Customers of Florida Power & Light, the state’s largest power provider, will see their monthly bills rise next year to help cover restoration costs from the 2024 hurricane season.
The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved a $1.2 billion interim recovery plan, which translates to an approximate $12 monthly increase for residential customers starting in January 2025. The package also includes replenishing a $150 million storm reserve fund.
During the meeting, Jordan Luebkemann, an attorney representing Florida Rising and the League of United Latin American Citizens, criticized the recovery package, stating it unfairly burdens residential customers.
“While large commercial and industrial customers got a break, residential customers face higher costs,” Luebkemann said.
He also argued that utilities contributing to carbon emissions, which fuel stronger storms, should take on more of the financial responsibility for recovery efforts.
FPL attorney Joel Baker defended the plan, noting the storm-cost recovery process has been used successfully on multiple occasions in the past.
The commission has historically approved similar measures, treating them as temporary surcharges on customer bills to address hurricane-related expenses.
FPL’s current plan seeks to spread the recovery costs over a 12-month period beginning in early 2025.
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