Hearings to address Progress' rate plan

By Times Staff Writer
Published July 18, 2005

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Progress Energy Florida customers will have the chance to sound off this week on the utility's request to raise its base electricity rate.

The Florida Public Service Commission will hold hearings Wednesday and Thursday in Ocala, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Based on past experience, the turnout will likely include a mixture of concerned customers who don't want higher electric bills and local politicians, business leaders and other Progress supporters who will argue the company deserves a rate increase.

Progress, which was granted a rate increase last month to cover its hurricane-recovery expenses, says it needs another increase to its base rate to cover the rising cost of doing business. Meanwhile, consumer advocates led by the state Office of Public Counsel counter that the company should lower its rate.

The PSC's first public hearing this week will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Ocala City Hall, 151 SE Osceola Ave. On Thursday, the commission will hold a hearing at 9 a.m. at the Sunshine Center Auditorium, 330 Fifth St. N, St. Petersburg. The PSC will hold a hearing at 6 p.m. the same day at the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners' assembly room, 315 Court St., Clearwater.