Clearwater officials weigh dropping Duke Energy as provider

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Clearwater officials are considering dropping Duke Energy as its energy provider.

The city claims it would save millions by doing the job itself.

On Monday night, the City Council will see a presentation from NexGen Consultants on what a takeover would entail.

Duke Energy did its own study and claims switching would cost the city more than a billion dollars and that Clearwater would need its infrastructure, which the utility said isn’t for sale.

The company told Clearwater officials the city would have to seize Duke’s property through eminent domain, which would be “lengthy, expensive and very complicated.”

The city’s agreement with Duke Energy expires in December.

Monday night’s meeting is about information, with no plans for a vote. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Main Library on North Osceola Avenue.

St. Pete is also thinking about dropping Duke Energy. Last month, City Council asked Mayor Ken Welch to consider ending their agreement, which is up for renewal next year.

The mayor’s next step is to hire consultants who will study how feasible it is for St. Pete to run its own utility.