Florida commission holds hearing on Gulf Power rate increase request

The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) began hearings this week in Tallahassee to discuss Gulf Power Company’s request for a rate increase, which was filed in October 2016.

If PSC approves the filing, the average residential customer’s total monthly bill will increase by $10.22, or seven percent per month, from $148.64 to $158.86. The increase would take effect in July.

Gulf Power customers last saw an increase in prices in January 2015. Gulf Power cited the need to improve reliability in its request.

“Securing our customers’ energy future requires a balanced energy mix that includes renewables and 24/7 energy sources like natural gas and low-cost, cleaner-than-ever coal,” Gulf Power Chairman, President and CEO Stan Connally said. “Energy security also includes long-term reliability. Since 2010, Gulf Power has improved its reliability by 40 percent and we must continue that trend of improvement. This means our customers are having fewer and shorter power outages — continuous improvement in this area is critical.”

Gulf Power also requested approval of new rate options for residential customers.

“We have worked hard to manage our costs and have lowered prices over the past two years,” Connally said. “In fact, we plan to do that again in January where the average residential customer will see a decrease of $4.63.”