Florida Consumers and Churches Take On FPL’s Political Influence and Notorious Anti-Consumer Florida Public Service Commission

Fla. News Network — Florida Power & Light Company, a subsidiary of Juno Beach–based NextEra Energy, has asked the Florida Public Service Commission for an $8.961 billion increase in base rates over 2026–2029 — the largest such request in U.S. and Florida history. Meanwhile, church‑hosted community groups and statewide advocates are mobilizing to crank up public pressure and force regulators to pump the brakes on what many are calling an “ungodly” hike. With a PSC track record of barely batting an eye at utility requests and commissioners appointed by corporate‑friendly politicians, this showdown could mark the rare moment when customers get a real seat at the table.

NextEra Energy, the parent company of FPL, is a multinational energy conglomerate with operations in 36 states and four Canadian provinces. FPL, on the other hand, is the largest electric utility in Florida, serving over 5 million customers. The company’s influence is matched only by its ambition, as it seeks to further expand its operations and increase profits. FPL’s request includes a return on equity of 11.9%, well above the national average, raising questions about whether the hike is more about shareholder profits than public benefit.

Justification:
FPL’s justification for the hike includes the need to accommodate over 275,000 new customers since 2021 and an expected 335,000 more by 2029. The company also cites inflation-driven increases in labor and materials costs, with utility poles up 49% and transformers skyrocketing by 101%. Yet, opponents question whether these figures warrant such a steep increase, especially when FPL’s profits remain robust.

FPL’s proposal touts investments in solar farms and battery storage, aiming to reduce reliance on natural gas, which fuels 73% of its energy mix. But critics argue the math doesn’t add up. While FPL claims modernization has saved customers $16 billion in fuel costs, its request includes an 11.9% return on equity, far above the national 9.6% average. Translation: Shareholders’ profit, consumers pay. “Why are we subsidizing FPL’s profits while they cling to fossil fuels?” asks Yoca Arditi-Rocha of The CLEO Institute. “Families are drowning in bills that rose $400 annually since 2020.”

What is the Public Service Commission:
The PSC, tasked with regulating utility rates, has a controversial history. Former commissioners have openly criticized the agency, calling it a “corruptible legislature” dominated by utility interests. Allegations of conflicts of interest and revolving-door employment between the PSC and utility companies have fueled public distrust. Despite these concerns, the PSC has rarely denied rate increases, leaving many Floridians skeptical about its impartiality.

In 2021, the Commission approved a $4.868 billion settlement with FPL after lengthy negotiations, only to be told by the Florida Supreme Court that it hadn’t shown why the deal was “fair, just, and reasonable.” PSC staff then issued a beefed‑up justification and re‑approved the plan, leading to a $692 million hike in January 2022 and another $560 million in 2023. Add in a dearth of in‑district hearings and a bench stacked with former industry insiders, and customers have long felt sidelined.

A Florida Holy War: Pews, Prayers, Protest
Community groups and advocacy organizations are mobilizing to fight the proposal. Florida Rising, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida have filed appeals challenging the PSC’s approval process. AARP Florida has launched an online petition, urging its nearly 3 million members to oppose the hike. Churches across the state are also stepping in, hosting informational sessions to educate congregants about the impact of the rate increase and how to resist it.

But this time? It feels different. The usual grumbling has crescendoed into organized resistance, and it’s coming from an unexpected, powerful quarter: community churches. Across the state, congregations are getting schooled on kilowatt-hours and base rate adjustments. Churches, often the bedrock of local communities, are hosting meetings, sharing information, and mobilizing their members to fight back. Suddenly, FPL and the PSC aren’t just arguing with consumer advocates and lawyers; they’re finding themselves in a PR battle against groups invoking moral authority. It’s giving… David versus Goliath, but Goliath might have underestimated David’s ability to show up with the entire congregation of Davids. Death by a thousand stings.

The Human Costs:
The stakes are high. If approved, the average residential customer could see monthly bills increase by $11.52 in 2026 and $18.57 in 2027. For families already struggling with housing and food costs, these hikes could force impossible choices between basic necessities.

Could this be the fight that finally forces real change? The one that galvanizes enough public pressure to make the PSC blink, or maybe even pushes state lawmakers to reconsider the structure and accountability of the Commission itself? Imagine pastors urging their flocks to call the Governor’s office or show up at PSC hearings. Picture politicians squirming in their pews as the sermon touches on energy justice and corporate accountability. One person can spark a movement, an organized network of churches reaching thousands. That’s a whole different ballgame.

Fight Back Florida:
Want to fight back? Submit written comments online via the PSC’s Consumer Assistance portal or email contact@psc.state.fl.us referencing Docket №20250011‑EI. You can also mail letters to Adam Teitzman, Commission Clerk, PSC, 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399‑0850.

Attend the PSC’s in‑district hearings, team up with Florida Rising, or join coalitions like Earthjustice‑backed groups. Organize youth groups at your church, flood social media with #NoMoreRateHike, or sign and back petitions calling for a full review of FPL’s 2025 rate plan.

If enough voices speak up, this might be the one time the PSC actually pauses before giving FPL a green light. Are you ready to let them hear your sweet last dollar speak?

Though the backdrop seems dystopian, every revolution starts with a single voice drawing attention to injustice. Could one bemused homeowner spark a movement? It’s not out of the realm of possibility. Imagine if every congregation shared the story of the rate hike. Local politicians, many of whom attend these churches, might find themselves in a precarious situation. Would they choose to side with their constituents or the companies that line their campaign pockets?

Forward Together:
As Florida Power & Light and the PSC face growing public dissent, the outcome of this fight may be a litmus test for energy policy in the Sunshine State. It’s vital now more than ever for communities to unite against rising energy costs and bring about accountability for those in power.

Still, the smart money, unfortunately, might remain on FPL and the PSC. NextEra Energy is a corporate titan with deep pockets and lobbying muscle. The PSC operates within a system that has historically favored utilities. Breaking that pattern requires sustained, widespread, and focused pressure.