Progress Energy Florida's customers will get a chance to comment on a proposed $500 million rate increase at a series of public hearings. The proposal would add $13 to an average monthly bill. Attorney General Bill McCollum intervened Thursday, calling the proposal "concerning." Public Counsel J.R. Kelly, who represents consumers, also criticized the filing, saying a proposed 12.54 percent profit is too much at a time when the economy is suffering. The first of nine hearings begins Monday in Lake Wales. Area hearings that are scheduled by the Florida Public Service Commission include: 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., in New Port Richey; 9 a.m. July 16 at St. Petersburg City Council Chambers in City Hall, 175 5th St. North, St. Petersburg; 6 p.m. July 16 at Pinellas County Commissioners Assembly Room, 315 Court St., Clearwater; and 9 a.m. July 17 at the Citrus County Auditorium, 3610 S. Florida Ave., Inverness.
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