Florida Public Service Commission Authorizes $90.5 Million Refund for Duke Energy Florida Customers

In February 2025, the Commission approved an interim storm restoration charge to allow DEF to recover estimated costs incurred from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. The charge resulted in a monthly bill impact of approximately $33 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) for residential customers beginning in March 2025. DEF later notified the Commission that the charge would terminate early, ending in January 2026 instead of February 2026.

Following a comprehensive review of final storm restoration expenses, DEF reported total collections of approximately $1.006 billion, compared to actual storm-related costs of about $915.3 million, resulting in an over-collection of $90.5 million.

To ensure customers are promptly reimbursed, the Commission directed that the over-collected funds be returned through a temporary reduction in fuel charges. Beginning with the June 2026 billing cycle through September 2026, customers will see a decrease of 0.562 cents per kWh, lowering the residential fuel rate from 4.414 cents per kWh to 3.852 cents per kWh.

After the four-month refund period, fuel charges will return to Commission-approved rates.

Duke Energy Florida serves more than 2 million customers across 35 counties in the state.