Public counsel: Progress Energy owes customers $61M

The lawyer for Florida’s utility customers said Tuesday that Progress Energy Florida owes customers a refund of $61 million because the St. Petersburg utility bought overpriced coal.

Progress Energy Florida could have bought cheaper coal if it had secured a permit to burn it, but the utility failed to do that, said Joseph McGlothlin, associate public counsel for the Office of Public Counsel, a state office that represents the interests of Florida’s utility customers.

The counsel’s office has asked the Florida Public Service Commission, which regulates Florida’s utilities, to order the utility to refund the money to its customers. A hearing will be held in April.

Progress Energy did not immediately return calls for comment. State law prohibits utilities from profiting on fuel. It is a pass-through to consumers.

Asjylyn Loder, Times Staff Writer

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Comments

[mm]

I knew a 25% increase was shady as hell! Guess I don't have to send that ltr to the senator after all!

[Desert Scorpion]

Send the letter. Progress Energy is much dirtier than the coal they burn. The nuclear plant boondoogle is but one example. I hope the public services commission shows some courage on this one,however, I am skeptical since they are bought and paid for by Progress Energy. KEEP UP THE PRESSURE ON YOUR LEGISLATURE AND PROGRESS ENERGY IS YOU VALUE YOUR WALLET.

[shuturyap]

A utility charging questionable rates? That is about as common as a crooked politician.

[sd]

My bill this month from them was $596 (last month $247). They blamed it on the cold snap and the COST OF FUEL. Something is not right here and I got no where with them after an hour on the phone! I am glad someone is taking action!

[RW]

I am so happy to see someone acting on our behalf. I got the same run around from Progress Energy. My Dec. bill was $267.00, then Jan. bill sky rocketed to $435.00 AND Feb. TO $404.00. They said it was the weather. Weather my foot, I don't live in Alaska. We just get it from both ends and no signs of relief. Thank You Public Counsel.

[tdchar]

I thought I was the only one! My bill this month is $310 and it has NEVER been over $180. I got the same crap about cold snap and cost of fuel increases. What can we do?

[Brian]

I don't like lawyers at all, but this lawyer is my hero !!!Someone has to look out for us while we carry our day to day activities. It is interesting though after our new president is elected, the house cleaning has started. Talk about price gouging the consumer. Did they do a number on us, or what? Then, to make matters worse, they give you absolutely no breaks whatsoever to adjust to the high 25% rate.

There goes the food in the fridge and freezer being shut off.I know they give you an extension, but it's still too much. They won't let you pay 1/2, 1/4. Nothing. Pay or be shut off !They have some really rude people there as well.

Cable works with you at least...
Also, insurance, credit card companies,banks, loan sharks, cell phone companies, and cable companies need to be looked into as well. We are being gouged all over.

[Brian]

I would like to get back the termination fee's from my cell company. CA declared that it was unconstitutional to charge customers that amount of termination fees. They lock you in, so you don't move. Unfortunate for us the newer companies like Metro PCS don't lock you in. Here is the website to the cell phone case if anyone is interested.
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10039461?source=most_viewed

[Fooh Bon Tullo]

Sending a letter does not help, I did that and just got a form letter from the PSC, the govenors office was no help either

[Blake]

It's time the Utility Companies are re-regulated! The average citizen is being ripped off and can't afford their outrageous charges. Just another example of a greedy public company!

[Chuck]

the nuclear plant is definitely a boondoggle. if they want to build it, the investors need to put the collateral in to finance it. why should investors from all over the country reap the benefits of us Floridians paying for their investment? It makes ZERO sense whatsoever. We need congress men and woman that look at for their citizens, not the pockets of others.

[Dan]

Theft is theft, prosecute for prison time. Why do we as customers have to pay (25%) for the capitalization of a private company? The 15% reduction on April's bill is due to lower fuel costs, so they owe me a 40% reduction, not an increase. If I move before receiving any benefit would they return my money? Do I get 18% interest on it or stocks and dividends for my personal investment? It is far too easy for our the Florida Legislature to give away MY earnings, wealth and money. I thought they were Republicans who want less taxes and a smaller government. This is another instance of economic slavery and loss of personal liberty.

[justin]

Make sure you let the Public Service Commission know your feelings on this matter.

[Janel]

Great Job Asjylyn, keep pressing, your doing great work!

[J]

Progress Energy has us all by the b_lls! My energy bill went from $65 last month to $169 and I hardly ever use the heat. They gave me the same old song and dance about the 25% increase and the cold weather! HA! They're a bunch of lying crooks and I want my $ back!

[JOUELLE]

I got my on line bill last night and immediantly went into a state of shock. It was the highest electric bill I ever received and that includes summer bills when the A/C is running. I don't know what I'm going to do this summer.

PROGRESS ENERGY uses every opportunity to fleece its customers. Electricity rates will be a major crisis in Florida very very soon... It certainly will not help the state return to prosperity as growth has slowed to a crawl and more people are exiting Florida than entering. Keep sending those letters to the legislature, the impotent Public Services Commission, and the flip flop governor.

[Tino]

Oh, you ain't seen nothing yet. Go to some of the other articles on this blog.

There are organizations that are seeking 100-200% price increases to require uneconomic renewable technologies in Florida.

When enacted, those costs will be passed on to ratepayers. A 1 or 2 cent per kWh increase for a new nuke plant is one thing. These groups want to see 20-25 cent increases:

http://www.floridaallianceforrenewableenergy.org/

[Donna]

Progress Energy has been stabbing me in the back ever since they changed from sending a meter reader out. I am 74 years old and providing a home for my mentally challenged grandson and his Mom who cannot find a job. I have complete control over the thermostat in their area. Never over 72 degrees. I have been trying to figure out what on earth is going on with the billing, one month in the $300 range the next month over $600. I have cut down and we even slept with a lower temperature adding more blankets and still got a $700 bill. Something is amiss and I don't think it is the general public. I have asked them to take my billing for the past 3 years and compare the ups and downs. I was told that with the increase in rates and the weather accounts for my large billing....I for one would like to wring someone's neck over this!

IF PROGRESS ENERGY WANTS NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS LET THEM TAKE THE RISKS... POWER TO THE PEOPLE... NO NUKES,,,,

[Jay Case]

I am no longer a Progress Energy customer(woohoo)HOWEVER...they owe me my deposit back...I moved in Nov. It is now March....I called, emailed, even went to corporate office..only to hear "your check is in the mail" NOW we all know that if I told them that while I was a customer they would have turned off my electric that day! So now I have complained to everyone I could find...still no check...I think at this point they should hand deliver it with an apology..and interest...or maybe we should all go down to the corporate office.....time for us to stand up against corps that take advantage of us...jaycase@getareeljob.com

[Alessandra]

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