News Summary
St. Petersburg’s City Council is exploring options for its electric power provider due to escalating costs and dissatisfaction with Duke Energy. City Council members are pushing for a public utility option to alleviate financial burdens. As hundreds of residents express their frustration and support a petition to cease relations with Duke Energy, discussions about potential municipal utility options gain traction. The current contract with Duke Energy expires in August 2026, highlighting the urgency of finding viable alternatives to improve service and lower rates.
St. Petersburg is evaluating its electric power provider amidst rising concerns from residents about escalating electric bills. In response to this issue, City Council Member Corey Givens Jr. is championing the exploration of a public utility option to potentially relieve financial burdens and improve services. The current contract with Duke Energy, which serves approximately 2 million customers and operates over 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity in Florida, is scheduled to expire in August 2026.
The St. Petersburg City Council has initiated discussions regarding the renewal of their contract with Duke Energy versus the possibility of seeking alternative energy sources. Representatives from Duke Energy have clarified that they are unable to offer unique rates for St. Petersburg and have emphasized the standardization of rates across their service areas, which has been a point of frustration among constituents.
Community sentiment is shifting; hundreds of residents have signed a petition pushing for the city to terminate its relationship with Duke Energy, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with rising costs and perceptions of inadequate service. In light of these developments, Council Member Brandi Gabbard has emphasized the urgency of exploring viable alternatives as the expiration date of the current contract approaches.
Moreover, Corey Givens has cautioned against hastily making decisions. He has stated the importance of conducting a thorough analysis of ongoing studies in Clearwater that are examining similar utility options. A recent vote by the sustainability committee demonstrated this growing interest, with a 2-1 outcome in favor of drafting a resolution to solicit bids for a potential municipal utility option.
City officials emphasize the potential implications of a significant shift in energy provision, suggesting that a municipal utility could grant greater control over electric rates and billing structures. This would impact not only local governance but also the financial implications tied to infrastructure and energy pricing.
Furthermore, Council Member Richie Floyd has highlighted the need for improved performance metrics to effectively assess Duke Energy’s Clean Energy Connection program, citing inconsistencies in the benefits offered to consumers. This concern is further compounded by residents’ calls for alternatives to Duke Energy, with rising costs and stalled progress toward renewable energy goals noted as primary motivators for the desired changes.
As community support grows for the grassroots “Dump Duke” campaign, local events are being organized to mobilize resident engagement. Among the initiatives, the Youth Energy Academy (YEA) has been active in hosting events aimed at introducing youth to careers within the electric utility sector, with participation from both Duke Energy and other utility providers.
In summary, St. Petersburg is at a critical juncture in its energy strategy, contemplating the possibility of establishing a municipal utility as residents voice their concerns over increasing utility costs and the performance of their current provider. With discussions underway and several stakeholders actively involved, the city is set to assess its options thoroughly before making any significant shifts in its energy provision strategy.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Google Search: Duke Energy
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Electricity in the United States
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Power
- Duke Energy News Release
- Google News: Florida Electric 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.
