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Staff ReportsJanuary 3, 2017

Florida utilities regulator Ronald Brisé will serve another term on an advisory committee to the Federal Communications Commission. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler released a membership list for its Intergovernmental Advisory Committee on Dec. 29 indicating that Brisé would continue to serve as sole representative of state utility regulators through 2019. Brisé has served on Florida’s Public […]

Michael MolineNovember 29, 2016

The Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved a compromise rate increase for Florida Power & Light Co. that will cost customers $811 million over four years. The utility had sought $1.3 billion, but agreed to the compromise with large customers and the Office of Public Counsel, which represents ratepayers before Florida’s utility regulating body. The […]

Michael MolineNovember 2, 2016

The Florida Public Service Commission signed off Wednesday on a moratorium on hedging of natural gas purchases by Florida’s major public electric utilities, pending negotiations over how the practice could stop costing ratepayers so much. The stipulated agreement calls for the commission to oversee one or more workshops beginning early next year in which the […]

Michael MolineNovember 1, 2016

The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved nearly $558 million in water and wastewater rate increases for Utilities Inc. of Florida customers in 10 counties, but some customers would receive refunds. The new rates are intended to be temporary, to keep the company solvent pending further review of its finances and operating expenses by […]

Michael MolineOctober 27, 2016

There’s a hefty green energy element to Florida Power & Light Co.’s proposed $811 million electric rate increase, now before the Public Service Commission. The proposed settlement in the rate case would allow the power company to expand an experiment with battery technology, with the company absorbing $115 million in development costs. “We think it makes […]

Michael MolineOctober 27, 2016

The Florida Public Service Commission heard testimony Thursday on a compromise four-year, $811 million electric rate increase for Florida Power & Light co., including a denunciation of the deal by AARP. “There’s nothing in the record, in our opinion, to reflect any need for any increase by Florida Power & Light. In fact, we believe […]

Michael MolineOctober 11, 2016

State regulators approved a 5.5 percent increase in water rates Tuesday for residents of a Pasco County retirement community. But Utilities Inc. of Florida can apply the new rates only after it switches from its own discolored, malodorous and nasty-tasting supply to cleaner county water. The new rates will amount to $48,235 per year — […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterSeptember 21, 2016

Jeffrey Bragg has been tapped to head up Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs. Bragg will replace Sam Verghese, the current Secretary of the Department of Elder Affairs, according to Gov. Rick Scott’s Office. Verghese, the Governor’s Office announced Wednesday, is stepping down to pursue options in the private sector. Verghese’s last day is Sept. 23. […]

Michael MolineSeptember 14, 2016

The lights seem likely to stay on in Florida for the next 10 years, utility industry representatives told the Public Service Commission Wednesday. Reserve margins for the electricity supply should exceed 20 percent during that time, due to increased reliance on natural gas — projected to hold steady at 65 percent of supply. Renewable energy […]

Michael MolineSeptember 13, 2016

The Florida Public Service Commission delayed a vote Tuesday on whether to allow a private utility to boost rates so it can switch customers from the unpleasant-tasting, discolored, sediment-filled water it supplies, to cleaner water provided by Pasco County. Residents of the Summertree retirement community in New Port Richey and county officials objected to the proposed […]

Tag: Florida Public Service Commission

PSC’s Ronald Brisé reappointed to FCC advisory panel

PSC approves compromise $811 million rate increase for Florida Power

PSC approves one-year halt to hedging of natural gas prices by utilities

PSC approves higher water, wastewater rates for Utilities Inc. customers

Contested FPL rate settlement would boost alternative energy sources

AARP mounts defense against $811 million rate deal for FPL customers

Water rate hike approved for Pasco community, but with big string attached

Rick Scott appoints Jeffrey Bragg as the Secretary of Elder Affairs

Florida utilities keeping up with demand for electricity

PSC balks at water rate hike in Pasco County