Florida Public Utilities is asking state regulators to grant a 24-percent increase in what it charges customers.

Why such a sizable increase?

“The capital expense to serve new customers and underserved areas of the state,” Chesapeake Utilities spokeswoman Brianna Patterson said.

Chesapeake Utilities is the parent company of Florida Public Utilities. 

“All of our customers did receive a letter regarding the potential rate increase,” Patterson added. “The 24 percent is equivalent to $12.12 [more] per month.”

Florida Public Utilities’ letter to its customers noted other factors behind its rate case, including investments in technology to improve reliability of the company’s operations and “the impact of historically high inflation, particularly for insurers premiums, cost of materials, and labor.”

The company’s rate request goes before the Florida Public Service Commission in the coming weeks. FPU filed its request for an additional $24 million in revenues with the PSC on May 24. 

The company’s customers who wish to obtain more information about the case or comment on the company’s rate request may call the PSC at 1-800-342-3552, or they may visit the agency’s website at www.PSC.state.Fl.us/ClerkOffice/DocketDetail?docket=20220067. They may also call Florida Public Utilities at 1-800-524-1495, or go to www.fpuc.com.

The PSC has set virtual public hearings on FPU’s case:

— Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, 6 p.m.

— Wednesday, Aug. 31, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Both virtual hearings will be in Tallahassee. Those wishing to testify before the PSC  may call 1-850-413-7080, or email speakersignup@psc.state.fl.us. Anyone who would like to comment on the FPU rate request must provide a name, address, and the date and time of the public hearing at which they wish to watch or speak.