Naples, FL — Today, affordable energy advocates and impacted residents organized by Food & Water Watch gathered outside of the Collier County Government building, before heading to Senator Kathleen Passidomo’s office. Advocates urged the Senator to support affordable energy legislation this session, delivering heart-shaped Valentines reading, “Florida Families Love Lower Energy Bills,” and “Sen. Passidomo: Be Our Valentine! Support Affordable Energy”. 

Last month, Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith introduced the Affordable Energy Reform Act (SB1532), with the endorsement of Food & Water Watch. Two other bills aimed at addressing affordability issues have also been introduced in the Florida legislature: SB126 introduced by Senator Don Gaetz and HB187 introduced by Representative Alex Andrade. Last month, Florida Power & Light’s near-$7 billion rate increase went into effect for around 12 million Florida customers, including over 244,000 in Collier County.

Food & Water Watch Florida Organizer Solemi Hernandez issued the following statement: 

“Floridians are strapped for cash, and ever-increasing electricity bills are intensifying the situation. DeSantis and his utility regulators have failed to protect Floridians, approving rate hikes year after year. That’s why we’re asking Senator Passidomo this holiday to ‘Be our Valentine’ and show her love for residents by helping bring down electricity bills.

“Senator Passidomo can help ensure affordable bills by supporting the Affordable Energy Reform Act. This monumental piece of legislation would help lower electricity bills by changing the way utility regulators approve rate hikes, capping excessive profits that enrich shareholders, shifting responsibility for fossil fuel costs back to utilities instead of ratepayers, and making the rate approval process more accountable and transparent. This Valentine’s Day, instead of chocolates, we’d love the gift of affordable energy.”