Tallahassee, FL — Tomorrow, a key senate committee is scheduled to vote on an amended version of Public Service Commission (PSC) reform legislation (SB126) introduced by Senator Don Gaetz. Advocates argue that the new language would not result in any meaningful impact on customer bills. This comes only two weeks after the Florida PSC approved a $7 billion rate increase for Florida Power & Light customers — the largest rate increase in US history.

Gaetz’ original bill sought to cap a utility’s return on equity, potentially resulting in huge decreases in Florida residential and small business electricity bills. The strike-all amendment introduced on Thursday morning changed the legislation, omitting the language that would have reduced the amount that utilities can charge customers. The original proposal was a first step to addressing the affordability crisis, but the newest language removes the clearest pathways to lowering costs for everyday Floridians. 

“While DeSantis’ utility regulators greenlight corporate utility greed, Florida families are struggling under skyrocketing electricity bills. Senator Gaetz’ original legislation brought meaningful affordable energy conversations to Tallahassee, but now he’s backtracked on his progress,” said Brooke Ward, Senior Florida Organizer with Food & Water Watch. “We do not have time to wait while our legislators toy with the idea of affordability — it must become reality for Floridians suffocating under the cost of living crisis. We need comprehensive affordable energy reform that will enact ambitious reform to reel in exorbitant customer-financed corporate profits.”

SB 126 is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee on Tuesday. Advocates plan to attend Tuesday’s Senate committee meeting to provide public comment.

“It’s deeply disappointing to see meaningful consumer protections stripped from this bill,” said Mary Gutierrez, Director and Environmental Scientist with Earth Ethics. “After a $7 billion rate hike — the largest in U.S. history — Florida families needed real relief and real accountability. Instead, we’re left with a watered-down reform bill that does nothing to ease the burden on customers already struggling to keep up with rising electric bills. Floridians deserve better.”

“Young people were excited about this bill because it promised real affordability, but the strongest protections for families were the first thing taken out,” said Alyssa White, Climate Justice Organizer with Florida Student Power. “By stripping the core affordability tools, this bill no longer delivers the relief Floridians desperately need. We appreciate that this conversation is moving, and we hope adjustments can be made so this bill truly delivers the relief our communities need and deserve.”

“Floridians are struggling with high utility bills,” said Maya Shenefelt, FAMU Lead Organizer with genCLEO. “While strengthening PSC expertise is important, without restoring core affordability levers like return on equity caps, families will not see the relief they need.””Following the approval of the largest rate hike in US history, having a bill that would offer Florida consumers real accountability when it comes to their utility bills is more than needed. The stripping of this language is extremely disappointing.” said Katina Rentas Negrón, Climate Justice Campaigner with Florida Rising. “We hope for a revision of this bill that will open the door for real change for Floridians while holding the PSC accountable.”