Gulf Power Rate Increase Could Be Approved Tuesday

November 30, 2013

The Florida Public Service Commission next week could approve a proposed settlement that would lead to increased base electric rates for customers of Gulf Power Company.

Commission Chairman Ronald Brise has approved adding the issue to a regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, and Commissioner Lisa Edgar — who has been overseeing the rate case — said that was the PSC’s plan for considering the settlement.

The Pensacola-based utility and representatives of consumers and business groups finalized the proposed settlement last week.

Gulf  Powerwould be able to increase base electric rates by $35 million in January and an additional $20 million in 2015. Originally, the utility had sought to increase base rates by $74.4 million, along with another potential $16.4 million 2015.

Several parties opposed the full rate hike amount, including  the state Office of Public Counsel, which represents consumers in utility issues; the Florida Industrial Power Users Group, which represents major electricity users; federal government agencies that are Gulf customers; and retailers Wal-Mart Stores East, LP, and Sam’s East, Inc.

Gulf Power said over the next three years  the company is building and replacing power lines and infrastructure — some more than 70 years old — to keep electricity flowing to its 430,000 customers. In addition, new lines and equipment are needed to comply with new mandatory federal environmental regulations.

Part of the new transmission line construction is to help the company comply with new federal environmental regulations that will change the way the company operates its plants and will require plants to be shut down at regular intervals. The new lines and equipment will be used to ensure voltage stability and reliable power flow while the plants are offline.

The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.

Pictured inset: Gulf Power crews making upgrades to a distribution line. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

8 Responses to “Gulf Power Rate Increase Could Be Approved Tuesday”

  1. ABC on December 2nd, 2013 10:57 pm

    Jane, that address doesnt work, sorry.

  2. Jane on December 1st, 2013 5:20 am

    If you have time to put comments about Gulf Power on here you have time to send an email to the PSC and complain! If you complain to the PSC something might happen. If you complain here all that happens is people read it.

  3. mnon on November 30th, 2013 8:01 pm

    As long as the power keeps going out where I live (primarily on the coldest mornings of the year) I won’t notice much of an increase on my bill. Because the only way GP saves me money is taking three hours to fix power outages. Thanks GP!

  4. Shaggy on November 30th, 2013 6:53 pm

    It pays to be a monopoly. GP laughing all way to the bank.

  5. baebae on November 30th, 2013 7:17 am

    WOW…what a wonderful thing to hear …. at this wonderful time of the year…the corporation that I was working for told us on Dec 1 (a few years ago) that there would be no merit increases for the following year…that set very well

  6. tg on November 30th, 2013 7:01 am

    Everythings going up but my Paycheck.

  7. Jane on November 30th, 2013 6:36 am

    The email address for Lias Edgars is: Commissioner.Edgar@psc.state.fl.us.
    If you want to stop the rate increase which will be about $10/month, which is the cost of living increase seniors might get…email her!

  8. c.w. on November 30th, 2013 4:44 am

    Its not news that GP is getting their raise. Now lets see if their service improves any. Bet it doesn’t!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive