TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Tuesday night may be the final chance for Duke Energy and TECO customers to have a say before rate increases are implemented.
It’s the final hearing of four that have been scheduled throughout June. However, this one will be located in Tallahassee, so those who would like to weigh-in may have to do so online.
During the last three sessions, 10 Tampa Bay has noticed environmentalists speaking up against the rate hikes, saying it would not include a push toward renewable energy.
Other customers explain the timing is not great, as most of the country is facing hardships with inflation.
“The prices of gas, the prices of food, the utilities. The rent. The mortgage. The insurance, everything is outrageous. So, this just adds to the fire.” Jo Brown, a Duke Energy customer, said.
Two consumer groups also found power bills are already up about 8% this year due to heat in parts of the country, including Florida. Nearly one in six households is behind on their power bills, according to Utility Consumer Debt.
"You know, the way things are right now with inflation and things like that, you know it's not a great thing right now,” Junior Strothe, a customer, said.
10 Tampa Bay spoke with Duke Energy representatives who sympathize with customers.
“There are programs that help with that financial assistance that can literally help pay that bill for customers who just don't have the financial means at this time to be able to make that bill payment,” a spokesperson said.
The final meeting begins Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Speakers must register beforehand, at this link.