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Electric Bill Increase Causes Confusion
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Published: January 14, 2009
NEW PORT RICHEY - January bills confused some Progress Energy Florida customers who didn't expect a 25 percent rate hike to be charged for electricity used in December.
One Holiday man said he had called the utility's customer service department, which informed him that any bills coming due in January would reflect the higher rates.
The new rate applies to electricity for the entire month, not just for electricity used after Jan. 1. The total increase of 25 percent added $27.28 onto a bill for 1,000 kilowatt-hours for residents. So a customer who used to pay $110.59 now will pay $137.87.
"The new rates went into effect with the January billing," Suzanne Grant with corporate communications for Progress Energy Florida explained.
"Depending upon your billing cycle, your January bill can include energy used in December and even in late November," Grant said.
Billing cycles vary due to weather, workload and holidays, Grant said. Bills usually reflect from 29 to 34 days of electricity consumption.
"If a bill has a longer billing cycle one month, it will be shorter the next month or the previous month," she said.
The utility goes into more detail with an online file, "Committed to Our Customers." People can find a copy online at www.progress-energy.com/custservice/flares/communi....
"Progress Energy Florida is committed to providing clean, reliable and affordable power to about 1.7 million customers," the utility document begins.
"The company is also planning for the needs of future generations while addressing climate change and working to reduce Florida's dependence on fossil fuels."
The utility offers 100 upgrades and 14 programs for conserving energy. Information is online at www.progress-energy.com/shared/stw/index.asp.
For people who need assistance paying an electric bill, Progress Energy has an Energy Neighbor Fund with details online at progress-energy.com/community/enf.asp#fla.
Residents with questions also can call a Progress Energy toll-free phone number, 1-800-700-8744.
Carl Orth can be reached at 727-815-1068 or corth@suncoastnews.com.
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