Florida Power & Light Customers Face Higher Bills Following 2024 Hurricane Season
Starting in January, customers of Florida Power & Light (FPL) will notice a rise in their monthly bills to cover the expenses related to power restoration after this year’s series of hurricanes.
The Florida Public Service Commission has given strong approval for a $1.2 billion interim recovery program for the utility giant. Residential customers can expect an increase of about $12 in their monthly average.
Consumer advocates are voicing their concerns over this decision, stating that a fairer allocation of disaster recovery costs is essential.
Jordan Luebkemann, an attorney for Florida Rising and the League of United Latin American Citizens, stated that large commercial and industrial customers are getting a “break” while residential consumers are dealing with increased costs.
He argued that utilities, which contribute to carbon emissions that worsen storms, should bear a greater share of the recovery costs.
FPL stood by its cost recovery approach, stating that it is a method used previously and has garnered multiple approvals from the commission. The Miami Beach City Commission expressed concerns regarding the potential impact of the proposal on consumers and urged authorities to explore alternative solutions that wouldn’t add to the financial burden on citizens.
Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton inflicted significant damage across the state, and the authorized package will cover their rebuilding efforts.
About $811.1 million of the expenses are linked to Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm that struck Sarasota County in October.
The commission announced that while the increase is set to take effect in January, the fees may be refunded with interest as the actual recovery costs are still being reviewed.
In the coming months, major Florida utilities like Tampa Electric Co. and Duke Energy Florida have announced their intentions to seek reimbursement for costs associated with storm damage from customers.
