Press Mention Orlando Sentinel / News Service of Florida August 24, 2021
SACE Referenced
Groups line up behind electric rate increase to expand solar power
In this mention
The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy joined a proposed settlement with Florida Power & Light that would raise base electric rates by $692 million in January 2021 and $560 million in 2023, with additional increases through 2025 to fund solar energy expansion. The settlement also includes the state Office of Public Counsel, Florida Retail Federation, and Florida Industrial Power Users Group. The Florida Public Service Commission is scheduled to hear the settlement proposal on September 20, 2021.
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Groups line up behind electric rate increase to expand solar power
News Service of Florida
Aug 25, 2021 at 8:22 am
TALLAHASSEE — Two more organizations have signed on to a proposed settlement that would lead to Florida Power & Light raising base electric rates and expanding solar energy.
Vote Solar and The CLEO Institute, which have taken part in the rate case at the Florida Public Service Commission, joined the proposed settlement, according to a document filed at the commission.
FPL announced Aug. 10 that it had reached agreement with the state Office of Public Counsel, which represents consumers; the Florida Retail Federation; the Florida Industrial Power Users Group; and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
The proposal would lead to a $692 million increase in base electric rates in January and another increase of $560 million in 2023, with additional increases in 2024 and 2025 to pay for solar projects. Some other parties in the case, however, have objected to the proposed settlement.
Opposition has come from the League of United Latin American Citizens of Florida; the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida; Florida Rising; Floridians Against Increased Rates, Inc.; and Palm Beach County customers Daniel and Alexandria Larson.
The Public Service Commission is scheduled to begin a hearing on the proposed settlement on Sept. 20.
Bill would regulate litigation financers
A House Republican on Monday filed a bill that would regulate firms that help finance litigation, an issue that business groups have backed. Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, filed the proposal (HB 41) for consideration during the 2022 legislative session, which starts in January.
Lawmakers have not approved similar bills in past sessions.
The proposal involves firms that provide cash advances to plaintiffs in civil lawsuits and receive portions of ultimate awards in the cases. Overdorf's bill would place a series of regulations on the industry, including requiring firms to register with the state as a "litigation financier;" requiring that consumers be able to cancel contracts with the firms within five days; and placing a limit on interest that the firms can charge.