St. Pete, Clearwater Duke fight looms over Florida elections
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Organizers with the Dump Duke campaign at a recent news conference in St. Petersburg. Photo: Kathryn Varn/Axios
Energy affordability will likely be a top issue among Florida voters in this year's midterm elections, according to a new report.
Why it matters: Nowhere is that more apparent than in Tampa Bay, where two cities are considering dropping their contracts with corporate utility Duke Energy over mounting frustration with sky-high power bills.
The big picture: The report, by Echo Communications Advisors, a public affairs firm focused on energy and climate, called Florida one of the 10 "energy affordability battlegrounds" for 2026.
- That determination was based in part on Florida Power & Light Co.'s $7 billion rate hike, which Tallahassee regulators approved in November.
- While that utility company mostly services South Florida, local power providers Duke and Tampa Electric have also hiked rates in recent years.
- Add in hurricane recovery fees stemming from 2024's destructive season and last summer's record heat, and the power-bill sticker shock has been staggering for many residents across the region.
Zoom in: With Duke's contract up for renewal in both St. Petersburg and Clearwater, officials in those cities are now looking at what it would take to launch city-run electric utilities.
- That move could save Clearwater residents millions, according to a study commissioned by the city.
- St. Pete is seeking consultants to conduct a similar analysis.
What they're saying: "People are aggravated," Marley Price of advocacy group Dump Duke said at a recent news conference. "They are wanting Duke Energy out of our community, and our bills just keep going up."
- The group contends that a city-owned utility would improve accountability and prioritize residents over shareholders.
The intrigue: The energy battle has begun to heat up on the ground.
- Paid canvassers with two recently formed groups — the St. Pete Energy Alliance and the Clearwater Energy Alliance — have gone door to door warning residents that ditching Duke could come with steep costs.
- Local leaders, including Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector and St. Pete City Council member Richie Floyd, think Duke is funding the efforts, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
- A company spokesperson told the newspaper the groups are "not controlled by Duke" and declined to answer follow-up questions.
Worthy of your time: Read the full Times report on the canvassing effort here.
What's next: Clearwater is now appraising Duke's equipment, facilities and land for potential acquisition, although the company has previously said its assets aren't for sale.
- That process is set to be completed by the end of the month, per the city.
- In St. Pete, consultants have until March 16 to submit proposals for a study examining the viability of dropping Duke.
Sommer Brugal of Axios Miami contributed reporting.