In 2017, Gulf Power customers’ bills will drop 3 percent due to lower natural gas and coal costs.
The Florida Public Service Commission approved Gulf Power’s request to decrease customers’ bills by $4.63, from $148.64 to $144.01 for the average residential customer.
This will be the second year in a row Gulf Power customers have seen a decrease in energy bills brought about by planning and management of the natural gas and coal the energy provider uses to generate electricity, according to a media release. In 2016, residential energy bills decreased 5 percent.
“This price decrease is great news for our customers, especially as we head into the cold winter months,” said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power spokesperson. “And because Gulf Power employees have been working hard toward a more balanced energy mix, our customers are able to take advantage of lower fuel prices now, and into the future.”
The Florida Public Service Commission annually adjusts Gulf Power’s prices to reflect cost changes in fuel, environmental controls and energy conservation programs.
This decrease comes on the heels of a price increase request to continue to invest in the reliability of Northwest Florida’s energy infrastructure. In October, Gulf Power requested that the Florida Public Service Commission conduct a public review of their prices and a proposed increase that would begin in July 2017. The last time customers saw a price increase was in January 2015, and when compared to those prices, the average residential customer’s monthly bill in July 2017 would increase by only $2.50 per month or less than 2 percent.
“If approved, that requested investment would help secure long-term reliability, continue smart grid improvements, and bolster our goal of achieving a balanced energy mix,” Rogers said.
“Along with that request, we’ve asked for approval of new customer rate options designed to make bills more predictable, and greater customer conveniences including an improved online experience, additional payment locations at popular stores and payment kiosks in business offices.”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gulf Power announces lower electricity prices