Floored by sky-high electric bills in Lakeland

Last Edited: Friday, 05 Oct 2007, 5:47 PM EDT
Created: Friday, 05 Oct 2007, 5:47 PM EDT

Lakeland electric customers are experiencing sticker shock. We've got you covered


LAKELAND - You may want to turn down the air, and turn off the fans when you're not at home. Have you looked at your electric bill lately? You may get sticker shock.

"The house is still the same, same two people, and the bill is getting bigger and bigger," said Jim Davari of Lakeland.

Davari bill just hit an all time high, even though he just spent $7,000 on energy savings devices. He installed double paned windows, shot more insulation into his attic, and now has florescent bulbs all over his house. Despite all that, he got a bill from Lakeland Electric for almost $400.

"Natural gas has increased by almost 400 percent in the last few years," said Kevin Cook, a spokesman for the utility. That cost increase is passed directly onto consumers.

Most Lakeland Electric customers got a really high bill for August, partially because it was so hot. But there's another reason. The August bill included the first week of September. They were billed for five weeks instead of four so that Lakeland Electric could pass along a decrease in the fuel charge that took effect the first week in September.

Even though the rate was lower, most people's bills were higher than usual.

Lakeland has one of the highest electric rates in the state, in part because it depends heavily on natural gas. Using coal produce to power is cheaper, but not in favor right now.

Recently, Governor Crist came out in favor of green technology like solar and wind. TECO just scrapped plans for a coal plant in Polk County because regulations governing it might be too stringent, and the cost to build it too high.

So, that leaves Davari and others frustrated.

"Something has to give," he said.