NORTH FLORIDA — Monthly electric bills are set to rise for Florida Public Utilities Company customers following a decision by the Florida Public Service Commission.
The Commission on March 20 approved a $9.8 million annual revenue increase for Florida Public Utilities (FPUC), which serves roughly 33,000 customers in North Florida. The approved amount is approximately $3 million less than what the company initially requested.
According to the Commission, inflation over the past decade has driven up the cost of materials and labor while also requiring FPUC to make significant capital investments in infrastructure, advanced technology, and cybersecurity upgrades. FPUC’s previous rate increase was approved in 2014.
The PSC had already approved a $1.8 million interim revenue increase in October 2024, which raised monthly base rates by $3. With the latest decision, the total increase for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours will be $11.42.
This reportedly brings the monthly bill from $146.37 to $157.79, including gross receipts taxes.
The updated bill includes base rates, purchased power, energy conservation charges, and cost recovery for Hurricane Michael and the storm protection plan. Notably, the $12.80 Hurricane Michael storm cost recovery charge is scheduled to end in December 2025.
FPUC submitted its rate hike petition to the PSC in August 2024. Public hearings were held in the utility’s service areas in December and January, allowing residents to provide testimony on service quality and rate concerns.
FPUC provides electric service to about 15,000 customers in Calhoun, Liberty, and Jackson counties and 18,100 customers in Nassau County.
More information is available at www.floridapsc.com.
