Florida filing questions whether billions in data center costs could fall on Duke Energy customers
A new filing with Florida state regulators questions whether Duke Energy's proposed tariff for data centers complies with a new law, potentially leaving customers to bear billions in costs. A non-profit argues Duke's proposal doesn't create a specific numeric rate and could burden ratepayers. The Public Service Commission is set to decide on Duke's petition in November.
Duke Energy Florida has filed a petition with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to approve a large load tariff for data centers, aiming to comply with newly signed state law SB 484. The law requires power companies to demonstrate that data center electricity costs will not be passed on to general customers.
However, the non-profit Florida Rising Inc., represented by Earth Justice, filed a brief arguing that Duke Energy's proposal disregards the intent of SB 484. Attorney Jordan Luebkemann stated that Duke's current plan is a mere policy, not a true tariff with specific numeric rates, and could result in billions of dollars in extra costs being unfairly shifted to other ratepayers, citing Duke's own projections which show a significant revenue gap.
Duke Energy maintains it was the first utility to comply with SB 484's requirements and that its goal is to protect ratepayers while supporting economic development. The PSC will review briefs from both sides before making a recommendation on whether to approve Duke's petition, with a meeting scheduled for November 3rd.