PENSACOLA — As of Jan. 1, Gulf Power customers should see their prices drop 3 percent due to lower fuel costs used in energy production.
In November, the Florida Public Service Commission approved Gulf Power’s request to decrease customer’s bills by $4.63, from $148.64 to $144.01 for the average residential customer.
This is the second year in a row Gulf Power customers have seen a decrease in energy prices brought about by planning and management of the natural gas and clean coal the energy provider uses to generate electricity. Last January, residential energy bills decreased 5 percent.
“Gulf Power employees have worked hard to manage costs to benefit our customers directly, especially as we head into the cold winter months,” said Rick DelaHaya, Gulf Power spokesperson. “And because Gulf Power employees have been working hard toward a more balanced energy mix, our customers can take advantage of lower fuel prices now, and into the future.”
Every year, the Florida Public Service Commission adjusts Gulf Power’s prices to reflect cost changes in fuel, environmental controls and energy conservation programs. Fuel cost savings are passed to Gulf Power customers, with no profit to the company.
This decrease follows a price increase request to continue to invest in 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 after PSC approval would increase by $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,” DelaHaya said. “A balanced energy mix helps keep customers’ costs stable and insulates customers from price fluctuations that can be caused by price volatility in the fuel we use to generate electricity.”
Along with that request, the energy company has asked for approval of new customer rate options designed to make bills more predictable and has instituted new initiatives designed for greater customer conveniences, including an improved online experience, additional payment locations at popular stores and payment kiosks in business offices.
Gulf Power customers can find additional savings by making their homes more energy efficient. Go to www.gulfpower.com for more information.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gulf Power prices decrease for new year