TAMPA, Fla. – The Florida Office of Public Counsel, along with consumer advocacy groups Florida Rising, Inc. and LULAC Florida, Inc., are challenging recent Tampa Electric Co. rate increases at the Florida Supreme Court.
The groups filed notices of appeal on Monday, contesting the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) approval of the increases. The PSC approved a nearly $185 million base-rate increase for Tampa Electric in 2025, with additional increases of $86.6 million and $9.1 million expected in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The first round of increases took effect in January.
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The Office of Public Counsel, which represents consumers in utility matters, argues that the PSC failed to adequately consider certain facts and legal issues when approving the rate hikes. They filed a motion last month asking the PSC to reconsider its decision, but the commission has not yet ruled on that motion.
Tampa Electric, meanwhile, has urged the PSC to reject the reconsideration request.
The appeals filed with the Florida Supreme Court do not yet detail the specific arguments the groups will make.
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However, it is expected that they will focus on the impact of the rate increases on consumers and whether the PSC followed proper procedures in approving the hikes.
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