29-01-2025
Changes on your FPL bill? See the explanation and rate increase power company is asking for
Florida Power & Light customers are seeing a "temporary hurricane restoration surcharge" on their 2025 bills.
And the company will be seeking a rate increase to run from 2026 to 2029 to help "diversify the company's electricity generation mix."
The surcharge helps cover the costs from three hurricanes that hit Florida in 2024, the company said.
Here's what you should know.
The Florida Public Service Commission approved FPL's request for a temporary charge — for each month in 2025 — to cover costs from 2024 Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.
The charge also will help FPL replenish funds used after Hurricane Idalia in 2023, FPL said on its website.
The charge adds $12.02 to a typical 1,000- kilowatt residential bill from January to December this year.
Rates will increase slightly in February to pay for solar energy centers coming online.
Here's what a typical bill will look like starting in February for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatts:
Current: $133.99
February 2025: $134.14
At the end of 2024, FPL notified the Public Service Commission it plans to file a formal request to set new rates once its current base rate agreement end at the end of this year. A detailed four-year plan is expected to be submitted by the company Feb. 28.
Once submitted, there is a public review process that also includes input from customers before a decision is made by the Public Service Commission.
The new rates, if approved, would be in effect from 2026 through 2029. FPL said the "new rates
would enable FPL to continue to diversify the company's electricity generation mix;
protect customers from fuel price volatility; and
continue to deliver some of the country's most reliable electricity to its 6 million customers, all while keeping bills as low as possible."
FPL estimated the new rates would increase a typical residential customer bill by an average annual rate of approximately 2.5%.
"Customers will be able to calculate potential adjustments to their bill after FPL files its formal plan," the company's website said.
In its letter to the Florida Public Service Commission, FPL said:
"The last four years were unlike any other in our recent history. Over this period, we experienced meaningful and unanticipated increases in inflation and interest rates, which rose by 21% and over 180%, respectively.
"This, combined with significant migration to Florida, presented new challenges for FPL to navigate."
FPL is a subsidiary of June Beach-based NextEra Energy Inc.
FPL has about 6 million accounts, serving more than 12 million people in 43 of Florida's 67 counties, the company said.
"FPL has added about 275,000 customer accounts since 2021 (current rates were approved in a plan covering 2021-2025) and expects to add about 330,000 more through the end of 2029, which will require significant new generating capacity and distribution infrastructure to meet demand in one of America's fastest-growing states," the company said on its website.
FPL is "America's largest electric utility ... and serves more customers and sells more power than any other utility," the company said.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: FPL hurricane surcharge, rate increase
