Duke Energy's Florida customers might see lower electricity rates soon

Duke Energy said on Tuesday that it has filed annual projections on capacity for generation with the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) , which could lead to lower electricity bills for Floridians if the commission approves the projections.

"We continue to work hard to provide the best possible price for our customers," Alex Glenn, Duke Energy's state president for Florida, said “Our successful cost management and careful planning are helping lower customer rates while we invest in affordable, clean energy and improve reliability for our customers every day. If approved as planned, our customers will be paying nearly 15 percent less for electricity than they were six years ago.”

Duke said average rates would decrease by approximately $4.18 per month, or an average of $117.41 for a 1,000-kilowatt-per-hour bill. The current rate for 1,000 kilowatts is approximately $121.59.

Duke said this would be the third time in the past two years that Florida customers would see rates lowered. The company also said business customers would see similar decreases in rates, should the projected rates be approved.

The company attributes the lower electricity costs to decreases in natural gas prices. The company owns many coal- and natural gas-powered plants that are capable of producing approximately 9,000 megawatts and serve approximately 1.7 million Florida residents and businesses.