Utility rates

On March 7, the Florida Public Service Commission is expected to decide whether to approve some utility rate hikes because of rising natural gas costs and expensive storm preparations.

State regulators Tuesday approved utility costs that will translate to higher electric bills in January for homeowners and businesses — and the pain won’t end there.

The Bay County city of Lynn Haven has joined other Panhandle communities in asking the state Public Service Commission to review Florida Power & Light’s rates.

Duke Energy customers can expect to see a 3 to 4 percent increase on their bills in 2022. The rate increase comes as the Public Service Commission approved a settlement agreement between Duke and other parties.

State regulators are rejecting Duke Energy’s request for a mid-year rate hike to cover an unexpected rise in the cost of fuel. Duke says it needed to…