TALLAHASSEE, FL (AP) -- Progress Energy Florida's customers will get a chance to comment on a proposed $500 million annual rate increase at a series of public hearings.
The proposal would add $13 to the monthly bill for 1,000 kilowatt hours, which is about average.
The Florida Public Service Commission will begin the hearings Tuesday in Lake Wales.
Others are set through July 30 in New Port Richey, Live Oak, Lake Mary, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Inverness, Ocala and Apalachicola.
Attorney General Bill McCollum has intervened, calling the proposal "concerning."
It's opposed by Public Counsel J.R. Kelly, who represents consumers. He said a proposed 12.54 percent profit is too much at a time when the economy is suffering.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
