Florida Power & Light proposes $1.7 billion rate hike settlement amid consumer opposition

In Florida, the Florida Public Service Commission has scheduled a significant hearing in October regarding a proposed base-rate settlement from Florida Power & Light (FPL). This hearing, potentially lasting two weeks, is set to take place during the weeks of October 6 to October 10 and October 13 to October 17, 2025. The proposal, recently filed by FPL, outlines plans for substantial base-rate increases amounting to $945 million in 2026 and $766 million in 2027, in addition to further increases for solar energy and battery storage projects in 2028 and 2029. FPL's recent proposal marks a shift away from an earlier plan filed in February, which would have resulted in larger rate increases over a shorter time frame. This change came just days before a contentious hearing was scheduled to start. On August 8, representatives from FPL and various stakeholders reached a settlement in principle, thereby avoiding the potential conflict during the original hearing. The newly filed proposal details these adjustments and appears to have garnered mixed reactions from various groups. While several organizations and businesses expressed support for the new rate settlement, the state Office of Public Counsel, tasked with representing consumer interests in utility matters, filed an opposition to the proposal. This opposition underscores the ongoing debate surrounding utility rate increases, which often pit consumer advocates against utility companies seeking to manage operational costs and expand their infrastructure. The decision by the Florida Public Service Commission to approve or reject this proposal will not occur until later in the year, following the public hearing in October. The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for residential and commercial consumers, potentially impacting their utility bills and perceptions of energy reliability in Florida.