Florida Power & Light customers should expect yet another increase to their electric bills in April.
J.T. Young, vice president and general manager of FPL Northwest Florida Region, announced that Tuesday morning during the 2023 FPL Northwest Florida Economic Symposium in Sandestin.
“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,” Young said.
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.
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.
Young attempted to soften the blow of the announced April rate increases by saying, “You have our commitment that we’re actively working to make things better” and “know we are committed to finding ways to drive down the bill while helping our customers find ways to save energy.”