SANDESTIN — A day after announcing customers should expect an increase in their electric bills in April, Florida Power & Light announced plans to decrease rates in May.
J.T. Young, vice president and general manager of FPL Northwest Florida Region, made the announcement Wednesday morning during the 2023 FPL Northwest Florida Economic Symposium.
“Earlier this morning, we filed another motion with the (Florida Public Service) Commission to actually lower bills in May as a result of the lower-than-expected natural gas prices, so this is a big win,” Young said inciting applause from the audience.
That marked an about-face from what Young said on Tuesday at the Symposium. Young said, “We anticipate there may be some bill adjustments in April, mostly due to higher than anticipated fuel costs last year along with some storm recovery costs following hurricanes.”
In January, FPL announced plans to ask the Florida Public Service Commission to approve collecting $1.3 billion from customers due to costs from Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole and another $2.1 million related to higher natural gas prices. FPL expects a ruling from the Public Service Commission by March 7. The collections would be spread out over 21 months.
Increased rates would impact customers who use 1,000-plus kilowatt hours of electricity. The increase would be slightly over $13 a month or 8%. Northwest Florida customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity would pay an average of $173.09 a month.
Gulf Power transitioned to FPL in January 2022. Young described the transition as “bumpy.” FPL increased rates significantly last year to the point that Pensacola customers protested at City Hall and sought bill relief from the Florida Legislature.
Earlier this month, the Florida Supreme Court heard arguments from two groups who challenged the Public Service Commission unanimously approving a settlement that allows FPL to raise rates over four years. The Supreme Court is yet to rule on the challenges.
FPL plans to distribute a press release today announcing its request to lower rates in May.