Duke Energy

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.

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.

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

Rising electricity prices are part of a statewide trend driven by consecutive rate hikes, high energy consumption, and a system that lets investor-owned utilities pass on costs to customers.

Business leaders urge a Duke deal as St. Pete awaits its own $590,000 analysis.

The case before Florida's Public Service Commission is weighing whether Duke Energy plans to do enough to shield customers from the costs of data centers, including one planned for Fort Meade.

Consumer advocates say residential ratepayers could see their bills go up substantially, while Duke says shareholders — and not customers — would pay up if a massive data facility were unable to pay its serving costs.

There will not be an interruption to service delivery for citizens in the event the franchise agreement lapses at the end of the month.

Council members cited concerns about storm reliability, and passing on operating costs and legal fees to residents.

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.

It comes amid high utility costs as the city's 30-year contract with Duke Energy expires this summer.

According to the Florida Municipal Electric Association, Duke Energy has one of highest rates in the state.