Clearwater votes to further examine dropping Duke Energy

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Clearwater is moving forward with an appraisal and potential timeline for switching electric providers from Duke Energy to a municipal utility.

City council members voted unanimously Monday night on the move at last night’s meeting.

Lawmakers said the goal is to save residents money. But according to Duke, switching could cost the city as much as $1 billion.

Nearly two dozen residents weighed in during public comment, with one suggesting Clearwater join forces with other cities.

“Why aren’t we doing this together?” said Clearwater resident Mike Reardon. “It might take a decade. But how about a utility company for all of Pinellas County?”

Among the speakers were several current and former Duke employers.

They spoke about the expertise of Duke crews, including when it comes to restoring power after storms.

Others say they’re frustrated that Duke’s rates keep going up, and urged the council to move forward with creating its own utility.

“Their motivation is always going to be how to make the most money for the shareholders to the tune of, what? Nineteen or $20 billion? They are never going to have our best interests at heart.”

A representative from NewGen Strategies & Solutions says a feasibility study found a municipal utility could save residents $17 a month on their electric bill.

Duke questions that, saying the study includes misleading assumptions.

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.