Longboat Key commissioner upset with power increase

A Florida Power and Light Co. rate increase has a Longboat Key commissioner upset.

Longboat Key Town Commissioner Pat Zunz sent an email to FPL on Dec. 14, explaining she is unhappy with a proposed rate increase because power on the north end of the Key is unreliable.

“I have to tell you that I am not happy about the proposed rate hike,” Zunz wrote. “It's not that I don't understand the need for more efficient power plants, but I believe that FPL should be equally concerned with the sub-standard service we are receiving here at the north end of Longboat Key. The FPL equipment here is old and keeps breaking down. “

Zunz said a rate increase without an upgrade to the Key’s power equipment “is not acceptable” and she believes a rate decrease is in order until frequent power outages on the north end stop.

FPL proposes the increase means the average residential user’s bill will increase less than $1 in June 2013.
State Public Council J.R. Kelly is considering an appeal of the rate increase to the Florida Supreme Court and Zunz told FPL in her email she will support such an appeal.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].