Customers with America’s largest utility will likely see double-digit increases in their electric bills in the coming years. Florida Power & Light Company is asking state regulators to set new rates that will result in higher costs for customers.
Friday, FPL filed documents ahead of a hearing next month in front of the Public Service Commission. The company first shared their proposal in February, where they cite inflation and a need for infrastructure to serve a growing customer base as reasons why an increase is needed.
The documents state FPL expects to add 335,000 more customers through the end of 2029. The current base rate agreement, which was settled in 2021, ends this year.
The proposal from FPL expects to generate $1.545 billion in revenue in 2026 and $927 million the following year. Costs will also be passed along to consumers for solar energy and battery storage.
Based on estimates provided by FPL, the average customer who pays $134.14 in 2025, would pay $142.37 the following year — a difference of $8.23. Their bill would jump to $148.29 in 2027, $149.93 in 2028, and $151.99 in 2029. Over the years, it’s about an $18 difference from what the current bill is now.
Estimated FPL bills under rate proposal (for 1,000-kWh residential customer)
| Region | Current | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peninsular Florida | $134.14 | $142.37 | $148.29 | $149.93 | $151.99 |
| Northwest Florida | $143.60 | $147.10 | $148.29 | $149.93 | $151.99 |
*Estimates include base rates proposed to the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), as well as projections for fuel and other costs, which are approved annually by the PSC. Beginning in 2027, FPL customers in peninsular and Northwest Florida will pay the same rates.
Our News 6 team spoke with people in Sanford on Wednesday who said their electric bills are already high this summer. One man said his bill jumped to nearly $300, when it’s usually $175.
There are resources available for families who need utility assistance, but with rising costs for food and rent too, more people need help and there’s only so much to go around.
Major Don Wildish with the Salvation Army in Seminole County sees the growing need in his community every day.
“Families that come to us are having to face some really difficult challenges, really difficult decisions to make,” said Wildish. “Do they put food on their table? Do they pay for their electricity? Do they pay for their home?”
Wildish says it puts pressure on families and organizations trying to help.
“When I began working with the Salvation Army over 39 years ago, we were doing social service interviews. Now it feels like we’re doing triage,” said Wildish. “I have so many families coming in that we can only really deal with the most critical situations that’s here.”
FPL is also not immune to inflation. Since the utility last filed to adjust base rates in 2021, they say the cost of labor has gone up nearly 16%, along with costs of wires, cables, and utility poles. As more customers rely on FPL for power, new infrastructure is required to meet that demand.
The base rate agreement won’t be final until after an extensive review process that includes multiple hearings in front of state regulators.
If you’re wondering how much the proposal would affect your bill, you can enter your usage information on FPL’s calculator and find out.