More than a year after the idea first emerged, St. Petersburg leaders have taken their first step toward exploring what it would mean to cut ties with Duke Energy as the city’s electricity provider.

On July 31, the City Council’s sustainability committee voted 2-1 to draft a resolution asking Mayor Ken Welch’s administration to seek bids from consulting firms to conduct a feasibility study. Only three members voted because the fourth, Corey Givens Jr., left the meeting before the vote—despite speaking against the proposal and urging the city to “pump the brakes.”

Council members Richie Floyd and Brandi Gabbard, who supported moving forward, said time is running short. The city’s legal agreement with Duke expires in a year, and just securing a study could take months. The analysis would weigh the costs, savings, and risks of forming a city-run utility, potentially giving St. Petersburg more control over rates and renewable energy adoption.

A final decision to commission the study would require approval from the full City Council. If St. Pete does leave Duke, it would join other municipalities—like Clearwater—that are weighing municipal utilities. Clearwater launched its own $500,000 study last year but has yet to finish, blaming delays on needed data from Duke. The company countered with its own analysis estimating a $1 billion price tag for taking over its local grid, using a consultant known for working with utilities resisting municipal takeovers.

Floyd and Gabbard accused Duke of dragging its feet, while Duke spokesperson Ana Gibbs said the company has cooperated fully with Clearwater’s consultant and remains committed to serving St. Petersburg.

Some council members not on the committee also weighed in. Deborah Figgs-Sanders voiced support for the study, saying, “It’s hard to say ‘pump the brakes’ when we don’t have the information.” Others, including Mike Harting and Copley Gerdes, expressed concerns and questions.

Before leaving the meeting, Givens asked Duke representatives if they would lower rates to keep the city’s business. Jeff Baker, Duke’s community relations manager, said they could not offer special rates for one city under state law. However, St. Pete could use the millions Duke pays annually for property use to help residents with bills.

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(Image credit: Emily L. Mahoney/Tampa Bay Times)

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