Gulf Power has filed a request with the Florida Public Service Commission to raise prices beginning in July.
The utility’s residential rates are less than they were in 2015, and the energy provider expects prices will be even lower in January mainly because of fuel cost reductions after taking advantage of lower prices in natural gas and coal.
If the Florida Public Service Commission approves the request, the average residential customer’s total monthly bill will increase by $10.22 per month or 7 percent — from $148.64 to $158.86.
Stan Connally, Gulf Power Chairman, president and CEO, said the energy provider aims to control costs while planning and delivering reliable services.
“We have worked hard to manage our costs and have lowered prices over the past two years,” he said. “In fact, we plan to do that again in January where the average residential customer will see a decrease of $4.63.”
In addition, Gulf Power seeks approval of new rate options for residential customers.
“Studies show that our customers are happier when their energy bills are more predictable and when they have choices,” a media release from the utility states. “These options are designed to give customers more predictability in monthly bills, reducing the increases associated with extreme weather months. In addition, two new options will offer residential customers more rate plan choices based on the way they use energy.”
The energy provider is implementing new options for greater customer convenience, including improved online experience, additional payment locations at popular stores, and payment kiosks in their customer offices.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gulf Power requests price increase, cites infrastructure improvement