Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Michael MolineOctober 18, 2018

A citizens group challenging the takeover of Vero Beach’s electric utility by Florida Power & Light Co. questioned the accounting underlying the deal Thursday as hearings opened before the Public Service Commission. The commission has already preliminarily OK’d the transfer — that happened on July 2. Thursday’s hearing centered on the Civic Association of Indian River […]

Michael MolineAugust 29, 2018

The Public Service Commission agreed Wednesday to consider allowing three major electric utilities to boost the “economic development” fees they’re allowed to collect from customers by millions of dollars. The change would allow Florida Power & Light Co. to collect as much as $26.7 million annually by 2023. Tampa Electric Co. would collect $4.9 million, and […]

Drew WilsonAugust 21, 2018

The Florida Public Service Commission approved a rate cut Monday that will see Tampa Electric customers save a few bucks on their utility bills. PSC Commissioners attributed the cut, which will work out to a $6.50 savings for residential consumers who used 1000 kWh per month of electricity to TECO’s savings from the Tax Cut […]

Jim RosicaAugust 17, 2018

Incumbents Julie Brown and Gary Clark are staying on the Florida Public Service Commission. Gov. Rick Scott on Friday said he had reappointed the two to serve another four-year term each. His picks are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. The five-member panel regulates the state’s investor-owned utilities. Clark, 50, of Chipley, had been Deputy Secretary of land […]

Michael MolineAugust 7, 2018

The Public Service Commission signed off Tuesday on Duke Energy Florida’s plan to collect the last $43 million it needs from ratepayers to recoup upgrade costs for its now-closed Crystal River 3 nuclear power plant. The commission voted 3-2 to attach to the plan a copy of a settlement agreement between Duke and the Office […]

Michael MolineJuly 17, 2018

A state panel declined Tuesday to choose among six candidates for the Public Service Commission, and instead voted unanimously to send all six names to Gov. Rick Scott. The candidates include Julie I. Brown and Gary Clark, incumbent commissioners whose terms expire at the end of the year. The Florida Constitution forbids commissioners from serving […]

Michael MolineJuly 10, 2018

Central Florida, get ready for a new area code. The Public Service Commission voted Tuesday to authorize the debut of 689 code for new customers, perhaps as soon as May 2019. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator, or NANPA, which oversees the area code system, will figure out the precise timing. “They’ll get back with […]

Staff ReportsMay 21, 2018

With last year’s Atlantic storm season among the strongest, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) urges residents to prepare now for the 2018 hurricane season, which runs June 1-Nov. 30. The commission, which issued a press release Monday, regulates the state’s investor-owned utilities. “Hurricane preparedness should top our to-do lists,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham […]

Staff ReportsMay 12, 2018

Former state Rep. Ritch Workman has a new job. The Melbourne Republican recently started as a special projects manager at Palm Bay City Hall, where he is tasked with managing the Brevard County city’s effort to make its facilities more energy efficient. Workman’s new gig was first reported by Rick Neale and Wayne T. Price […]

Michael MolineMay 3, 2018

Large electric customers and local governments complained about communications meltdowns and urged large-scale “undergrounding” of Florida’s electric infrastructure during the second day of Public Service Commission workshops about hurricane preparedness and restoration. Public Counsel J.R. Kelly seconded the motion regarding the communications problems during and following Hurricane Irma, when customer calls crashed utilities public information switchboards […]

Tag: PSC
A bipartisan bill creates a national commission to study the alarming rise in antisemitism. Image via AP.

PSC opens fresh hearings into sale of Vero Beach’s municipal utility to FPL

PSC open to lifting cap on utilities’ ‘economic development’ charges

PSC approves rate cut for Tampa Electric customers

Julie Brown, Gary Clark to stay on PSC

Duke Energy’s plan to pay off nuke upgrade costs OK’d

Panel sends Rick Scott six finalists for PSC vacancies

PSC approves new area code in Central Florida

Prep for hurricanes, PSC reminds Floridians

Ritch Workman lands job at Palm Bay City Hall

Customers clamor for ‘undergrounding’ during PSC storm-hardening workshop