A. The decision to raise rates is not an easy one for us. There is never a good time for it, and we know increased prices are affecting everyone.

Floridians depend on natural gas. As Florida grows, Peoples Gas must continue to make investments in our team, our tools, and the maintenance and expansion of our system to serve customers and communities across the state. We take the responsibility to deliver safe, dependable and affordable energy to our customers seriously, and that includes managing our business carefully while meeting their evolving expectations.

A. If approved, we anticipate that the new rates would be effective Jan. 1, 2026. At this time, we do not know how bills will be impacted. We will be able to share more details in April.

A. Since January 2023, the last time we requested to raise base rates, Peoples Gas has:

• Added approximately 37,000 (8.5 percent increase) and approximately 1,500 (3.7 percent increase) new residential and commercial customers, respectively
• Added approximately 1,260 miles of main and service lines to serve demand
• Invested in the safety of the public, our system and our people by striving to manage damages caused by construction activity around the state.
• Helped residential and commercial customers save more than 4 million therms of natural gas through conservation programs.
• Connected more than 17,000 residential customers to ways to save energy through our free online energy audit
• Launched a new on-site energy audit for commercial customers. More than 160 businesses participated in this free program
• Continued to be among the leading utilities in the nation for customer satisfaction and brand trust

A. We’ve been recognized for exceptional customer service for more than a decade. According to J.D. Power studies, Peoples Gas has ranked first in residential customer satisfaction in the South Mid-Size segment for 11 consecutive years and first in commercial customer satisfaction in the South for six years. Our residential satisfaction scores were the highest in the nation nine times, and we have attained the highest scores for commercial satisfaction six times in the last 10 years. Independent customer feedback continues to show that Peoples Gas provides exceptional customer service. Floridians across our state continue to choose natural gas service for their energy needs.

A. We partner with non-profit organizations who provide assistance to those needing help. Should you need assistance, we offer programs to support our residential and business customers as well as flexible payment arrangements for residential and business customers. We also provide opportunities for our customers to qualify for cash-back rebates through our residential and business conservation programs.

A. Our free online energy audit helps our residential customers manage their energy usage and spend. A variety of appliance calculators also are available to help customers pinpoint opportunities for savings. If you’re thinking of replacing or upgrading with more energy-efficient appliances, we offer cash-back rebates for residential and commercial customers.

A. Base rates are part of the “Customer Charge” and the “Distribution Charge” line items on a customer’s bill.

• Base rates make up about half of a total bill and cover the costs of the pipes, maintenance and customer service to get natural gas to its point of use, but not the cost of the gas itself.
• The other half is made up of charges passed through from natural gas suppliers and municipalities to our customers with no markup or profit to Peoples Gas.

A. On Jan. 30, 2025, Peoples Gas filed its formal notification with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) that we will be requesting to raise base rates. This notification is the first step in a regulatory process that takes many months. We will file details of our proposed rate increase with the PSC at the end of March. The PSC is expected to hold hearings and to vote on the rate request before the end of the year. If approved, new rates would likely take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

A. Unlike retail stores, regulated utilities must go through a formal process to change the amount they charge their customers. The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates utilities, including ensuring fair and reasonable rates for customers. The PSC has final say on the amount Peoples Gas can charge customers. Several factors are considered, including the company’s prudent costs to provide safe and reliable service along with providing a reasonable return on its capital investment.