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Publix Purchases Generators as Part of Business Recovery Plan

LAKELAND, Fla., March 13, 2006 – Publix Super Markets plans to install 400 stationary and mobile generators to hurricane-prone store locations as well as 175 quick-connecting docking stations to stores in lower-probability hurricane areas.

The installs, currently in progress, focus on stores in the southeast and southwest coasts of Florida, the Florida panhandle, coastal Georgia and South Carolina and will occur in two waves: Wave one, to be completed by July 1, 2006, encompasses approximately 1/3 of the generators, and wave two is anticipated to conclude in July 2007. This massive generator project is expected to protect Publix stores in approximately 575 communities at an estimated investment of $100 million.  

"The time to reinvest in our communities is now," said Maria Brous, Publix director of media and community relations. "Our customers depend on Publix to be open and operational directly following a hurricane. While we all know we should be prepared for the first 72 hours following a storm, the ability to provide fundamental, basic needs to the communities we serve is essential. We are grateful to our partners in Miami-Dade County for their commitment to the citizens and communities of Miami-Dade in their efforts to expedite the permitting process for the generators. In the upcoming weeks, we will be working to secure similar commitments from our partners in other municipal and county government offices. Our ability to meet our projected timelines is dependent upon our partners in local government."

"The private sector is an important element of Florida's State Emergency Response Team, and I applaud Publix's leadership as we work to instill a 'culture of preparedness' in Florida," said Governor Jeb Bush. "As we prepare for the 2006 Hurricane Season, I urge local officials across Florida to expedite permitting processes for generators, enabling businesses to better serve the needs of their customers while alleviating dependence on state and federal resources."

The permanent generators are 500 kW generators supplied by PowerSecure. They have automated turn-on sensors and contain a double-lined fuel tank, with a bi-fuel option, that holds 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel. The mobile generators are trailer mounted and will be transported by Publix tractors. They have a self-contained, double-lined fuel tank that holds 860 gallons of diesel fuel. Publix stores in lower-probability hurricane areas will be pre-wired with quick-connects.