PENSACOLA, Florida – At the turn of the new year, Gulf Power customers’ bills will drop 3 percent thanks to lower natural gas and coal costs.
Today, 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 will be the second year in a row Gulf Power customers have seen a decrease in energy bills brought about by careful planning and management of the natural gas and coal the energy provider uses to generate electricity. 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.”
Every year, the Florida Public Service Commission 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,” said Rogers. “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.”
Gulf Power customers can find additional savings by making their homes more energy efficient. There are many low-cost and no-cost programs to help customers save money and energy available at MyGulfPower.com. Customers also can download the Gulf Power app where energy efficiency tips are at their fingertips. Just search Gulf Power in iTunes or the Google Play store.
Gulf Power average residential price changes
|
January 2009 |
$143.58 |
|
|
January 2010 |
$155.50 |
|
|
January 2011 |
$141.66 |
|
|
September 2011 |
$146.76 |
Interim base rate increase |
|
January 2012 |
$138.29 |
Clause decrease |
|
March 2012 |
$134.59 |
Fuel clause decrease |
|
April 2012 |
$138.65 |
Base rate increase |
|
July 2012 |
$127.64 |
Fuel clause decrease - one of the largest decreases in company history |
|
January 2013 |
$130.05 |
Clause and base rate increase |
|
January 2014 |
$149.59 |
Clause increase Base rate increase (Step 1) largest power grid construction project in company history |
|
January 2015 |
$156.36 |
Clause increase Base rate step increase (Step 2) largest power grid construction project in company history |
|
January 2016 |
$148.64 |
Fuel/Conservation clause decrease |
|
January 2017 |
$144.01 |
Clause decrease, primarily fuel |
|
July 2017 |
$158.86 |
Base rate increase if proposed amount is approved by the FPSC |
Monthly price for average residential customers.
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Gulf Power is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 450,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at MyGulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page. News information can be found at GulfPowerNews.com.
News Media Contacts:
Jeff Rogers
External Communications & Brand Manager
850-444-6243, cell 850-572-5511
Rick DelaHaya
Media Relations Supervisor
850-444-6433, cell 318-294-2338
Natalie Smith
Media Relations
850-444-6784, cell 850-375-6123
Kimberly Blair
Media Relations
850-444-6050, cell 850-206-5132