TECO gets OK for controversial rate hike

• Consumer advocate Walt Trierweiler, the state's public counsel, has warned the hike will cause "severe economic pain" for residents, per the Times.

Driving the news: The hike was OKed by the Florida Public Service Commission, whose members are all appointees of Gov. Ron DeSantis.

• The decision followed months of hearings, including eight hours of testimony by TECO's CEO.

What they're saying: The proposal sparked outcry, including from a coalition of Hillsborough County small business owners who urged local officials to intervene.

• TECO has argued imposing higher costs on residents and small businesses, whose energy usage fluctuates more than big companies', better accounts for peaks in demand.

Between the lines: The public service commission's staff had recommended significantly cutting TECO's proposed increases, but commissioners opted against that, per the Times.

What's next: The commission meets again to set the specific rates on Dec. 19.