News Summary
The ‘Dump Duke’ movement in St. Petersburg, Florida, is gaining momentum as residents express dissatisfaction with Duke Energy’s rising costs and reliability issues. As the city’s contract with Duke is set to expire in 2026, discussions are intensifying around the potential creation of a municipal utility. Alongside Clearwater’s similar considerations, public sentiment is divided on the feasibility and implications of municipalizing energy services.
St. Petersburg, Florida, is witnessing a growing grassroots initiative known as the “Dump Duke” movement, which is focused on severing ties with Duke Energy, a major electricity provider in the state. This campaign is gaining traction as community members express their frustrations over the rising costs of energy and service reliability issues attributed to the utility. Members of the movement convened at Wildwood Park on October 4, 2025, to strategize and rally support from local neighborhoods.
The urgency behind the movement is further amplified by the impending expiration of St. Petersburg’s contract with Duke Energy, set for summer 2026. As the deadline approaches, city officials are exploring alternatives, including the potential formation of a municipal utility. In a significant step, the city council voted 5-3 in August 2025, directing Mayor Ken Welch to obtain bids for a feasibility study on the transition away from Duke Energy.
Meanwhile, Clearwater, a neighboring city, is also evaluating its relationship with Duke Energy. Clearwater’s current franchise agreement is due to expire at the end of 2025, prompting its city council to conduct a feasibility study. This study aims to understand the financial implications and logistics required to break free from Duke Energy. Research from NewGen Strategies & Solutions suggests that if Clearwater creates its own municipal utility, residents would benefit from rates approximately 7% lower over the next five years, and an estimated 18% lower over the span of 30 years compared to prevailing Duke rates.
Financial Considerations and Challenges
The financial aspect of acquiring Duke Energy’s infrastructure for municipalization is substantial. Estimates range between $572 million and $1 billion, depending on the condition of existing assets. If either St. Petersburg or Clearwater proceeds with municipalization, they may have to consider the possibility of eminent domain, as Duke Energy has publicly stated that their infrastructure is not for sale.
Public Sentiment and Concerns
As the “Dump Duke” movement gains momentum, the public pressure on city officials to address rising energy costs and service inconsistencies is palpable. Local residents have voiced their dissatisfaction with Duke Energy’s service, yet there is a notable concern regarding the practicality of establishing a city-run utility. Many community members emphasize the importance of thoroughly assessing the feasibility study results before making any concrete decisions regarding the future of energy provision in St. Petersburg.
Public opinion within the community appears divided. While numerous residents advocate for a shift towards local control of energy services, others express apprehension about the risks and complexities entailed in municipalizing the electric utility. Various stakeholders, including the Edison Electric Institute, which represents private utility firms, have initiated campaigns to oppose municipalization efforts. They argue that such changes could lead to greater costs for consumers, further complicating the discourse surrounding this issue.
Future Steps
The city council members have reaffirmed their commitment to evaluating the results of the feasibility study before making any final determinations. As discussions continue and public sentiment develops, the future of energy provision in St. Petersburg remains uncertain, with the “Dump Duke” movement playing a pivotal role in shaping the dialogue.
In conclusion, the unfolding situation in St. Petersburg highlights the complexities of utility management and the critical nature of community engagement in policy decisions. With energy costs on the rise and public dissatisfaction growing, the potential for change looms on the horizon as city officials navigate the feasibility of municipal utilities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Residents Rally Against Duke Energy in St. Petersburg
Clearwater City Council Initiates Electric Utility Appraisal
Florida Cities Consider Municipalization of Electric Grids
St. Petersburg Moves to Explore Municipal Electric Utility
St. Petersburg Evaluates Electric Power Provider Amid Rising Costs
Additional Resources
- Florida Phoenix: Clearwater Power Utility
- Florida Politics: St. Pete Municipal Electric Feasibility
- St. Pete Catalyst: Clearwater Dumps Duke
- Tampa Bay Newspapers: St. Petersburg Utility News
- Google Search: Florida Municipal Utilities
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
