By Crystal Stickle, FlaSEIA Lobbyist

Last week the Public Service Commission (PSC)  wrapped up their final hearing in the Florida Power & Light rate case after nearly two-weeks of testimony from witnesses about detailed financial and technical issues related to a proposal that would increase FPL’s base electric rates. 

The Public Service Commission is scheduled Nov. 20 to decide whether to approve a proposed settlement that FPL reached with numerous businesses and groups that had opposed the rate hike. The proposed settlement is opposed by the state Office of Public Counsel, which is designated in law to represent consumers, and some consumer groups. 

The proposed settlement would lead to base-rate increases of $945 million in 2026 and $766 million in 2027, according to the utility. FPL also would collect additional amounts in 2028 and 2029 for solar-energy and battery-storage projects. FPL’s initial February proposal sought increases of $1.545 billion in 2026 and $927 million in 2027, along with passing along costs in 2028 and 2029 for solar and battery projects. 

The Office of Public Counsel has said that plan would cumulatively lead to customers paying an additional $9.8 billion over the next four years.