Fort Myers, FL — Today, local, state, and national nonprofits representing hundreds of thousands of Florida residents sent a letter demanding the Public Service Commission (PSC) reject Florida Power & Light’s (FPL) recent rate hike request, filed at the end of February. The corporate utility is requesting nearly $10 billion in increases, impacting 5.8 million customers beginning in 2026. It is the largest rate hike request in U.S. history. The letter was announced at a press conference held ahead of this morning’s PSC hearing in Fort Myers, where scores of Floridians are expected to voice their opposition to FPL’s request at other in-district hearings. 

The letter, in part, reads: “FPL’s rate hike is the latest in a string of unpopular corporate utility rate cases in Florida, hotly contested by residents demanding a transition off volatile, costly fossil fuels. Today, fracked gas is used to produce 73% of FPL’s energy. Meanwhile, FPL customers are already paying over $400 more annually than they were 5 years ago. The proposed rate increase could amount to a 22% increase — or $360 more — over the next two years.”

Testimony at in-district hearings is considered evidence in the rate case and will help to determine whether or not the PSC ultimately approves the rate request. The letter was read at this morning’s hearing.

“For too long, DeSantis’ PSC has been a rubber-stamp for corporate utility handouts — Florida families are footing the bill. Unchecked rate hikes must end now. The PSC must champion the 12 million people who get their electricity from Florida Power & Light by rejecting FPL’s greedy request,” said Brooke Ward, Senior Florida Organizer with Food & Water Watch, an organizer of the letter. “It’s time the PSC worked for the people — not corporations. Floridians want clean, affordable power now.” 

Speakers highlighted the impact of high electricity bills on Florida families, and how fossil fuels substantially drive up Floridians’ bills. 

“Floridians are already paying for ever increasing power bills and the costly impacts of extreme weather brought on by climate change. Floridians need FPL to invest more in clean energy solutions and less in methane gas infrastructure, which comes with pollution, and unpredictable swings in gas prices.” Raymer Maguire, Director of Campaigns and Policy with The CLEO Institute

On behalf of residents, Manatee County officials sent a letter to the PSC urging more in-district hearings. The Fort Myers’ meeting was the closest PSC hearing to Manatee County, despite being located three counties north of Lee County.

“When one of the largest utilities in the country cannot manage itself well, consumers should not be penalized merely to satisfy shareholders. Florida should have the cheapest energy in the nation, not some of the most expensive. It’s time to end this predatory monopoly.” Rev. Dr. Russell Meyer, Florida Council of Churches

“FPL’s requested rate hike is close to criminal. Reject it.” Karen Dwyer, Co-founder of Stone Crab Alliance.

“The community is struggling day in and day out. Families shouldn’t have to decide what is more important when it comes to daily necessary needs. Please don’t approve another rate hike. We the people are tired of being silent.” Brittany Panton, Tampa Bay Regional Organizer with Central Florida Jobs with Justice.

“It is unconscionable that FPL should request a rate increase on the back of the Floridians they are harming by burning methane.” Susan Steinhauser, Co-Chair of Climate Reality Project, North Broward and Palm Beach County, FL Chapter. 

“There is absolutely no legitimate need or reason for another rate increase – this will be the 3rd since 2021. We need to stand up as a community and state and say NO to another rate hike. We can’t afford it and shouldn’t be burdened with an additional financial constraint.” Mary Gutierrez, Scientist and Director of Earth Ethics.

“With extreme heat predicted for this summer and no legal protections against utility shutoffs, and without the LIHEAP federal program being staffed to help people unable to afford their skyrocketing energy costs, this is a dangerous time to be raising the power bills of Florida’s most vulnerable residents.” Brian Lee, Campaigns Director at ReThink Energy Florida.

“Price rate increase is punitive to the people of Florida,” Ann Smith of Green Tent Circle.

“When power companies profit while our families struggle to keep the lights on, something is deeply wrong. We deserve clean, affordable energy and we won’t stay silent,” said Solemi Hernandez, Vice Chair of Sierra Club Group Calusa.

“The nearly $10 Billion FPL rate hike, the largest in US history, is a cruel and unnecessary burden being placed on the citizens of FL, especially low-income households and small businesses when both are struggling with increased costs to just get by while FPL is making HUGE profits!  Where is the fairness in this?” said Maxine Lobel, Florida State Chapter Leader of Elders Climate Action.  “As someone very concerned about our climate and the future that we are leaving our children and grandchildren, it is especially disturbing that FPL hasn’t been held accountable for its reliance on fossil fuels which are profoundly contributing to climate pollution and all its health impacts!  We must not allow this unfair rate hike to take place!” 

David Jenkins, President of Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship said, “This current FPL rate hike request is just one of many ways FPL keeps raising its customer’s electric bills, always gaming the system to enrich its parent company on the backs of customers. The PSC needs to stop letting FPL lead it around by the nose and finally act on behalf of Florida ratepayers by saying no to this latest rate hike.”

“Instead of investing in clean, affordable energy, FPL wants customers to subsidize its polluting infrastructure, and continue to pay for expensive fuels every day,” said Nancy Stevens, Conservation Chair of Tampa Bay Sierra Club. 

“The Tampa Democratic Socialists of America stand in solidarity with the residents opposing Florida Power and Light’s proposed rate hikes. This is the largest rate increase ever requested, and the Public Service Commission would be absolutely devastating the residents of Florida by voting in favor of FPL” said Calista Snider, Membership Coordinator of Tampa Democratic Socialists of America. “The working class is the backbone of our society, and ruling in favor of this increase would devastate countless families and residents throughout our state. Having fought and lost a rate case of our own here in Tampa, we stand with you and offer all our support.” 

“This proposed rate hike is plain theft by the rich from the poor. FPL should be nationalized by the state to actually serve the interests of the working people of Florida,” said Thomas Wallace, Party for Socialism & Liberation.