Lakeland Electric

Lakeland residents face higher electric bills, while a Senate bill transferring USF Sarasota-Manatee land to New College vanishes — leaving both energy costs and campus plans in uncertainty.

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 ‘next generation’ natural-gas-powered plant took 16 months longer and cost $40 million more than expected.

The Florida Public Service Commission has oversight of certain issues for local utilities but does not regulate their rates.

Lakeland Electric is going to need more power later this month, after it brings down its sole coal-powered plant for repairs.Spokesman Chris Neal said,…