Duke Energy

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.

Duke and Tampa Electric this month proposed passing along savings to customers because of reduced prices of natural gas, which plays a major role in fueling power plants.

Duke Energy Florida on Monday joined Tampa Electric Co. in seeking approval to reduce customer bills in June because of lower-than-expected costs of natural gas.