FPL customers could see increased rates over the next three years

FLORIDA — Florida Power and Light said it needs to collect hundreds of millions of dollars from customers to keep improving its service. Channel 9's Lauren Seabrook found out that could mean a price increase for customers if state regulators approve it.

The extra money would be used to make power poles and lines stronger, more resistant and more reliable, FPL said.

“My personal opinion is that would be ludicrous,” said FPL customer Michael Courtney.

The electric company wants the state to approve higher charges for customers, which would bring in more than $800 million to the company. The price hike would be increased over the next three years.

“FPL’s strong track record didn't happen by accident. Low bills and some of the best reliable service in the country are a direct result of the investments we have made,” said Alys Daly, with Florida Power and Light.

FPL said the money will also pay for a new power plant, plus help restore power faster when Florida storms knock it out.

"That sounds economical, it sounds great. But what about the people that can't really hardly afford their utilities now?” Courtney said.

Eyewitness News looked at how much electricity the average home uses and added up how much this increase could cost. It's an additional $5 in 2017, $2.39 in 2018 and $2.04 in 2019. That's an extra ten bucks a month after three years.

Some companies and organizations are trying to intervene on behalf of residential and retail customers, like Jack McRay.

"Florida Power and Light does a credible job in terms of delivering its service, but it has already been paid for those services. We don't believe the evidence supports any increase,” McRay said.

He said the return on equity is unreasonable compared with the rest of the country, but FPL said its customers already pay less than $30 a month than the average American family.

FPL said that even after the nearly $10 increase, Florida customers will still be paying less than the high water mark for bills in 2006.

The public service commission will vote on the change at the end of November.

If approved, FPL won’t be able to raise rates again until 2021.

Cox Media Group