PSC Reduces 2011 Fuel Charges

Progress Energy Florida (PEF) fuel charges were impacted by replacement fuel costs associated with the unexpected outage of its Crystal River 3 nuclear unit.  Today, Commissioners required the company to file revised 2011 fuel charges, which are scheduled for Commission consideration later this month.  PEF customers will also have nuclear cost recovery amounts included in the energy charge.

Starting in January 2011, final monthly bill charges for each utility’s residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) are:

• TECO: The current charge of $112.73 will decrease to $107.02, a reduction of $5.71.
  
  
• Gulf: The current charge of $126.17 will decrease to $122.67, a reduction of $3.50.
  
  
• FPUC (Marianna): The current charge of $155.54 will decrease to $152.06, a reduction of $3.48.
  
  
• FPUC (Fernandina Beach): The current charge of $131.83 will increase to $132.34, a slight increase of $.51.
  
  
• PEF: Customer charges will be determined on November 30.
  
  
• Florida Power & Light Company: FPL’s fuel cost recovery hearing is scheduled to begin December 13.
  

By law, Florida’s five investor-owned utilities are allowed to recover the prudently incurred fuel and purchased power costs necessary to meet customer demand but may not earn a profit on fuel purchases.  The fuel charge appears as a separate line item on customer bills.  Capacity, conservation, and environmental recovery costs are included in the energy charge and are not listed separately on customer bills.

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.