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Starting in January 2025, customers of Florida Power & Light (FPL), the largest electric service provider in the state of Florida, will see an increase in their monthly bills.
The increase is part of a plan approved on Tuesday by the Florida Public Service Commission to raise $1.2 billion, which will be allocated for the recovery from the damages caused by hurricanes Helene, Milton, and Debby in 2024.
The company asserts that it is necessary to increase rates for the reconstruction efforts following the cyclones, which severely impacted the state's electrical infrastructure and left thousands without service for several days. The most damaging was Milton, although Debby and Helene also caused millions in damages.
Starting January 2nd and continuing at least throughout the year, FPL customers will face an increase of $12 in their monthly bills.
The plan approved by the state also includes the replenishment of a storm reserve fund of $150 million. The company promises a more resilient system to face future natural disasters, featuring a stronger electrical system prepared for emergencies.
However, the measure has faced criticism as it will impact thousands of low-income families, who question why they should bear the costs of climate emergencies instead of the electric companies.
The lawyers for the group Florida Rising argued that their clients do not control hurricanes and therefore should not bear the financial burden of recovery, which should also be shared by FPL.
The company recommended measures for its customers to save energy, such as setting the thermostat to a moderate and constant temperature, lowering the water heater temperature, and cleaning the refrigerator coils. However, critics point out that none of this addresses the root of the problem, which remains the rising prices.
Electricity service in Florida is managed by several private companies and local cooperatives. The main ones are:
Florida Power & Light (FPL) is the largest company in the state, serving over 5 million customers in East and South Florida.
Duke Energy Florida primarily serves the central and northern regions of the state, providing power to thousands of homes and businesses.
Tampa Electric Company (TECO) operates in the Tampa Bay area and serves both urban and suburban customers.
Gulf Power, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy (like FPL), serves the northwest region.
Municipalities and electric cooperatives: in some areas, like Jacksonville, it is managed by local entities such as JEA, while rural communities rely on cooperatives like Seminole Electric Cooperative.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Increase in Electricity Bills in Florida in 2025
Why will the electricity bill increase in Florida in 2025?
The electricity bill in Florida will increase due to a recovery plan approved by the Florida Public Service Commission, which aims to raise $1.2 billion to cover restoration costs resulting from the damage caused by hurricanes Helene, Milton, and Debby in 2024. This plan involves a monthly increase of $12 on the bills of Florida Power & Light (FPL) customers.
How much will the FPL electricity bill increase for Florida residents?
The electricity bill for FPL customers will increase by approximately $12 per month starting in January 2025. This increase is intended to last 12 months and is part of an effort to raise funds to repair the infrastructure damaged by the hurricanes of 2024.
What measures does FPL propose to help customers reduce the impact of the increase in their bills?
FPL has suggested several strategies for customers to better manage their electricity consumption and reduce costs, such as setting the thermostat to moderate temperatures, cleaning the refrigerator coils, and using the water heater at lower temperatures. While helpful, these measures do not address the main issue of the rate increase.
What impact will the rate increase have on consumers in Florida?
The increase in electricity rates will impact thousands of families in Florida, particularly those with limited incomes, as it will raise their monthly utility expenses. Additionally, it has sparked a debate about who should bear the costs of climate emergencies—electric companies or consumers.
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