TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Supreme Court is being asked to overturn a rate hike approved for the state's largest utility.
The court held oral arguments Thursday on whether regulators should have approved an increase for Florida Power & Light Co. that could add charges to monthly bills over the next three years.
Florida's consumer advocate is contesting the hike because it was the result of a settlement in which the Office of Public Counsel did not participate.
Instead it was groups representing commercial and federal government customers that agreed to the increase that was ultimately adopted by the Florida Public Service Commission.
Lawyers for the consumer advocate told justices it's not a good deal for most of FPL's 4.6 million customers. FPL contends it could save consumers money due to efficiencies.
