Progress Energy price for residents to rise

Progress Energy bills could increase by more than 18 percent by January as the utility piles on costs to reflect more expensive fuel, upgrades and its $17-billion nuclear project in Levy County. Residential customers could see an average increase of more than $23 a month.

Customers could face an 8 percent increase as early as August because of soaring fuel costs, the utility said Friday. The utility asked state regulators for a midyear increase in fuel charges of $12.07 per 1,000 kilowatt hours. If it is approved, customers will start seeing the charge in August.

Progress Energy also plans to pass on charges for scrubbers installed on its Crystal River coal plant, a fuel switch to natural gas at its Anclote power station and changes to its Crystal River nuclear plant that will increase its electric output. The utility also has asked regulators to approve a $17-billion nuclear project in Levy County. If approved, that project could add $7.50 per 1,000 kilowatt hours starting in January.

Progress Energy projected the net impact on monthly bills to be $8.68 per 1,000 kilowatt hours. The fuel charge will be partially offset by the deletion of a storm surcharge of $3.61 per 1,000 kilowatt hours. The total rate will climb to $116.79 from $108.11.

Asjylyn Loder can be reached at aloder@sptimes.com or (813) 225-3117.