Duke Energy faces scrutiny over Florida data tariffs

Duke Energy Florida faced scrutiny from regulators on 11 September over its proposed tariff structure for exceptionally large customers, including data centers. The Florida Public Service Commission heard arguments under Senate Bill 484, a state law requiring major energy users to cover the costs of serving them rather than passing expenses onto residential ratepayers.

All investor-owned electric utilities in Florida must file tariffs that comply with the new law by 1 October. Critics argued that Duke Energy Florida failed to propose a distinct rate schedule for large-load users. Walt Trierweiler with the Office of Public Counsel stated that Duke's filing does not comply with basic statutory provisions, noting that an existing settlement agreement does not exempt the company from legal requirements. Bradley Marshall with Florida Rising also urged regulators to reject the proposal to protect households.

Duke Energy deputy general counsel Dianne Triplett defended the plan, stating it includes a 20-year minimum commitment, significant financial assurances, early termination obligations, monthly minimum bills, and two years' notice before termination. Triplett told regulators that no mechanism would allow the tariff approval to increase customer rates before the end of 2027, which marks the end of the settlement term, adding that the utility intends to file a dedicated large-load rate schedule in a future rate proceeding.