Florida's public counsel challenges FPL's $2.6B rate hike request
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — The state Office of Public Counsel told state regulators Monday that Florida Power & Light Co. should only receive about $105 million of the $9.8 billion it stands to collect if a rate hike request is approved.
Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler filed expert witness testimony Monday in response to FPL's rate hike petition filed in February with the Public Service Commission.
Trierweiler said his witnesses identified only $105.6 million in rate increases that should be allowed. Details were not provided because the summary testimony of accountant Helmuth W. Schultz III was classified as confidential until it is reviewed by FPL.
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But in other OPC testimony filed Monday, witness Timothy J. Devlin said FPL customers stand to lose $3 billion under an accounting mechanism that would be extended until 2030 under the rate hike request.
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