Utilities seek millions for storm hardening

TALLAHASSEE — As this year’s hurricane season gets ready to start June 1, major utilities have filed proposals that could lead to customers paying hundreds of millions of dollars in 2023 to help bolster electric systems against storms.

Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric Co. filed the proposals last week at the state Public Service Commission as part of efforts to add underground power lines, “harden” other parts of electric systems and reduce outage threats from trees and other vegetation.

FPL is seeking approval to collect a projected $369.9 million for the projects, while Duke is proposing nearly $142.8 million and Tampa Electric is proposing $53.55 million.

The Public Service Commission will decide whether to approve the proposed costs, which would make up one portion of customers’ overall bills.

The filings are rooted in a 2019 state law that passed after Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Michael and other storms caused widespread power outages. The Legislature almost unanimously passed the measure, which, in part, changed the way storm-protection projects were financed.

Previously, utilities incorporated such costs in their base electric rates. But the law set up a separate Public Service Commission process that allowed utilities each year to seek to collect money from customers for the projects.