Duke Energy files to lower Florida rates amid local pushback on high costs

Duke Energy Florida filed a request with the Florida Public Service Commission to lower its rates.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Duke Energy says Florida customers can expect lower rates at the start of next year. The announcement comes as some Tampa Bay area residents have called for cities to end their agreements with the company.

In a press release Thursday, Duke said it filed a request with the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) to decrease rates.

The FPSC is responsible for regulating investor-owned utility services across the state.

Duke says customers “can expect lower rates beginning in January 2027, compared to December 2026.”

Customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per month should see a $0.71 decrease on their bills in January. The average Florida household uses about 1,200 kWh per month.

Commercial and industrial customers can expect a cost decrease between 0.8% and 3.6%.

Duke said the change is thanks in part to decreasing fuel costs and a company tax strategy “to accelerate the delivery of $50 million in customer savings next year.”

Residents in St. Petersburg and Clearwater have recently called for the cities to end their agreements with Duke Energy, citing high costs.

In June, St. Pete City Council voted to spend $590,000 on a feasibility study examining what it would take for the city to take over its electric system. The results are expected in 2027.

Meanwhile, Clearwater City Council voted to renew the city’s contract with Duke in July after spending more than $600,000 on a feasibility study.

If you are a Duke customer looking for assistance with your energy bill, options are available on Duke’s website.