without Cause immediately thereafter.
 
Notwithstanding anything in Section 8(b) or in this Section 8(c) to the contrary, if (A) the Executive was at any time during a Performance Period which has not ended prior to the Date of Termination, a “Covered Employee” as defined by Code Section 162(m) and (B) Code Section 162(m) remains in effect as of the Date of Termination and as of such date is applicable to the element of compensation (including, without limitation, annual cash bonus, performance shares and restricted stock) contemplated for payment or vesting, in each case, as described in Section 8(b) or in this Section 8(c), no such element of compensation to which the Executive shall otherwise be entitled pursuant to Section 8(b) or this Section 8(c) that is intended to constitute and, in the opinion of a nationally reputable law firm having significant experience with Code Section 162(m), absent the Executive’s termination, would have constituted, qualified performance-based compensation for purposes of Code Section 162(m) (assuming, solely for this purpose, that the Corporate Performance Objective to which the payment or vesting of such element of compensation is subject had been achieved) shall be paid or shall vest unless and until the earlier of (i) the date on which a Change of Control occurs, but only if such delay in payment or vesting of such element of compensation is necessary for prior payments or vesting of compensation to or for the benefit of the Executive to continue to constitute qualified performance-based compensation for purposes of Code Section 162(m), or (ii) the date on which the Compensation Committee of the Board shall have certified achievement of the Corporate Performance Objective to which the payment or vesting of such element of compensation is subject, but only if such delay in payment or vesting of such element of compensation is necessary for prior payments or vesting of compensation to or for the benefit of the Executive to continue to constitute qualified performance-based compensation for purposes of Code Section 162(m).  For purposes of this Section 8(c), “Performance Period” means a period of service for which the Compensation Committee of the Board has established a Corporate Performance Objective and for which the Company intends to pay qualified performance-based compensation for purposes of Code Section 162(m) if such Corporate Performance Objective is achieved.
 
(d)   Death .  Upon the Executive's death during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive's legal representatives under this Agreement, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations, the Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits described in Annex A, and the timely payment or provision of the benefits described in Sections 8(a)(4) and 8(a)(6) (the "Other Benefits").  All Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive's estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination. The Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits shall be paid to the Executive's Beneficiary (within the meaning of the SERP) under the terms set forth in, and pursuant to the elections made under, the SERP. The term "Other Benefits" as utilized in this Section 8(d) shall include, without limitation, and the Executive's family shall be entitled to receive, benefits at least equal to the most favorable benefits provided by the Company and any of its Affiliated Companies to surviving families of peer executives of the Company and such Affiliated Companies under such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to family death benefits, if any, as in effect with respect to other peer executives and their families at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as in effect on the date of the Executive's death with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies and their families.
 
(e)   Disability .  If the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of the Executive's Disability during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for payment of Accrued Obligations, the Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits described in Annex A, and the timely payment or provision of Other Benefits (as defined in Section 8(d)).  All Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination.   The Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits shall be paid to the Executive or his Beneficiary (within the meaning of the SERP), as the case may be, under the terms set forth in, and pursuant to the elections made under, the SERP. The term "Other Benefits" as utilized in this Section 8(e) shall also include, and the Executive shall be entitled after the Disability Effective Date to receive, disability and other benefits at least equal to the most favorable of those generally provided by the Company and its Affiliated Companies to disabled executives and/or their families in accordance with such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to disability, if any, as in effect generally with respect to other peer executives and their families at any time during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as in effect at any time thereafter generally with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies and their families.
 
(f)   Cause; Other Than for Good Reason .  If the Executive's employment shall be terminated for Cause during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive other than the obligation to pay to the Executive Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination plus the amount of any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (under the terms set forth in, and pursuant to the elections made under, the applicable deferred compensation plan or arrangement), in each case to the extent theretofore unpaid.  If the Executive terminates employment during the Employment Period, excluding a termination for Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for Accrued Obligations, the Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits, if any, described in Annex A to the extent the Executive is vested in his benefits under the Pension Plan, and the timely payment or provision of benefits pursuant to the last sentence of Section 8(a)(4) and Section 8(a)(6).  In such case, all Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination.  The Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits, if any, shall be paid to the Executive or his Beneficiary (within the meaning of the SERP), as the case may be, under the terms set forth in, and pursuant to the elections made under, the SERP.
 
(g)   Payment Schedule . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, to the extent required to comply with Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), (i) if the Executive's termination of employment does not constitute a "separation from service" within the meaning of Code Section 409A, any taxable payment or benefit which becomes due under this Agreement as a result of such termination of employment shall be deferred to the earliest date on which the Executive has a "separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A; and (ii) if the Executive is deemed to be a “specified employee” for purposes of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B), payments due to him that would otherwise have been payable at any time during the six-month period immediately following separation from service (as defined for purposes of Code Section 409A) shall not be paid prior to, and shall instead be payable in a lump sum as soon as practicable following, the expiration of such six-month period.   Any amounts deferred under this Section 8(g) shall bear interest from the date originally scheduled to be paid through and including the date of actual payment at 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate (as prescribed under Code Section 1274(d)) per annum, compounded quarterly.   In addition to the foregoing, payments that are or become due on account of a Deemed Effective Date shall be made at the time otherwise provided in this Agreement or, if later, the earlier of the second anniversary of the Date of Termination and the date of occurrence of a “change of control” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder).
 
9.      Non-Exclusivity of Rights .
 
  Except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company or any of its Affiliated Companies and for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its Affiliated Companies.  Amounts which are vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its Affiliated Companies at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement and consistent with Code Section 409A.
 
10.     Full Settlement .
 
    The Company's obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against the Executive or others.   In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement, such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.  The Company agrees to pay, to the fullest extent permitted by law (but only to the extent consistent with Code Section 409A), all legal fees and expenses which the Executive may reasonably incur at all stages of proceedings, including, without limitation, preparation and appellate review, as a result of any contest (regardless of whether formal legal proceedings are ever commenced and regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, the Executive or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by the Executive about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the applicable Federal rate provided for in Code Section 7872(f)(2)(A).
 
11.   Parachute Payments .   

(a)   Anything in any section of this Agreement other than this Section 11 to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined that any Payment (as hereinafter defined) would be subject to the Excise Tax (as hereinafter defined), the right to receive any Payment under this Agreement shall be reduced if but only if:

(i)  such right to such Payment, taking into account all other Payments to or for Participant, would cause any Payment to the Participant under this Agreement to be considered a "parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code as then in effect; and

(ii)  as a result of receiving a parachute payment and paying any applicable tax (including Excise Tax) thereon, the aggregate after-tax amounts received by the Participant from the Company under this Agreement and all Payments would be less than the maximum after-tax amount that could be received by Participant without causing any such Payment to be considered a parachute payment.

In the event that the receipt of any such right to Payment under this Agreement, in conjunction with all other Payments, would cause the Participant to be considered to have received a parachute payment under this Agreement that would have the effect of decreasing the after-tax amount received by the Participant as described in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, then the amounts payable under this Agreement shall be reduced so that the Parachute Value of all Payments, in the aggregate, equals the Safe Harbor Amount.

To the extent that the payment of any compensation or benefits to Executive from the Company is required to be reduced by this Section 11, such reduction shall be implemented by determining the “Parachute Payment Ratio” (as hereinafter defined) for each parachute payment and then reducing the parachute payments in order beginning with the parachute payment with the highest Parachute Payment Ratio.  For parachute payments with the same Parachute Payment Ratio, such parachute payments shall be reduced based on the time of payment of such parachute payments, with amounts having later payment dates being reduced first.  For parachute payments with the same Parachute Payment Ratio and the same time of payment, such parachute payments shall be reduced on a pro rata basis (but not below zero) prior to reducing parachute payments with a lower Parachute Payment Ratio.

(b) Definitions . The following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Section 11.
 
(i) “ Excise Tax ” shall mean the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, together with any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such excise tax.
 
(ii) “ Parachute Payment Ratio ” shall mean a fraction the numerator of which is the value of the applicable parachute payment for purposes of Section 280G of the Code and the denominator of which is the intrinsic value of such parachute payment.
 
(iii)  “ Parachute Value ” of a Payment shall mean the present value as of the date of the change of control for purposes of Section 280G of the Code of the portion of such Payment that constitutes a “parachute payment” under Section 280G(b)(2), as determined for purposes of determining whether and to what extent the Excise Tax will apply to such Payment.
 
(iv) A “ Payment ” shall mean any payment or distribution in the nature of compensation (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether paid or payable pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise.
 
(v) The “ Safe Harbor Amount ” means 2.99 times the Executive’s “base amount,” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code.
 

12.             Confidential Information .   The Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its Affiliated Companies, and their respective businesses, which shall have been obtained by the Executive during the Executive's employment by the Company or any of its Affiliated Companies and which shall not be or become public knowledge (other than by acts of the Executive or representatives of the Executive in violation of this Agreement).  After termination of the Executive's employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Company and those designated by it.  In no event shall an asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 12 constitute a basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive under this Agreement.
 
13.             Indemnification . The Company will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify the Executive in accordance with the terms of Article VI of the Company’s bylaws as in effect on the date hereof, a copy of which Article VI is attached to this Agreement as Annex B and made a part hereof by this reference. This indemnification provision shall survive the expiration or other termination of this Agreement.
 
14.             Successors .
 
(a)   This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the Executive other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's legal representatives.
 
(b)   This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.
 
(c)   The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.  As used in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.
 
15.                       Miscellaneous.
 
(a)           This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.  The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect.  This Agreement may not be amended or modified other than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.
 
(b)           All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
 
If to the Executive:

Mano Nazar
[Address]

If to the Company:

FPL Group, Inc.
700 Universe Boulevard
Juno Beach, Florida  33408
Attention:  Executive Vice President, Human Resources

or such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith.  Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.

(c)           The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
 
(d)   The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
 
(e)   The Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision hereof or any other provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Section 7(c)(1)-(5) of this Agreement, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.
 
(f)   The Executive and the Company acknowledge that, except as may otherwise be provided under this Agreement or any other written agreement between the Executive and the Company, the employment of the Executive by the Company is "at will" and, prior to the Effective Date, the Executive’s employment may be terminated by either the Executive or the Company at any time.  Moreover, except as provided herein in the case of a Deemed Effective Date, if prior to the Effective Date, (i) the Executive's employment with the Company terminates, or (ii) there is a diminution in the Executive's position (including status, offices, titles, and reporting requirements), authority, duties, and responsibilities with the Company or its Affiliated Companies, then the Executive shall have no rights under this Agreement.   From and after the Effective Date, this Agreement shall supersede any other agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and in furtherance but not in limitation of this, the Executive hereby waives the right to receive any amount of severance relating to salary or bonus continuation to be received by the Executive upon termination of employment of the Executive under the circumstances contemplated hereby under any severance plan, policy or arrangement of the Company.
 
(g)   The Executive and the Company acknowledge that this Agreement contains the full and complete expression of the rights and obligations of the parties with respect to the matters contained in the Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, written or oral, made by the parties with respect to the matters contained in the Agreement.
 
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, and except in the case of death, it shall be a condition to the Executive receiving any payments or benefits under this Agreement that the Executive shall have (a) executed and delivered to the Company a release of claims against the Company, such release to be in the Company’s then standard form of release; and (b) executed and delivered to the Company resignations of all officer and director positions the Executive holds with the Company or its Affiliated Companies, in each case no later than forty-five (45) days after the Date of Termination unless there is a genuine dispute as to the Executive’s substantive rights under this Agreement within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(g) (or any successor provision).
 
The Executive and the Company acknowledge that the benefits and payments provided under this Agreement are intended to comply fully with the requirements of Code Section 409A.  This Agreement shall be construed and administered as necessary to comply with Code Section 409A and shall be subject to amendment in the future, in such a manner as the Company may deem necessary or appropriate to attain compliance; provided, however, that any such amendment shall provide the Executive with benefits and payments that are substantially economically equivalent to the benefits and payments that would have been made to the Executive absent such amendment and the requirements of Code Section 409A.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive's hand and the Company has caused Executive Retention Employment Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of January 1, 2010.

   
EXECUTIVE
 
 
 
 
By
/s/ MANOOCHEHR NAZAR
   
Manoochehr Nazar



   
FPL GROUP, INC.
 
 
 
 
By
/s/ JAMES W. POPPELL
   
James W. Poppell
Executive Vice President, Human Resources


 
 

 

ANNEX A
TO THE
EXECUTIVE RETENTION EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT



PAYMENT IN LIEU OF LOST FUTURE BENEFITS
 
(1)           Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits.

(a)           In General.  The Payment in Lieu of Lost Future Benefits to which the Executive shall be entitled under this Agreement shall be (i) the supplemental pension benefit described in Paragraph 1(b) of this Annex A, and (ii) the supplemental matching contribution account described in Paragraph 1(c) of this Annex A.
 
(b)           Supplemental Pension Benefit.  The "supplemental pension benefit" shall be the greater of (i) the supplemental cash balance accrued benefit described in Paragraph 1(b)(1) of this Annex A, or (ii) the supplemental unit credit accrued benefit described in Paragraph 1(b)(2) of this Annex A.
 
(1)           The "supplemental cash balance accrued benefit" is the difference, if any, between (A) and (B) where:
 
(A)          is the benefit to which the Executive would be entitled under the Pension Plan as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter during the Employment Period with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies, expressed in the normal form of benefit, if such benefit was computed (i) as if benefits under such plan were based upon the Executive's Bonus Compensation (within the meaning of the SERP as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control), (ii) without the annual compensation limitation imposed by Code Section 401(a)(17), and (iii) without the restrictions or the limitations imposed by Code Section 415(b); and
 
(B)          is the sum of the benefits payable to the Executive under the Pension Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plans, expressed in the normal form of benefit.
 
(2)           The "supplemental unit credit accrued benefit" is the difference, if any, between (A) and (B) where:
 
(A)           is the benefit to which the Executive would be entitled under the Prior Pension Plan (within the meaning of the Supplemental Retirement Plans as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control) (provided that the Executive was actually a participant in the Prior Pension Plan), expressed in the normal form of benefit, if such benefit was computed (i) as if benefits under such plan were based upon the Executive's Bonus Compensation, (ii) without the annual compensation limitation imposed by Code Section 401(a)(17), and (iii) without the restrictions or the limitations imposed by Code Section 415(b); and
 
(B)          is the sum of the benefits payable to the Executive under the Pension Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plans, expressed in the normal form of benefit.
 
(c)           Supplemental Matching Contribution Account.  The "supplemental matching contribution account" shall be an account that is credited annually with (i) supplemental matching contributions described in Paragraph 1(c)(1) of this Annex A, and (ii) theoretical earnings described in Paragraph 1(c)(2) of this Annex A.
 
(1)           "Supplemental matching contributions" shall be for each year ending on or prior to the Effective Date in which the Executive participated in the Supplemental Retirement Plans and for each year ending after the Effective Date in which the Executive performs services for the Company or its Affiliated Companies the difference, if any, between (A) and (B) where:
 
(A)          is the matching contribution allocation for such year to which the Executive would be entitled under the Retirement Savings Plan as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter during the Employment Period with respect to other peer executives of the Company and its Affiliated Companies if such allocation were computed (i) as if the matching contribution allocation under such plan was based upon the Executive's Bonus Compensation, (ii) without the annual compensation limitation imposed by Code Section 401(a)(17), (iii) without the restrictions or the limitations imposed by Code Section 415(c), and (iv) as if he made After Tax Contributions (within the meaning of the Retirement Savings Plan) and Pretax Contributions (within the meaning of the Retirement Savings Plan) at the same percentage of Bonus Compensation as he made such contributions to the Retirement Savings Plan for such years; and
 
(B)          is the sum of the matching contributions allocated or credited to the Executive under the Retirement Savings Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plans for such year.
 
(2)           "Theoretical earnings" shall be the income, gains and losses which would have been credited on the Executive's supplemental matching contribution account balance if such account were invested in the Company Stock Fund (within the meaning of the Retirement Savings Plan) offered as a part of the Retirement Savings Plan.
 
(2)           Construction and Definitions.

Unless defined below or otherwise in this Annex A, all of the capitalized terms used in this Annex A shall have the meanings assigned to them in this Agreement:
 
(a)           "Projected Years of Service" shall mean the Years of Service (within the meaning of the SERP as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control).  Notwithstanding the foregoing and except in the event the Executive terminates employment during the Employment Period other than for Good Reason, in determining the Executive's Years of Service, in addition to his actual Years of Service he shall be treated as if his employment terminated on the later of the second anniversary of the Date of Termination or the last day of the Employment Period.
 
(b)           "Projected Age" shall mean the age that the Executive will have attained on the later of the second anniversary of the Date of Termination or the last day of the Employment Period, except that in the event the Executive terminates employment during the Employment Period other than for Good Reason, "Projected Age" shall mean the age of the Executive on the Date of Termination.
 

 
 

 

ANNEX B
TO THE
EXECUTIVE RETENTION EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 
FPL GROUP, INC. AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
 
ARTICLE VI.  INDEMNIFICATION/ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES

Section 1.  Right to Indemnification .   Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or was or is called as a witness or was or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding in connection with his or her status as an Indemnified Person, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company to the fullest extent permitted under the Florida Business Corporation Act (the "Act"), as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than the Act permitted the Company to provide prior to such amendment).  Such indemnification shall cover all expenses incurred by an Indemnified Person (including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees and other expenses of litigation) and all liabilities and losses (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, ERISA or other excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) incurred by such person in connection therewith.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, except with respect to indemnification specified in Section 3 of this Article VI, the Company shall indemnify an Indemnified Person in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if authorization for such Proceeding (or part thereof) was not denied by the board of directors of the Company prior to 60 days after receipt of notice thereof from such person.

For purposes of this Article VI:

(i) a "Proceeding" is an action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and any appeal therefrom;

(ii) an "Indemnified Person" is a person who is, or who was (whether at the time the facts or circumstances underlying the Proceeding occurred or were alleged to have occurred or at any other time), (A) a director or officer of the Company, (B) a director, officer or other employee of the Company serving as a trustee or fiduciary of an employee benefit plan of the Company, (C) an agent or non-officer employee of the Company as to whom the Company has agreed to grant such indemnity, or (D) serving at the request of the Company in any capacity with any entity or enterprise other than the Company and as to whom the Company has agreed to grant such indemnity.

Section 2.  Expenses .   Expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by an Indemnified Person in defending or otherwise being involved in a Proceeding in connection with his or her status as an Indemnified Person shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such Proceeding, including any appeal therefrom, (i) in the case of (A) a director or officer, or former director or officer, of the Company or (B) a director, officer or other employee, or former director, officer or other employee, of the Company serving as a trustee or fiduciary of any employee benefit plan of the Company, upon receipt of an undertaking ("Undertaking") by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company; or (ii) in the case of any other Indemnified Person, upon such terms and as the board of directors, the chairman of the board or the president of the Company deems appropriate.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person, except a Proceeding authorized by Section 3 of this Article VI, the Company shall pay said expenses in advance of final disposition only if authorization for such Proceeding (or part thereof) was not denied by the board of directors of the Company prior to 60 days after receipt of a request for such advancement accompanied by an Undertaking.

A person to whom expenses are advanced pursuant to this Section 2 shall not be obligated to repay such expenses pursuant to an Undertaking until the final determination of any pending Proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction concerning the right of such person to be indemnified or the obligation of such person to repay pursuant to such Undertaking.

Section 3.  Protection of Rights .   If a claim for indemnification under Section 1 of this Article VI is not promptly paid in full by the Company after a written claim has been received by the Company or if expenses pursuant to Section 2 of this Article VI have not been promptly advanced after a written request for such advancement accompanied by an Undertaking has been received by the Company (in each case, except if authorization thereof was denied by the board of directors of the Company as provided in Article VI, Section 1 and Section 2, as applicable), the Indemnified Person may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Company to recover the unpaid amount of the claim or the advancement of expenses.  If successful, in whole or in part, in such suit, such Indemnified Person shall also be entitled to be paid the reasonable expense thereof.  It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required Undertaking has been tendered to the Company) that indemnification of the Indemnified Person is prohibited by law, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Company.  Neither the failure of the Company (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) to have made a determination, if required, prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the Indemnified Person is proper in the circumstances, nor an actual determination by the Company (including its board of directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) that indemnification of the Indemnified Person is prohibited, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that indemnification of the Indemnified Person is prohibited.
 
Section 4. Miscellaneous .

(i) Power to Request Service and to Grant Indemnification .   The chairman of the board or the president or the board of directors may request any director, officer, agent or employee of the Company to serve as its representative in the position of a director or officer (or in a substantially similar capacity) of an entity or enterprise other than the Company, and may grant to such person indemnification by the Company as described in Section 1 of this Article VI.

(ii) Non-Exclusivity of Rights .   The rights conferred on any person by this Article VI shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Charter, bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.  The board of directors shall have the authority, by resolution, to provide for such indemnification of employees or agents of the Company or others and for such other indemnification of directors, officers, employees or agents as it shall deem appropriate.

(iii) Insurance Contracts and Funding .   The Company may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of or person serving in any other capacity with, the Company or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including serving as a trustee or fiduciary of any employee benefit plan) against any expenses, liabilities or losses, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such expenses, liabilities or losses under the Act.  The Company may enter into contracts with any director, officer, agent or employee of the Company in furtherance of the provisions of this Article VI, and may create a trust fund, grant a security interest or use other means (including, without limitation, a letter of credit) to ensure the payment of such amounts as may be necessary to effect the advancing of expenses and indemnification as provided in this Article VI.

(iv) Contractual Nature .   The provisions of this Article VI shall continue in effect as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, agent or employee and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such person.  This Article VI shall be deemed to be a contract between the Company and each person who, at any time that this Article VI is in effect, serves or served in any capacity which entitles him or her to indemnification hereunder and any repeal or other modification of this Article VI or any repeal or modification of the Act, or any other applicable law shall not limit any rights of indemnification with respect to Proceedings in connection with which he or she is an Indemnified Person, or advancement of expenses in connection with such Proceedings, then existing or arising out of events, acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification, including without limitation, the right to indemnification for Proceedings, and advancement of expenses with respect to such Proceedings, commenced after such repeal or modification to enforce this Article VI with regard to Proceedings arising out of acts, omissions or events arising prior to such repeal or modification.

(v) Savings Clause .   If this Article VI or any portion hereof shall be invalidated or held to be unenforceable on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of which shall not have been reversed on appeal, the Company shall nevertheless (A) indemnify each Indemnified Person as to costs, charges and expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and (B) advance expenses in accordance with Section 2 of this Article VI, in each case with respect to any Proceeding in connection with which he or she is an Indemnified Person, including an action by or in the right of the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Article VI that shall not have been invalidated or held to be unenforceable and as permitted by applicable law.


 


Exhibit 12(a)


FPL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS (a)


   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(millions of dollars)
 
Earnings, as defined:
                             
Net income
  $ 1,615     $ 1,639     $ 1,312     $ 1,281     $ 901  
Income taxes
    327       450       368       397       282  
Fixed charges included in the determination of net income, as below
    899       859       799       732       622  
Amortization of capitalized interest
    17       15       12       11       11  
Distributed income of equity method investees
    69       124       175       104       86  
Less:  Equity in earnings of equity method investees
    52       93       68       181       124  
Total earnings, as defined
  $ 2,875     $ 2,994     $ 2,598     $ 2,344     $ 1,778  
                                         
Fixed charges, as defined:
                                       
Interest expense
  $ 849     $ 813     $ 762     $ 706     $ 593  
Rental interest factor
    28       28       23       15       16  
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    22       18       14       11       13  
Fixed charges included in the determination of net income
    899       859       799       732       622  
Capitalized interest
    88       55       40       18       8  
Total fixed charges, as defined
  $ 987     $ 914     $ 839     $ 750     $ 630  
                              -          
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends (a)
    2.91       3.28       3.10       3.13       2.82  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
FPL Group, Inc. has no preference equity securities outstanding; therefore, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges is the same as the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends.





Exhibit 12(b)


FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS (a)


   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(millions of dollars)
 
                               
Earnings, as defined:
                             
Net income
  $ 831     $ 789     $ 836     $ 802     $ 748  
Income taxes
    473       443       451       424       408  
Fixed charges included in the determination of net income, as below
    347       359       325       296       244  
Total earnings, as defined
  $ 1,651     $ 1,591     $ 1,612     $ 1,522     $ 1,400  
                                         
Fixed charges, as defined:
                                       
Interest expense
  $ 318     $ 334     $ 304     $ 278     $ 224  
Rental interest factor
    7       7       7       7       7  
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    22       18       14       11       13  
Fixed charges included in the determination of net income
    347       359       325       296       244  
Capitalized interest
    2       -       -       -       -  
Total fixed charges, as defined
  $ 349     $ 359     $ 325     $ 296     $ 244  
                                         
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends (a)
    4.73       4.43       4.96       5.14       5.74  
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Florida Power & Light Company’s preference equity securities were redeemed in January 2005.  For the year ended December 31, 2005, preferred stock dividends were less than $1 million.  Therefore, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges is the same as the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends.





Exhibit 21


SUBSIDIARIES OF FPL GROUP, INC.




FPL Group, Inc.'s principal subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 are listed below.

 
 
Subsidiary
   
State or Jurisdiction
of Incorporation
         
1.
Florida Power & Light Company (100%-owned)
   
Florida
2.
FPL Group Capital Inc (100%-owned)
   
Florida
3.
NextEra Energy Resources, LLC (a) (b)
   
Delaware
4.
Palms Insurance Company, Limited (b)
   
Cayman Islands
¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
(a)
Includes 361 subsidiaries that operate in the United States and 32 subsidiaries that operate in foreign countries in the same line of business as NextEra Energy Resources, LLC.
(b)
100%-owned subsidiary of FPL Group Capital Inc.




Exhibit 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements of our reports dated February 25, 2010, relating to the consolidated financial statements of FPL Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (FPL Group) and Florida Power & Light Company and subsidiaries (FPL) and the effectiveness of FPL Group's and FPL's internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of FPL Group and FPL for the year ended December 31, 2009:
 
FPL Group, Inc.
     
Florida Power & Light Company Trust I
Form S-8
 
No. 33-11631
 
Form S-3
 
No. 333-160987-06
Form S-8
 
No. 33-57673
   
Form S-8
 
No. 333-27079
 
Florida Power & Light Company Trust II
Form S-8
 
No. 333-88067
 
Form S-3
 
No. 333-160987-05
Form S-8
 
No. 333-114911
       
Form S-8
 
No. 333-116501
 
FPL Group Capital Inc
Form S-3
 
No. 333-125275
 
Form S-3
 
No. 333-160987-08
Form S-8
 
No. 333-125954
       
Form S-3
 
No. 333-129482
 
FPL Group Capital Trust II
Form S-8
 
No. 333-130479
 
Form S-3
 
No. 333-160987-04
Form S-3
 
No. 333-160987
       
Form S-8
 
No. 333-143739
 
FPL Group Capital Trust III
Form S-3
 
No. 333-159011
 
Form S-3
 
No. 333-160987-03
             
FPL Group Trust I
           
Form S-3
 
No. 333-160987-02
       
             
FPL Group Trust II
           
Form S-3
 
No. 333-160987-01
       
             
Florida Power & Light Company
       
Form S-3
 
No. 333-160987-07
       
 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Miami, Florida
February 25, 2010
 



Exhibit 31(a)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification



I, Lewis Hay, III, certify that:

 
1.
 
I have reviewed this Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2009 of FPL Group, Inc. (the registrant);
 
2.
 
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
 
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
 
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a)
 
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
 
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c)
 
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d)
 
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
 
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
a)
 
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
b)
 
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
Date:   February 25, 2010
   
 
 
 
 
LEWIS HAY, III
 
 
Lewis Hay, III
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of FPL Group, Inc.
 




Exhibit 31(b)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification



I, Armando Pimentel, Jr., certify that:

 
1.
 
I have reviewed this Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2009 of FPL Group, Inc. (the registrant);
 
2.
 
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
 
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
 
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a)
 
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
 
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c)
 
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d)
 
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
 
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
a)
 
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
b)
 
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 
Date:   February 25, 2010
   
 
 
 
 
ARMANDO PIMENTEL, JR.
 
 
Armando Pimentel, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Finance
and Chief Financial Officer
of FPL Group, Inc.
 




Exhibit 31(c)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification



I, Armando J. Olivera, certify that:

 
1.
 
I have reviewed this Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2009 of Florida Power & Light Company (the registrant);
 
2.
 
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
 
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
 
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a)
 
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
 
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c)
 
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d)
 
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
 
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
a)
 
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
b)
 
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:   February 25, 2010
   
 
 
 
 
ARMANDO J. OLIVERA
 
 
Armando J. Olivera
President and Chief Executive Officer
of Florida Power & Light Company
 





Exhibit 31(d)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification



I, Armando Pimentel, Jr., certify that:

 
1.
 
I have reviewed this Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2009 of Florida Power & Light Company (the registrant);
 
2.
 
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
 
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
 
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a)
 
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
 
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c)
 
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d)
 
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
 
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
a)
 
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
b)
 
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:   February 25, 2010
   
 
 
 
 
ARMANDO PIMENTEL, JR.
 
 
Armando Pimentel, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Finance
and Chief Financial Officer of
Florida Power & Light Company
 





Exhibit 32(a)







Section 1350 Certification





We, Lewis Hay, III and Armando Pimentel, Jr., certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 
(1)
 
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of FPL Group, Inc. (FPL Group) for the annual period ended December 31, 2009 (Report) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
(2)
 
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of FPL Group.

 
 
Dated:   February 25, 2010
   
 
 
 
 
LEWIS HAY, III
 
 
Lewis Hay, III
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of FPL Group, Inc.
 

 
 
 
 
ARMANDO PIMENTEL, JR.
 
 
Armando Pimentel, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer of FPL Group, Inc.
 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to FPL Group and will be retained by FPL Group and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

The foregoing certification is being furnished as an exhibit to the Report pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and, accordingly, is not being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the Report and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of FPL Group under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (whether made before or after the date of the Report, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing).





Exhibit 32(b)







Section 1350 Certification





We, Armando J. Olivera and Armando Pimentel, Jr., certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 
(1)
 
The Annual Report on Form 10-K of Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) for the annual period ended December 31, 2009 (Report) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
(2)
 
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of FPL.

 
 
Dated:   February 25, 2010
   
 
 
 
 
ARMANDO J. OLIVERA
 
 
Armando J. Olivera
President and Chief Executive Officer of
Florida Power & Light Company
 

 
 
 
 
ARMANDO PIMENTEL, JR.
 
 
Armando Pimentel, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Finance
and Chief Financial Officer of
Florida Power & Light Company
 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to FPL and will be retained by FPL and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

The foregoing certification is being furnished as an exhibit to the Report pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and, accordingly, is not being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the Report and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of FPL under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (whether made before or after the date of the Report, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing).