Duke Energy

“Our residents need to start looking at future risk… start thinking about what happens when sea level rise starts combining with rainier days and stronger storms,” said Cara Wood Serra of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council.

Justices unanimously upheld decisions that the Florida Public Service Commission made in 2022 to approve what are known as “storm-protection plans” for Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric Co. and Florida Public Utilities Co.

Suzy Macke says restoring power after Hurricanes Helene and Milton has been the most challenging work scenario. She also started a private Facebook group for women in the industry to have a safe space to speak freely.

With backing from representatives of consumers and businesses, the state Public Counsel on Wednesday approved a settlement that will increase Duke Energy Florida's base electric rates and help lead to construction of solar-energy facilities.

The city council is scheduled to vote on a study to see if that's a better option. Complaints have grown about rising costs and the utility cutting down trees on private property.

Duke’s proposal, filed in April, called for increasing base rates by $593 million in 2025, $98 million in 2026 and $129 million in 2027. A proposal by TECO to raise base rates also is pending at the Florida Public Service Commission.

For TECO customers, the average bill would rise to $160.93 a month in January 2025. And for Duke customers, it would mean an increase of $16.48 per month.

Utility leaders say they are responding to a trend of stronger and more unpredictable hurricanes as the 2024 outlook calls for what may be the busiest hurricane season ever.

Carrying out a controversial law signed last week by Gov. Ron DeSantis, officials have started moving to repeal state renewable-energy goals.

Top Florida utility officials said Tuesday increased intensity and unpredictability of hurricanes is making storm preparation more difficult --- and expensive.

Existing coal and new natural gas-fired power plants that run more than 40% of the time will have to eliminate 90% of their carbon dioxide emissions.

Electric bills will be reduced starting in June due to lower-than-expected natural gas costs.