Press Mention Politico / EnergyWire August 21, 2025
Topical Mention
Watchdog says Florida utility settlement benefits special interests
In this mention
Florida's Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler opposes a proposed settlement in Florida Power & Light's rate case, arguing it benefits a minority coalition of large customers at the expense of residential ratepayers. Trierweiler's office plans to challenge both FPL's original $2.5 billion rate hike request and the settlement proposal, contending rates should increase by no more than $35.2 million through 2027.
Full transcript
Watchdog says Florida utility settlement benefits special interests
Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler said the Florida Power & Light rate case plan was "submitted by a minority coalition of very large customers to secure specific benefits for their own special interests."
By:
Bruce Ritchie
| 08/22/2025 06:26 AM EDT
ENERGYWIRE | TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler said Thursday approving a proposed settlement in Florida Power & Light's rate case "would be in violation of several bedrock regulatory principles."
Details: In a letter sent to the Public Service Commission, Trierweiler said the settlement proposal was "submitted by a minority coalition of very large customers to secure specific benefits for their own special interests."
He said that, "over the next few months," his office will challenge "all aspects" of the original $2.5 billion rate hike request filed in February in addition to the settlement proposal.
"The self-interested 'settling parties' that crafted FPL's minority proposal do not represent the vast majority of FPL's customers and cannot make them pay excessive rates for the majority of FPL's energy sales," Trierweiler wrote.
He also said his expert can demonstrate FPL's rates should increase by no more than $35.2 million through 2027.
FPL spokesperson Andrew Sutton responded Thursday that residential customers would receive the lowest increase of any customer group.