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Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE)

Press Mention CBS12 (WPEC) October 5, 2025

SACE Referenced Web article

FPL pushes rate hike plan that could raise bills nearly $15 by 2029

By Grace Bellinghausen · CBS12 (WPEC)

In this mention

FPL began a two-week regulatory hearing to defend proposed rate increases totaling $9.8 billion in profit over 2026–2029, which consumer groups oppose as unaffordable. The utility reached a settlement proposal with multiple stakeholders including the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, aiming for a 10.95% profit return for investors. Residential customers could see monthly bills rise from $134.14 to $148.15 by December 2029 under the proposed plan.

Read the full article at CBS12 (WPEC)

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FPL pushes rate hike plan that could raise bills nearly $15 by 2029

byGrace Bellinghausen

Mon, October 6, 2025 at 2:52 PM

FPL began a two-week hearing on Monday to defend rate hikes that consumer groups call an unaffordable grab for $9.8 billion in profit. (WPEC)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS12) — FPL began a two-week hearing on Monday to defend rate hikes that consumer groups call an unaffordable grab for $9.8 billion in profit.

According to News Service Florida, FPL says it has added 275,000 new customers since 2021 and has invested to ensure reliable service.

The new 2026-2029 rate plan FPL is proposing has increased base electrical rates that FPL argues will cover upcoming solar and battery storage projects.

An official with the Office of Public Counsel argues that FPL's request will hurt customers with "unfair, unjust, unreasonable, and thus unaffordable rates."

In February, FPL proposed a $1.545 billion increase in 2026 and $927 million in 2027, leading to a $9.8 billion profit over four years. Consumer groups are proposing much smaller increases.

If the proposed settlement is approved, FPL said last month that residential customers in the traditional service area who use 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month would see their bills rise from the current $134.14 to $137.93 in January 2026, $143.05 in January 2027, $146.24 in January 2028, and $148.15 in December 2029.

FPL reached its proposed settlement with:

  • The Florida Industrial Power Users Group
  • The Florida Retail Federation
  • The Florida Energy for Innovation Association
  • Americans for Affordable Clean Energy
  • The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
  • Walmart Inc.
  • EVgo Services, LLC
  • Circle K Stores, Inc.
  • RaceTrac Inc.
  • Wawa, Inc.
  • Electrify America, LLC
  • Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
  • Federal government agencies.

Along with the Office of Public Counsel, the counter proposal was filed by:

  • Florida Rising
  • The League of United Latin American Citizens of Florida
  • Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida
  • Floridians Against Increased Rates
  • News Service Florida

The proposed FPL deal aims for a 10.95% profit return for investors. The opponents' plan, which has now been dropped, aimed for 10.6%.