St. Pete City Council To Consider Replacing Duke Energy

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — St. Petersburg City Council members narrowly voted Thursday to move forward with a study of alternatives to Duke Energy as the city’s provider of electricity services, according to reports.

The $590,000 feasibility study by Texas-based NewGen Strategies and Solutions was approved in a 4-3 vote, Florida Phoenix reported.

Council members Gina Discroll, Copley Gerdes and Mike Harding voted against the study, which will analyze whether the city should drop Duke Energy to form its own municipal utility.

The city’s 30-year franchise agreement with Duke expires on Aug. 1.

More than 100 people spoke during the meeting’s public comments, most supporting the study and citing the affordability of utilities, 10 Tampa Bay said.

"The best thing is to put power in the hands of the people," one resident told council members.

Another said during public comments, according to WFLA, “We’re looking at you all to make the right decision. This feasibility study to me is like a layup.”

A spokesperson for Duke Energy told Fox 13, “Duke Energy believes renewing the franchise agreement offers immediate benefits to our customers and communities we serve. We remain committed to providing safe, reliable power and look forward to working with the city of St. Petersburg to renew our franchise agreement.”

The city of Clearwater conducted a similar study last year and found a municipal utility would save money for residents, reports said. Clearwater officials haven’t made a decision on its agreement with Duke yet.