By Regan McCarthy
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-983321.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Public Service Commission is granting Gulf Power a four-percent rate increase, but Regan McCarthy reports consumers could end up getting that money back.
State utility regulators are giving Gulf Power a $38 million interim rate increase. That comes out to be a $4.50 increase on an average customer's bill. Commissioner Eduardo Balbis says interim increases are meant to help a company get by until hearing can be held. But he says he's not sure it's really needed in Gulf's case.
"One thing I've found in the 8 months that I've been here is with an upcoming process starting in December that's probably the soonest we could start anything anyway."
An interim increase means the boost will be revisited when the public service commission holds a formal hearing on the company's full request. Then it could be upped or refunded to customers. Gulf is seeking a 10-percent increase that will total a $95 million annual hike. The company serves eight Florida panhandle counties.