Hillsborough County Commission Takes Action On Tampa Electric Rate Hikes
In response to constituent demands, County requests local meetings on fossil fuel-driven rate hikes
Published Apr 12, 2023
In response to constituent demands, County requests local meetings on fossil fuel-driven rate hikes
Yesterday, the Hillsborough County Commission sent a letter to the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), requesting in-district customer service hearings and workshops for Tampa Electric customers. The move came after numerous concerned activists joined the County meeting last week, urging intervention in the utility’s repeatedly rubber stamped reliance on fossil fuels that is driving high energy bills. Since 2020, the price of gas has tripled, and since January 2019, the average Tampa Electric bill has increased 62%.
“For too long, Florida has rubber stamped fossil fueled rate increases. It’s time that those we elect serve the people, not the fossil fuel industry,” said Food & Water Watch Senior Florida Organizer Brooke Ward. “The Hillsborough County Commission took the first step Tuesday in pushing back against an industry that has been given a free pass. We hope to see the county intervene further in the PSC proceedings and do everything in their power to ensure the energy utilities are making rate-lowering decisions like phasing out costly fossil fuels, bettering efficiency standards, and investing in resiliency projects meant to protect our pocketbooks and our environment.”
“Hillsborough residents are facing mounting costs for food and energy,” said Commissioner Pat Kemp, who made the motion to draft the letter. “The Hillsborough County Commission heard the concerns of residents and urges the Public Service Commission to hear them as well. We must also explore additional actions we can take in Florida to address the underlying fossil fuel reliance driving these costs.”
A recording of Tuesday’s Hillsborough County Commission meeting is available here.
Press Contact: Phoebe Galt [email protected]
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