Duke Energy is stepping up its efforts to remain Clearwater’s primary power provider, releasing a surprise study Monday that estimates it would cost the city between $1.13 billion and $1.52 billion to take over Duke’s infrastructure and create a city-owned utility.

“That study reflects their perspective, which is to be expected,” said Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector.

Last summer, the Clearwater City Council voted to commission an independent study on the feasibility of ending its decades-long relationship with Duke Energy. The city’s current 30-year agreement with Duke expires in December, offering a rare chance to reconsider its energy provider. However, Rector said city officials were not informed in advance that Duke would be releasing its own study.

The city’s analysis is still underway.

“All municipally- or government-owned utilities in Florida charge lower rates than the state’s four investor-owned utilities, which makes the idea worth exploring,” Rector added.

Following the city’s vote to explore alternatives, Duke Energy warned that its infrastructure is not for sale. That means Clearwater would likely have to acquire it through eminent domain, a legal process that would require the city to pay fair market value for the equipment.

“We’re still waiting on our study,” Rector said. “Our consultants have been delayed while waiting on additional data from Duke.”

In its statement, Duke Energy said it commissioned the study “to ensure our customers and the City of Clearwater had a third-party analysis.”

“We have cooperated with the city’s consultants in sharing system information,” the company added. “We value our relationship with the city and remain committed to serving Clearwater residents and businesses.”

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(Image credit: City of Clearwater)

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