MEET THE
Florida Public Service Commission
Everyday you turn on the faucet to fill a glass with water, turn on the television
to watch a favorite show, cook dinner on a natural gas or electric stove, and pick
up a telephone to call a friend. Now imagine if your water, electricity, natural
gas, and telephone didn’t work this reliably.
Fortunately, the fact that you rarely have to think twice about these essential
services is thanks, in part, to the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC).
The FPSC works to guarantee that you get your money’s worth for several of your
utility services, and we’ve been at it for more than 120 years. We are the state
agency responsible for making sure that investor-owned electric, water, wastewater,
and natural gas companies provide you with safe and reliable service at a reasonable
cost. We also ensure that competition provides you with affordable telephone service.
Tracing its history to 1887, the FPSC was established by the Florida Legislature
to regulate railroad passenger and freight rates and operations. At various times,
the FPSC has regulated a number of industries including telegraph service, toll
bridges, intrastate trucking, bus service, and airlines. Changes in the laws, advances
in technology, and shifts in the economy cause some industries to no longer require
economic regulation.
As utilities have changed over the past century, we have changed to keep pace with
them, as reflected by our various name changes:
- Florida Railroad Commission
- Florida Railroad and Public Utilities Commission
- Florida Public Utilities Commission, and currently
- The Florida Public Service Commission
The FPSC consists of five Commissioners who each serve four-year terms and can be
reappointed. Elected by majority vote of the five Commissioners, the Commission
chairman serves a two-year leadership term and is responsible for coordinating administrative
functions.
For each vacant Commissioner seat, the governor appoints a new Commissioner from
a list of at least three nominees submitted by the Florida Public Service Commission
Nominating Council. Prospective Commissioners are chosen for their knowledge and
experience in fields related to the FPSC duties, such as accounting, economics,
energy, engineering, finance, law, natural resource conservation, or public affairs.
Newly-appointed Commissioners must be confirmed by the Florida Senate.
The Commission’s work is a delicate balancing act: balancing the needs of the utilities
and their shareholders to make a reasonable return on their investments with the
needs of consumers for safe, reliable service at a reasonable cost. Whenever an
electric, natural gas, water, or wastewater utility under the FPSC’s jurisdiction
wants to change its rates, the utility must come before the PSC.
When a rate change request is submitted, the FPSC performs an extensive investigation.
The FPSC holds one or more customer hearings within the utility’s service area so
that Commissioners can hear from the public. The PSC also conducts a technical hearing,
where evidence is presented by expert witnesses, who are then cross-examined by
the utility, intervenors, staff, and also by the Office of Public Counsel appointed
by the Legislature to represent utility customers. FPSC staff then reviews the record
and prepares a recommendation. Commissioners consider the staff’s recommendation
in a public Commission Conference where they make their decisions.
In addition to setting utility rates, we ensure that the utilities provide their
services in a safe and reliable manner. We also ensure service quality by inspecting
the utilities’ equipment to make sure it meets our safety and service standards.
If violations are found, refunds, fines, and settlements are used to get utilities
to take corrective action and return to compliance.
The FPSC is dedicated to educating Florida’s consumers on the constantly changing
choices they face. We want consumers to know how to protect themselves and know
where to turn if they can’t resolve their utility problems on their own. We produce
a variety of fact sheets, brochures, and consumer tips to help you make wise choices
about everything from energy and water conservation to reducing your utility bills.
Have you ever needed help with a utility problem? It’s easy for consumers to contact
us with complaints or questions by calling 800-342-3552. Both English and Spanish-speaking
analysts are ready to help with questions or concerns about your electric, natural
gas, water or wastewater service.
There are five ways to contact us:
Complete an online complaint form at www.floridapsc.com
E-mail contact@psc.state.fl.us
Call our toll-free number, 800-342-3552
Fax information to us toll-free, 800-511-0809
Send a letter to: The Florida Public Service Commission
2540 Shumard Oak Blvd.
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850
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In February, PSC
Commissioners will attend and participate in the National Association of Regulatory
Utility Commissioners Winter Committee Meetings. ♦ At the February 14 Commission Conference,
Commissioners will consider Aqua Utilities Florida, Inc.’s rate increase request. ♦
A Need Determination for the modernization of Florida Power & Light Company’s Port
Everglades plant will be heard on February 20. ♦ That afternoon, Commissioners will
begin review of Progress Energy Florida, Inc.’s Settlement Agreement petition; the
hearing will continue on February 22, if needed. ♦ At a Special Commission Conference
on February 27, Commissioners will consider Gulf Power Company’s rate increase request.
January Press Releases
PSC Chairman Brisé Challenges Florida Residents to Conserve During Day of Utility
Service 1/13/2012
Customer Meeting Set for Labrador Utilities,
Inc. 1/13/2012
Florida Recognized by FCC Chair Genachowski For
Protecting the Lifeline Program from Abuse 1/5/2012
Lifeline Telephone Discount Program Enrollment
Jumps 47 Percent 12/15/2011
Notable FPSC Orders
Filed From January 1 - January 27, 2012
♦ ♦ ♦
Utilities, Inc. of Eagle Ridge
DOCKET NO. 110153-SU
ORDER NO. PSC-12-0042-PCO-SU
Establishes procedure for the wastewater utility’s protest of the PSC Order on its
rate increase request. A hearing is scheduled for April 17-18 in Ft. Myers.
♦ ♦ ♦
Water Management Services, Inc.
DOCKET NO. 110200-WU
ORDER NO. PSC-12-0030-PCO-WU
Suspends requested final rates and establishes interim rates, subject to refund,
in effect until the Commission decides final rates.
♦ ♦ ♦
Sanlando Utilities Corporation
DOCKET NO. 110257-WS
ORDER NO. PSC-12-0029-PCO-WS
Suspends requested final rates and establishes interim rates, subject to refund,
in effect until the Commission decides final rates.
♦ ♦ ♦
Florida Public Utilities Company & Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
DOCKET NO. 110133-GU
ORDER NO. PSC-12-0010-PAA-GU
Approves reporting requirements and recognition of a positive acquisition adjustment
and associated regulatory assets for Chesapeake’s purchase of FPUC. Chesapeake is
not requesting approval of any rate adjustment.
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