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Progress customers get say about surcharge plan

By Times Staff Writer
Published March 14, 2005

Progress Energy Florida customers will get the chance this week to sound off on the St. Petersburg utility's plans to cover $251.9-million in hurricane costs by adding a two-year surcharge to monthly bills.

The Florida Public Service Commission, which must approve any such rate increase, will hold public hearings this week in St. Petersburg and Clearwater to gather feedback from Progress customers.

Progress charges a monthly residential rate of $94.43 for the first 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity consumed per month (the typical household uses about 1,200 to 1,400 kilowatt hours). To cover its hurricane costs, the company has asked the PSC for permission to charge customers an additional $3.81 per 1,000 kilowatt hours during the first year and $3.59 during the second year.

The PSC will hold a public hearing from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at St. Petersburg City Hall, 175 Fifth St. N. The commission will hold hearing in Clearwater from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 112 S Osceola Ave.

[Last modified March 12, 2005, 00:38:04]