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Vice Mayor Mike Hernandez proposes commission taking action regarding FPL rate increase
- Mike Hernandez
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 7
During our City Commission Meeting this week, we discussed the Florida Power & Light proposed rate increases, which could significantly impact our senior residents in Pembroke Pines. Although this proposed $9 billion rate increase is approved solely by the Florida Public Service Commission — the body that regulates utilities like FPL — in Tallahassee, I felt it was my responsibility to express our residents’ concerns about what a $100-$200 rate increase would mean for them.
While FPL cites the need for infrastructure investments and renewable energy projects as reasons for the increase, this will place a burden on our seniors, families, and small businesses. This comes just four years after their last rate increase request ended in a settlement. The company still received billions more from ratepayers despite the Florida Supreme Court opining that the PSC did not justify how it was in the public interest.
I urge you to voice your concerns to the Florida Public Service Commission and advocate for solutions that do not disproportionately affect our most vulnerable residents.
You can find the PSC Contact Here
Several members of the AARP attended the Commission Meeting and three testified about the hardships they would take on if FPL’s proposed increase were approved.
I motioned for our Mayor to send a letter to the president of Florida Power & Light requesting a community meeting with Century Village and Pembroke Pines residents explaining their proposed rate increase. The other part of the motion was having a letter signed by all members of the City Commission opposing the rate increase addressed to the Florida Public Service Commission. Click here to join AARP in opposing FPL’s proposal to raise your electric utility rates.
According to the AARP, we are the first city in the state to take an official action opposing FPL’s rate increase. I am proud to stand up for our seniors and fight for you to have a voice.
