Rising electricity bills are prompting two Florida cities to consider whether to continue long-term agreements with Duke Energy or explore creating municipal utilities.

The next stop in the FPL bid for final acceptance of the $7 billion rate hike will be at the Florida Supreme Court. The challenge, led by the Office of Public Counsel, raised five objections to the Florida Public Service Commission's original decision to reconsider its November 2025 approval of the hike. Criticism from opponents argue the Commission failed to adequately scrutinize FPL’s proposal.

Some Americans could face significantly higher utility bills in the years ahead from the rapid growth of AI data centers. Florida is now taking steps to prevent those costs from falling on residents. Gov. DeSantis just signed Senate Bill 484 directing state regulators to ensure large data center operators cover the full cost of the electrical infrastructure they require.

Instead of functioning as isolated components, building electrical systems are becoming interconnected and responsive.