Proposal to lower Florida electricity bills dies | March 5<\/p>\n
The article states that \u201cfor the second year in a row, a bill designed to lower the burgeoning cost of electricity has died at the hands of the utility industry, according to its sponsor.\u201d This sure makes it sound like the Florida Legislature takes its orders from big political campaign donors and not its constituents.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll they had to do was simply indicate that FP&L was opposed to the bill and given FP&L\u2019s power in the Florida Legislature, I think that was enough,\u201d said Sen. Don Gaetz, R. Pensacola, who added, \u201cThe bill was smothered in its legislative cradle.\u201d<\/p>\n
Talk about a lot of bang for your buck!<\/p>\n
Danny Reich, Zephyrhills<\/p>\n
St. Pete must think twice before dropping Duke Energy | Column, Feb. 24<\/p>\n
In response to the Feb. 24 guest column, the American Public Power Association strongly disagrees with the claim that \u201cthe private sector does better than the public sector\u201d when it comes to providing electric power. Across the U.S., approximately 2,000 public power utilities demonstrate every day that community-owned electricity is a proven, high-performing model that prioritizes reliability, affordability and local accountability.<\/p>\n
Public power utilities consistently outperform other utility types in reliability. In 2023, customers served by public power experienced half the outage time under normal conditions and 60% less during major events compared to customers of other utilities. These results reflect quick local decision-making, a strong mutual-aid network, and sustained investments in resilience and system hardening.<\/p>\n
Affordability is another hallmark of public power. Nationwide in 2023, when examining simulated monthly electricity bills, public power customers paid 13% less on average than customers of other utility types, resulting in meaningful savings for households and businesses alike. In Florida, public power rates for 1,000 kWh residential customers are $35 less per month than those of investor-owned utilities. These lower costs stem from not-for-profit governance, local oversight and a mission focused on service.<\/p>\n
Public power utilities also invest millions of dollars annually in infrastructure upgrades, storm hardening, cybersecurity and workforce development, ensuring safe, reliable service now and in the future.<\/p>\n
Public power works \u2014 for communities across the nation and for the more than four million Floridians served by public power.<\/p>\n
Scott Corwin, Arlington, Virginia.<\/p>\n
*The letter writer is the president and CEO of the American Public Power Association.<\/p>\n
We the People | Column, March 6<\/p>\n
The recent guest column by retired Admiral William McQuilkin is a wonderful reminder of the importance of our Constitution and citizens\u2019 participation in the political process. He reminds us that keeping elections easily available to all our citizens is something we must protect.<\/p>\n
Hope to see more columns from this American sailor!<\/p>\n
David Koehler, Largo<\/p>\n
Pinellas Juvenile Welfare Board is picking a new leader. It\u2019s getting messy | Feb. 26<\/p>\n
Voted into creation by the citizens of Pinellas County 80 years ago, the Juvenile Welfare Board exists for one purpose: to provide essential services to the children of Pinellas County. (In full disclosure, I am the husband of the now-retired former CEO of the JWB, Beth Houghton.)<\/p>\n
The JWB has earned a reputation as a cost-effective agency that actually saves children\u2019s lives. When COVID hit, the JWB worked effectively with the Department of Health, Pinellas County and the Pinellas Community Foundation to fill gaping holes that federal programs left.<\/p>\n
Today, the governor has put the hard arm twist on his appointees to the JWB\u2019s board to hand the complex CEO job to Glen Gilzean. The other candidate, Mike Mikurak, the interim CEO, has a full grasp of what the JWB does and would continue its mission.<\/p>\n
Gilzean\u2019s actions as the governor-appointed leader of the Orange County Supervisor of Elections tell a chilling story of incompetence. He was accused of spending $9.9 million in a two-month period without approval, according to an investigative audit<\/a> by the county comptroller\u2019s office. He spent $4.3 million on more than 200 transactions<\/a> in one weekend and left the office without money for that week\u2019s employee paychecks.<\/p>\n This is not the kind of ethical, responsible leadership that the JWB deserves.<\/p>\n The hidden agenda is more sinister. Gilzean is just a pawn in the governor\u2019s goal of eliminating property taxes. Ultimately, the end game is either radically reducing the millage rate that taxpayers invest in the JWB or eliminating the JWB altogether.<\/p>\n This would be a disaster for the children of Pinellas County. Over 50 agencies run nearly 100 programs with support from the JWB. They are amazing assets for our children and community. Glen Gilzean will take all of that away.<\/p>\n Scott Wagman, St. Petersburg<\/p>\n \u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n