Dave Jenkins

Florida Utilities are Jacking up Electric Bills and Squashing Customer Freedom

FPL, Duke and TECO Boost Electricity Rates by Record Amounts and Hinder Consumers from Producing their Own Electricity

WHAT: In recent month’s Florida’s three largest utility companies have all sought and secured approval for huge rate increases, jacking up power bills for more than 90 percent of the state’s residents. As if that were not bad enough, these monopoly utilities are also filing with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) for additional increases so they can pass along all their costs associated with higher natural gas prices.

Because Florida allows these monopoly utilities to operate outside the free market, their customers are captive, unable to shop among providers for the best rate. The only recourse one has against higher electric bills is to install solar panels and generate your own power. Now, Florida Power & Light (FPL) is trying to stomp out that tiny glimmer of liberty.The utility is behind new legislation designed to make rooftop solar unaffordable.