Florida Power & Light (FPL) customers will see an increase in their monthly bills starting in January to cover the costs of restoring power after a series of hurricanes this year. The Florida Public Service Commission unanimously approved a $1.2 billion interim recovery package for the utility giant, which will result in an average increase of about $12 per month for residential customers.
This decision has drawn criticism from consumer advocates who argue that the burden of storm recovery costs should be shared more equitably. Jordan Luebkemann, an attorney representing Florida Rising and the League of United Latin American Citizens, pointed out that while residential customers face increased expenses, large commercial and industrial customers are getting a “break.”
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He also argued that utilities, which contribute to carbon emissions that fuel stronger storms, should bear more of the financial responsibility for recovery efforts.
FPL defended the cost recovery plan, stating that it’s a process used in previous years and has been approved by the commission multiple times. However, the Miami Beach City Commission expressed concerns about the plan’s impact on customers and urged regulators to explore alternative approaches that don’t place an additional financial burden on residents.
The approved package covers restoration costs for Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, which collectively caused significant damage across the state. The majority of the expenses, about $811.1 million, are attributed to Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm that made landfall in Sarasota County in October.
READ: Hillsborough County Extends State Of Local Emergency Due To Hurricane Impacts
While the increase is set to take effect in January, the commission noted that the charges are subject to a refund with interest, pending a further review of the actual recovery costs.
Other major Florida utilities, including Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric Co., have also indicated they will seek to recover storm-related costs from customers in the coming months.
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