Legislators warn that the proposed increase would impose an unsustainable burden on Florida consumers
TALLAHASSEE, FL – A coalition of Florida state lawmakers is calling on the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to reject or significantly modify Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) proposed rate increase, which they say would impose undue financial hardship on Florida residents already struggling with the rising cost of living.
In a letter sent to the PSC, Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith and Representatives Anna V. Eskamani, Lindsay Cross, Rita Harris, Angie Nixon, and Mitch Rosenwald expressed deep concerns over FPL’s proposal, which represents one of the largest rate hikes in Florida’s history.
“With the cost of housing, property insurance, and everyday essentials already at crisis levels, Floridians cannot afford to see their electric bills skyrocket once again,” said Representative Anna V. Eskamani. “FPL’s customers have already endured rate hikes of up to 64% in some regions over the past few years, while FPL shareholders continue to reap enormous profits. This latest proposal is simply unacceptable.”
The lawmakers highlighted key concerns, including:
- Steep rate increases already imposed on consumers: FPL Northwest Florida customers saw their bills rise 64% between 2021 and 2023, while the rest of FPL’s customers experienced a 51% increase.
- Billions in previous rate hikes and storm charges: In 2022, FPL secured approval for a $4.86 billion increase, one of the largest in U.S. history. Just recently, they were granted another $1.2 billion for storm restoration costs.
- Failure to prioritize energy efficiency: FPL ranks 52nd out of 53 utility companies in providing energy efficiency programs that could help customers lower their bills.
“Energy is an essential service, not a luxury,” added Representative Eskamani. “The PSC has an obligation to ensure that rates are fair and justifiable—not just a tool to boost corporate profits at the expense of everyday Floridians.”
The letter urges the PSC to thoroughly scrutinize FPL’s request and consider alternative solutions that would protect consumers from excessive and unsustainable rate increases.
“Floridians deserve an energy system that prioritizes them—not just shareholders. We are calling on the PSC to do the right thing and reject this unfair rate hike.”
The legislators encourage Floridians to voice their concerns by contacting the PSC and demanding that FPL’s proposed increase be denied.