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Gulf Power Rates Will Be Slightly Lower In 2016

Fre Sonneveld
/
https://unsplash.com/photos/q6n8nIrDQHE

The Public Service Commission approved Monday a new rate for electricity. Beginning in January the average residential bill for 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity will average $135.58

Jeff Rogers at the utility says continued lower prices in natural gas and coal used to generate electricity is fueling the decrease, which in a small way is repeating history.

“In 2012 we were able to announce the largest decrease in our company’s history that we were able to pass along to our customers,” said Rogers. “This is not that large, but it is something and we’re happy to make that happen.”

Each January the PSC adjusts the prices of Gulf Power and other utilities around the state to reflect changes in what they spend on fuel, along with environmental compliance and energy conservation programs.

“There’s a myriad of tips at www.mygulfpower.com, where people can get more information,” said Rogers. “Also there’s a free energy checkup available. We’ll come to our customer’s house and do an energy inspection, to see how efficient you are and give you a report on some no-cost, low-cost steps you can take to save energy and money.”

For those having problems meeting their electric bills, Rogers says there are a number of programs available to lend a hand.

Gulf Power is among the utilities, agencies, and individuals who have braced for the peak of the hurricane season in September and last month. But spokesman Jeff Rogers says prepping for storms and other potential disasters is a year-round endeavor.

Last January, Gulf Power’s rates went up seven dollars per thousand kilowatt hours to offset rising fuel costs. The hike was aimed at increasing revenue by $35 million through base rates, with another $20 million boost. It’s expected to provide 42 months of rate stability.