ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Duke Energy Florida is asking state regulators to approve lower customer rates beginning in January 2027.
The utility filed its request Thursday with the Florida Public Service Commission, which must approve the rates before they take effect.
Under the proposal, a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month would see a 71-cent decrease in their bill from December 2026 to January 2027.
Commercial and industrial customers would see reductions ranging from about 0.8% to 3.6%, though Duke Energy said the exact impact would vary by customer.
Fuel costs fall as other investments rise
Duke Energy said customer bills are made up of several components that are adjusted annually, including fuel costs, renewable energy expenses and infrastructure investments.
The company said some costs, including fuel, are decreasing heading into 2027, while spending related to strengthening the electric grid is increasing slightly.
A previously planned 2% increase in Duke Energy Florida’s base rate is also being avoided, the company said, after it implemented a tax strategy expected to provide $50 million in customer savings next year.
Read more about Duke Energy Florida’s plan to avoid the 2027 base-rate increase.
“While we’re glad to start 2027 with a rate decrease, we’ll remain focused on making smart, disciplined investments that allow us to keep our costs in check and continue delivering increasingly reliable service all year long,” Duke Energy Florida President Melissa Seixas said.
The utility has also been adding solar generation and upgrading natural gas plants as part of efforts it says can reduce fuel expenses.
More information about Duke Energy Florida is available here.
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