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Gulf Power Fuel Costs Dropping, Rates Still Headed Up
September 8, 2011
Gulf Power said it expects fuel costs to drop $1.62 a month for residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours, but that savings will be offset by increased base rates.
Florida’s big utilities were required to file proposals last week with state regulators about their fuel costs for 2012.
Gulf Power said it expects fuel costs to drop $1.62 a month for residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours.
Spokeswoman Sandy Sims said in an email that coal prices are projected to drop because of the end of contracts that can be replaced at lower costs. Also, she indicated the company will rely more heavily on cheaper natural gas for power generation in 2012.
But while Gulf Power customers will see lower fuel costs, the company also is seeking PSC approval of a significant increase in base rates. The PSC has approved an interim base-rate proposal that will increase 1,000-kilowatt hour bills this month from $122.67 to $127.16, and Gulf Power is seeking a further permanent hike that would take effect next year.
Gulf Power contends that it needs to increase base rates, at least in part, because of the costs of adding power lines and other types of infrastructure.
The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.
Comments
8 Responses to “Gulf Power Fuel Costs Dropping, Rates Still Headed Up”
Just a Thought:
I work for one of Gulf’s sister companies as a lineman. It would be nicer having all underground utilities….but its pretty much economically impossible. The price of underground vs. overhead isn’t worth it in the power companies eyes. Where it would be free to have an overhead service ran to your house when building, it would cost you about $800 for an underground service now….depending on distance. Maintanance costs a lot more, and all that extra cost would be passed on to the customers. The companies would rather pay a crew to pick up the overhead lines when a tree falls through the primary or a dummy drives into a pole, because we can fix it pretty quick. Underground trouble takes a few hours more, because you can’t see where the cable went bad….and that also happens relatively often. It has its advantages, but like everything else, its got its down side.
@ donut:
There was no whining or complaining, only a question. Why so sudden to take offense? Work for GP eh?
Get over it!!! It is still the best thing going for the money,I only pay for what use. When the lites go out they are quick to get em back on. Clean energy is not cheap. Its a better value than groceries, gas.
To ” just a thought” do you realize how much more underground utilities would cost? If your wining now, you’ll sure be grabbing your pocket book then.
Ya’ll need to find something else to complain about.
I am a big fan of Gulf Power. Good job Guys!
Amen charlie w.
Gulf Power can say they haven’t had a base rate increase in 10 years if they want to but the facts are that my power bill rates have increased more than a few times over the last 10 years whether it be a base rate increase, a fuel cost increase or a “just because they can and we can’t do anything about it” increase.
Understanding the need to increased power lines for residentials homes/subdivisions constantly increasing, even when there are no jobs to place many, but why can’t Gulf Power save some of the money used for these exposed power lines connected by power poles, and run this underground, as some of these subdivisions are in the area. This would significantly save on power loss wether storms occur or not, due to the fact you would not have to contend with trees/limbs downing those lines, and vehicles involved in accidents knocking the power out. Many cities acoss the United States have this concept in place, especially northern towns from what I’ve been told from prior residence because of downed lines in winter months from the snow and ice. Could be something worth looking into, especially since storms do ravage such damage. Maybe not as often as some areas, but it could be something that should be looked into.
It’s funny listening to people talking about GP rates going up up up….There has not been a BASE rate increase in over 10 years. I also didnt see anyone complaining when 20,000 people got their power turned back up in 24 hrs after TS Lee. If you think these rates are bad you should live in states that have de-regulated power like Texas, where base rates are almost .20 cents a KWH and a normal power bill is $500 – $700 dollars/month or New York, where a AVG power bill is $800 – $1000/month. I have lived in both states and paid said power bills and still had to wait weeks to get power restored during winter storms.
Lets face the facts, GP is going to get all they can from the rate payers. As long as their the only game around and own the public service com., its up, up for the rates. They might need another spokes person. lol