AARP Florida urges Floridians to “Get amp’d UP to keep rates DOWN” and oppose rate increases from Duke Energy and Tampa Electric Company

TALLAHASSEE, Florida— June 3, 2024 — AARP Florida’s State Director Jeff Johnson, announced today a new campaign "Get amp’d UP to keep rates DOWN," aimed at rallying customers to join them in the fight to urge the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to scrutinize Duke Energy (Duke) and Tampa Electric Company's (TECO) proposal for a rate increase. Providing safe, reliable electricity, not profit, should be a priority. Duke is seeking $820 million while TECO aims for $467.7 million.

"On behalf of millions of AARP members and electric utility customers, AARP Florida is asking the Florida Public Service Commission to dramatically reduce the proposed increase and limit profitability,” Johnson said.  “We know an increase is inevitable to cover the cost of doing business, however, it is unnecessary to raise rates for non-energy usage such as return on equity and fixed customer charges.”

Johnson noted that the proposed rate increase would grant both utilities an 11.5 percent return on equity (pure profit) – for operating a business protected by state law from competition.

“Many Floridians, including our members, grapple with fixed or limited incomes, exacerbated by persistent inflation,” added Johnson.

As part of its advocacy efforts, AARP Florida is educating customers and raising awareness about the significance of these rate-increase cases.

"Our message to consumers is clear: your voice matters," added Johnson. "We encourage Duke and TECO customers to actively participate and make their voices heard and ‘Get amp’d UP to keep rates DOWN!’”

Methods to get involved include signing petitions, submitting public comments to the PSC, and participating in virtual or in-person PSC public hearings scheduled from June 10 to June 18 in Tampa, Tallahassee, Inverness, and Largo.

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