Today, 34 local Hillsborough County businesses sent a letter organized by the Hillsborough Affordable Energy Coalition and Food & Water Watch to the Hillsborough County Commission, calling for passage of an Affordable Energy & Climate Plan. On Tuesday, September 10, the Hillsborough Affordable Energy Coalition will host an expert panel press conference and community workshop on affordable energy solutions for Hillsborough County.

Food & Water Watch Senior Florida Organizer Brooke Ward, an organizer of the letter said:

“High electricity prices and a costly reliance on fracked gas are costing Hillsborough County dearly. One of the biggest complaints we heard from small businesses is how interconnected the costs of electricity are with so many other facets of their businesses, from a reduction in customers who are struggling to make ends meet to the wages they are able to pay their employees. We need our County Commission to stand up for the prosperity of our small businesses and local economy by passing an Affordable Energy & Climate Plan that moves off dirty fossil fuels, prioritizes energy efficiency and other cost-saving measures to put money back into the hands of our community.”

The call for local action comes as the state Public Service Commission considers a proposed TECO rate hike that, if approved, would raise electricity base rates for small businesses by 69 percent, beginning in January. TECO also anticipates that their reliance on dirty, volatile fracked gas will add an additional 35 percent rise in fuel costs to bills over the next 3 years, adding up to $100 to monthly utility bills for businesses already struggling with rising operation costs.

High electricity bills mean higher operating costs, higher prices, and less business. 96 percent of small business employers polled nationally report that higher gas and fuel prices have a negative impact on their business.

Krissy Brawner from Quilt Love Longarm said: “With rising costs due to inflation, our customers are spending less, leading to reduced profits. An affordable energy plan would help us keep expenses low and ensure better wages for our employees.”

Kevin Reading from Fit24 said: “As a small local business, we must endure many operating costs. The electric bill is one of the highest expenses we have. By keeping the cost down, it allows us to be able to offer a more affordable membership price to our members.”

“Prices for parts have skyrocketed and many of our customers have voiced concerns about the rising prices of various goods and services. A common complaint is the dramatic increase in electricity bills, which has forced many to delay necessary repairs due to budget constraints,” said Nathalia Assaad from Mitanix. Ltd. Co. “Despite Florida’s sunny reputation, which should promote renewable energy, legislators often side with corporations like TECO, whose primary focus is maximizing shareholder profits. It’s time for the Hillsborough County Commission to support the community and challenge this profit-driven approach that harms both residents and the environment. The Commission needs to oppose the proposed rate increases in the short term and they need to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and prioritize sustainable energy solutions.”

Businesses interested in signing the open letter, can visit this link to add their name: https://forms.gle/bV5toGeeJ2p45u1D8.