Florida regulators began a two-week hearing on Monday to consider Florida Power & Light’s request to raise rates for its approximately 12 million customers.

FPL is seeking approval for a four-year rate plan that would increase the average household bill by about $2.50 per month starting in 2026, with increases continuing through 2029 to reach approximately $8 more per month. The utility states that the plan is necessary to accommodate Florida’s population growth and energy demand, to fund new power plants, and to replace aging infrastructure.

Critics, including AARP, oppose the proposal, arguing the increases are too steep and would disproportionately impact residents on fixed incomes. AARP warns the approval could set a precedent for other utilities to pursue similar rate hikes. The state’s Office of Public Counsel claims the request would result in “unjust and unaffordable rates.”

The Florida Public Service Commission is expected to decide on the proposal by the end of the year, possibly as early as November.

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(Image credit: Florida Power & Light)

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