MIAMI – Florida Power and Light customers are bracing for a hike in rates.
The company is warning of a surge in prices going into next year to recover the cost of this historic hurricane season.
Residents seem to be universally frustrated, with some even distrustful of the company due to their monthly electric bill.
Just days before FPL was approved for another rate hike, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz, during oral arguments on another utility rate case last week, used the words “rubber stamp” regarding the workings of the state public service commission — the PSC — that grants utilities like FPL the rate increases they request.
The PSC granted FPL’s latest increase to cover costs from this year’s hurricanes – Milton, Helene and Debby – and also build its storm reserve.
South Florida escaped the damage this year but will pay those costs in the electric bills.
FPL outlines the added charges on its website, with an average increase of $12 a month.
It starts in January and ends in December, and the PSC said there could be a refund down the line, once they know the actual costs.
The commissioners on the PSC are all political appointees. A rep for the PSC had no one available to discuss these issues when reached by Local 10 News for comment. FPL did not respond to any of Local 10′s requests.