Taking action

Editor's note: The following letter was written to Nancy Argenziano, chairwoman of the Florida Public Service Commission, and is reprinted here at the author's request.

As you know, I have long been an opponent of Progress Energy's applications for rate increases and was most pleased when this commission chose to deny the utility's proposed rate hikes. Because of the commission's actions, The Tampa Tribune reported in the Jan. 20 edition that Progress Energy has decided to stop spending dollars on its nuclear power plants (see attached). I am most pleased that this is one of the outcomes of the commission's consumer-friendly decision.

Since Progress Energy was allowed to raise rates last year and previously for advance nuclear cost recovery, it only seems fair that the customers who paid those rates should be given a refund for a project that is no longer in the works. Speaking on behalf of my constituents who receive their electricity from Progress Energy, I am respectfully requesting that the commission look into taking action to force Progress Energy to not only refund rates that have been paid, but to lower their base rates, which may include any dollars previously allowed for nuclear cost recovery.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request. If you would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mike Fasano

State Senator, District 11