Duke Energy Has to Answer for Rate Charges

As complaints from state lawmakers and residents rise, the Florida Public Service Commission said Friday it plans to look into Duke Energy’s recent decision to change meter-reading routes.

That move has resulted in a one-time longer billing cycle for some customers. Those customers may also see their bill due dates change. That one-time increased bill could add an additional 12 days of electric costs, The Tampa Tribune reported.

The problem with that, State Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, said, is those customers who see additional days on their bill may also see higher per-kilowatt-hour electric costs. The utility charges $11.34 per 100 kilowatt hours for the first 1,000 kilowatt hours used. That rate goes up to $13.70 for each additional 100 kilowatt hours over 1,000.

While the move is legal, Latvala said it isn’t “moral.”

PSC Chairman Art Graham has said he intends to look into the matter. He told the Tampa Bay Times, he will send a letter to Duke Monday requesting the utility appear at the commission’s Sept. 4 meeting to discuss the matter.

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