The Florida Public Service Commission unanimously approved a settlement agreement developed by Gulf Power and the Office of Public Counsel and other interested parties regarding the energy provider’s petition to increase base rates. Also signing and supporting the settlement agreement is Florida Industrial Power Users Group and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE). The request will allow Gulf Power to continue to invest in the reliability of the energy grid and maintain a balanced energy mix, including 24/7 energy sources as well as renewables like wind and solar. A balanced energy mix ensures customers have energy whenever they need it and helps keep prices lower.
The Commission applauded all parties to the rate review proceeding for working together for a constructive outcome that benefited Gulf Power customers. Commissioner Julie Brown also praised Gulf Power’s pilot program to provide customers with charging stations for electric vehicles, an innovative move the Commission said would support a vital emerging industry.
“This agreement is good for all involved, including Gulf Power’s customers,” said Stan Connally, Gulf Power Chairman, President & CEO. “It supports our current infrastructure investment — which helps us continue to provide our customers in Northwest Florida with long-term, reliable power and a balanced energy mix.”
The residential bill for an average customer is currently $144. Although the design of all rates necessary to implement the settlement agreement have not yet been finalized, it is estimated that the impact to the average residential customer bill will be about $7, or about 5 percent for an estimated $151 based on FPSC approval. This new amount would be less than the average residential customer paid in 2015. The FPSC will approve final rates by May 31 and new rates will go into effect July 1, 2017.
Connally cited the need to continue to invest in the reliability of the grid to ensure a secure energy future.
“We must always have the electricity available when and where our customers want it and need it,” Connally said. “These investments are necessary to meet the expectations of our customers now, and for future generations to come.”
Gulf Power residential price changes (Average residential customer monthly bill)
January 2009
$143.58
Increase
January 2010
$155.50
Increase for Scrubber
January 2011
$141.66
Decrease
September 2011
$146.76
Increase
January 2012
$138.29
Decrease
March 2012
$134.59
Decrease
April 2012
$138.65
Increase
July 2012
$127.64
The largest decrease in company history
January 2013
$130.05
Increase
January 2014
$149.59
Increase for largest power grid construction project in company history
January 2015
$156.36
Increase
January 2016
$148.64
Decrease
January 2017
$144.01
Decrease
July 2017
$151
Estimated base rate increase if approved by the FPSC