ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Florida Public Service Commission approved Duke Energy Florida's request to lower rates and decrease customer bills in January 2025.
The utility company announced the approval Tuesday in a news release. The lower rates are part of an annual adjustment for the cost of fuel used to power electricity at Duke Energy's power plants, as well as a "much-needed break" after the recent hurricanes devastated homes, businesses and communities across the region.
With this new approval, typical residential Duke Energy customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours will see a decrease of $9.77 on their January 2025 bill when compared to December 2024, officials stated. Meanwhile, commercial and industrial customers will see decreases ranging from 5.1% to 11.1%. But, officials said that specific impact will vary based on several factors.
“While we’re still assessing cost of the company’s response to those storms, we want to remind our customers that we’ll always prioritize affordability – even as we work to develop a smarter, stronger electric grid – and maintain the same high level of service they expect and deserve," Duke Energy Florida state President Melissa Seixas stated in the release.
Officials added that with the approval, Duke Energy Florida will continue to make electric grid improvements consistent with its storm protection plan "to enhance security, reliability and resiliency in 2025 and beyond."
"These rates also include the company’s annual fuel, capacity, energy conservation and environmental compliance clause costs," officials stated.
But, the company said it anticipates filing storm cost recovery for Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton in December 2024, which will impact rates as early as March 2025.
