FPL Files Request To Raise Electric Bill

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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) -- Florida Power & Light has asked state regulators to approve a billion dollar package that would raise customers' monthly power bills.

FPL submitted paperwork to the Public Service Commission detailing the $1.34 billion proposal, first announced in January.

Under the plan, FPL is seeking an $866 million increase in 2017, followed by increases of $262 million in 2018 and $209 million in 2019.

State regulators are expected to make a decision on the request by the end of November. The utility says the plan would help cover ongoing investments in infrastructure such as strengthening power lines, replacing old power units and building three large-scale solar energy centers.

The request also would cover the completion of a proposed natural-gas plant in rural Okeechobee County.

Eric Silagy, president and CEO of the utility, said in a release the request is about "continuing to make smart, long-term investments in our system."

(The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.)