October 10, 2025

Residents Rally Against Duke Energy in St. Petersburg

News Summary

A grassroots movement named ‘Dump Duke’ is emerging in St. Petersburg as residents rally against Duke Energy’s pricing and services. Organizers aim to inform the public about the issues while push for signatures on a petition to evaluate energy alternatives. With the franchise agreement set to expire next summer, the movement seeks to gather community support to consider transitioning to a municipal utility, similar to actions taken in Clearwater. Local leaders are increasingly discussing options for greater control and better service.

St. Petersburg, Florida — A grassroots movement called “Dump Duke” is gaining traction as residents express their dissatisfaction with Duke Energy’s pricing and services. On October 4, 2025, 16 members of the movement gathered in Wildwood Park, South St. Petersburg, to strategize and canvass neighborhoods. The group aims to inform the community about ongoing issues with Duke Energy and gather signatures for a petition to explore energy alternatives.

This initiative is timely, as the City of St. Petersburg is approaching the expiration of its franchise agreement with Duke Energy next summer. The group is seeking to demonstrate to city officials that there is considerable community interest in terminating the agreement and possibly transitioning to a municipal utility.

Organizer Marley Price emphasized that canvassing local neighborhoods has proven effective, as many residents can easily identify Duke Energy and share negative experiences regarding the service. The level of dissatisfaction has prompted local leaders to consider municipal options more seriously.

In August, the St. Petersburg City Council voted 5-3 to request a feasibility study from Mayor Ken Welch to assess the potential for forming a municipal utility. This development aligns with similar actions taken by Clearwater, which has already commissioned a feasibility study suggesting that forming a municipal utility could produce significant savings for its residents over the next three decades.

The Clearwater study indicates that rates could initially be around 7% lower than Duke Energy’s for the first five years, with an estimated 18% reduction thereafter. The total cost for Clearwater to acquire Duke’s infrastructure is projected to be about $572 million, yet external valuations suggest it may reach up to $1 billion.

Major investor-owned utility providers operating in Florida include Duke Energy Florida, Florida Power & Light, Florida Public Utilities, and Tampa Electric Co., together servicing approximately 75% of the state’s population. Clearwater’s recent frustrations with Duke Energy’s service and high rates have encouraged their City Council to explore the option of municipalization.

If Clearwater proceeds with transitioning to a municipal utility, it may need to initiate eminent domain proceedings since Duke Energy has shown reluctance to sell its infrastructure. Meanwhile, St. Petersburg’s Mayor Welch has proposed discussions around a new 10-year franchise agreement with Duke Energy, despite growing calls for a more robust exploration of municipal utility options.

St. Petersburg City Council members have noted strong community feedback reflecting a desire for greater control over electric costs and localized decision-making. However, support for municipalization is not unanimous; some council members argue in favor of renewing the existing franchise agreement with Duke Energy, citing uncertainties surrounding the transition to a new utility provider.

Feedback during recent City Council meetings has highlighted both support for the shift to municipal utility due to poor service and skepticism regarding the city’s ability to manage utility operations effectively. Many residents have shared personal experiences regarding high utility bills and unreliable service, contributing to the growing support for the Dump Duke initiative.

The momentum of this grassroots movement underscores substantial public discontent with Duke Energy, potentially influencing the discussions and decisions made by local officials. Clearwater’s City Council has already voted unanimously to initiate an appraisal, which will help them assess the financial implications and community impacts related to possibly taking over Duke Energy’s operations.

As discussions continue in both St. Petersburg and Clearwater, the outcomes of these feasibility studies and community initiatives are expected to shape the future dynamics of energy provision in the region, particularly as current franchise agreements reach their expiration dates.