TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) -- The Florida Supreme Court is being asked to overturn a rate increase approved last year for the state's largest utility provider.
At issue is an order by the Florida Public Service Commission allowing the Florida Power & Light Company to increase rates and charges.
Last year, the PSC agreed to allow the utility to raise base electric rates by $350 million in January 2013.
It also agreed to allow the utility to raise rates again when three new power plants start operating.
The Office of Public Counsel, representing the interests of consumers in utility issues, contends the rate increases are not in the public's interest and the order is unlawful.
The office filed an appeal with the Supreme Court in February.
The state's high court heard oral arguments in the case last week.
From Legal Newsline: Reach Jessica Karmasek by email at jessica@legalnewsline.com.