CLEO Institute
Coverage of CLEO Institute in the Nexus archive.
- Donalds and Jolly bicker over response to utility profitability
Florida gubernatorial candidates Byron Donalds and David Jolly clashed over proposals to cap electric utility returns on investment. Jolly supports capping ROI to the national average, while Donalds argues against it, claiming it would degrade service. The debate follows a $6.9 billion rate hike approved for Florida Power & Light.
- Florida’s GOP AGs used to intervene in utility rate cases, but no longer
Florida's attorneys general have not intervened in recent utility rate cases despite significant increases by Florida Power & Light and other utilities. In contrast, attorneys general in Arizona, Michigan, and North Carolina have taken action to challenge rate hikes. Florida's Public Service Commission, tasked with regulating utilities, has faced criticism for being ineffective in controlling rising energy costs.
- St. Pete Council OKs study to review costs, benefits of owning its own utilities
The St. Petersburg City Council voted 4-3 to fund a $590,000 study by NewGen Strategies to evaluate the costs and benefits of creating a city-owned utility to replace Duke Energy Florida. The decision follows public pressure over rising electricity rates and Duke Energy's 30-year franchise agreement expiring in August. A similar study in Clearwater suggested potential savings for residents if the city formed its own utility.