Florida’s PSC approves storm charges for TECO, Duke customers

By Bruce Ritchie | 02/05/2025 06:25 AM EST

The PSC unanimously approved charging Duke Energy Florida customers $1.1 billion and Tampa Electric customers $464 million for restoration after Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.

Two linemen repair power lines damaged by Hurricane Milton.

Pike Corp. linemen repair power lines damaged by Hurricane Milton in Lithia, Florida, on Oct. 14, 2024 Chris O'Meara/AP

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — The Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved charging utility customers for restoring power after 2024’s hurricanes — even as commissioners struggled with the idea of raising bills.

Details: The PSC unanimously approved charging Duke Energy Florida customers $1.1 billion and Tampa Electric Co. customers $464 million for restoration after hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.

The commission approved charging the average TECO residential customer $19.95 per month for 18 months. That represents a reduction from TECO’s request to charge customers more than $30 per month over 12 months.

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“I recognize that’s still going to be hard either way,” Commissioner Andrew Giles Fay said. “There isn’t a good answer to it, but I do think it does adjust that impact significantly.”

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