Energy Bills

If you compare your electric bill from last month to one from a few years ago, you’d probably see a jump. Our three-part investigation digs into why. The reporters tell us how they dug.

When utilities want to raise rates or recoup costs, they have to go before the Florida Public Service Commission for approval.

Solar hasn’t necessarily been replacing Florida utilities’ fossil fuel use, the state’s consumer advocate says — it’s actually been used in some cases to bring more fuel online, expanding the grid and your electricity bills.

Duke Energy proposed a data center tariff, required under a new state law to shield Floridians from increased costs. But the Office of Public Counsel says it doesn't comply.

Florida electric utilities initially said they were going to decrease their use of natural gas by 18% in the next decade, but their updated plans now show an increase of 2%, instead.

The disconnections point to a broader trend of energy insecurity, advocacy groups say. A $7 billion rate hike for Florida Power & Light customers will further raise costs.

Republicans advocating for the preemption say clean energy efforts are more costly than fossil fuel use, despite Tampa recently showing significant savings from such practices.

Residents, community organizers and City of Tampa energy officials bemoaned rising electric bills during a March 26 meeting.

Natural gas costs spiked during last month’s cold snap, leaving the utility about $19 million over budget. Lakeland Electric says the temporary bill spike when customer use is lower would soften the impact.

The Affordable Energy Reform Act would make electricity rate hike cases more transparent, cap utility returns on equity and tie company profits to efficiency.

It calls on Gov. Ron DeSantis, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott to "investigate TECO's pricing strategies and take action."

The Florida Public Service Commission approved the rate increase Thursday for Florida Power & Light, the state's largest power company, over the strong objections of various groups.