Blog›Don’t Blow Your Dough: Electric Bills Are About to Crash the New Year’s Party

Don’t Blow Your Dough: Electric Bills Are About to Crash the New Year’s Party

FPL Bill Increase January 2027: What's Changing
June 19, 2026
Solar Savings

For most FPL customers, yes. FPL’s approved rate plan raises the typical 1,000 kWh home bill from $136.64 to a projected $143.05 in January 2027, about $77 more a year. Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric have asked to trim bills slightly, but those requests still need state approval.

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Key takeaways

  • FPL’s second approved rate step starts January 1, 2027, adding about $705 million a year in base rate revenue.
  • A typical FPL bill is projected to reach $143.05 in January 2027, then keep climbing to about $148.15 by December 2029.
  • Duke Energy Florida has asked to lower its typical bill by 71 cents in January 2027, and Tampa Electric has asked for a 1.5% cut. Neither is final until the Florida Public Service Commission votes.
  • Even with those small cuts, Duke and TECO bills stay higher than FPL’s on a typical 1,000 kWh month.
  • The bills that hurt most come in summer, when Florida homes often use well over 1,000 kWh.

What’s happening to Florida electric bills in January 2027?

Every fall, Florida’s big utilities file their numbers for the coming year, and the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) decides what you’ll pay starting in January. This year the news depends on who sends your bill.

FPL customers: In November 2025, the PSC approved the largest rate increase in FPL’s history. It came in two steps. The PSC said the first step added $945 million in yearly revenue starting January 1, 2026, and a second step adds $705 million starting January 1, 2027. That second step is the one crashing this year’s party.

Duke Energy Florida customers: Duke filed in September 2026 to lower the typical bill by $0.71 in January 2027. Duke said lower fuel costs and a tax strategy tied to its battery storage let it skip a planned 2% base rate increase.

Tampa Electric customers: TECO asked the PSC to cut residential bills by 1.5% starting in January 2027. That follows the end of its storm recovery charge in August 2026.

How much will my bill change?

Here’s what a typical home using 1,000 kWh a month can expect, based on each utility’s own numbers:

UtilityTypical bill nowJanuary 2027ChangeStatus
FPL (most of Florida)$136.64$143.05 projectedAbout +$6.41/monthApproved rate plan; fuel and other charges set each fall
FPL (Northwest Florida)$141.36$143.05 projectedAbout +$1.69/monthRates for both FPL regions line up in 2027
Duke Energy Florida$165.35$164.64 requested–$0.71/monthPending PSC approval
Tampa Electricabout $156.48$154.13 requestedAbout –1.5%Pending PSC approval

A few things to keep in mind:

  • These are 1,000 kWh examples. Many Florida homes use 1,500 kWh or more in July and August, so real bills swing much higher. Here’s why your summer bill spikes.
  • FPL’s bill could land a little higher. FPL says the January 2027 bill moves to $143.25 if regulators approve new solar and battery projects.
  • FPL isn’t done. Its own projections show the typical bill reaching $146.24 in January 2028 and $148.15 by December 2029.

For the full breakdown, read our guide to the FPL rate increase and how to cut it.

Why do Florida electric bills keep going up?

Your bill is built from a few main pieces:

  • Base rates cover power plants, poles, wires, storm hardening and the utility’s profit. These change through rate cases like FPL’s four-year plan.
  • Fuel charges pass along the cost of natural gas and other fuel with no markup. Tampa Electric says fuel is about 20% of a typical residential bill.
  • Storm and grid charges pay for hurricane recovery and making the grid stronger.

When fuel prices drop or a storm charge ends, bills can dip, like Duke’s and TECO’s this year. But base rates mostly move one way. Florida keeps growing, and so does the demand on the grid. Here’s more on why power bills keep going up.

What can I do to keep more money in my pocket?

You can’t stop a rate increase, but you can change how much of your bill it touches. Here’s how the main options compare:

OptionUpfront costHow much it can cutProtects you from future increases?Best for
Do nothingNoneNoneNoNobody, if bills are already a stretch
Budget billingNoneNothing; it spreads costs evenly across the yearNoHomeowners who want predictable monthly bills
Energy upgrades (AC tune up, insulation, smart thermostat)Low to mediumSome, mostly in summerPartlyHomes with an older AC or a hot attic
Solar panelsLow to high, depending on how you payOften a large share of your billYes, for the power your panels makeHomeowners with a good roof who plan to stay several years
Solar panels plus a batteryHighestSame as solar, plus backup powerYes, plus power during outagesHomes that want to keep the lights on in a storm

Solar doesn’t erase your bill. You’ll still pay a minimum monthly charge and buy power at night or on cloudy days. But every kilowatt-hour your panels make is one you don’t buy at the new rate. That’s why rate increases tend to make solar’s numbers look better, not worse. Learn how Florida net metering works in 2026.

Is now a good time to look at solar?

It can be, if the numbers work for your home. Start with three things:

  1. Your usage. Pull your last 12 months of bills. Your yearly kWh total decides how many solar panels you need.
  2. Your price. Compare written quotes, not promises. Here’s what solar panels cost in Florida.
  3. How you pay. You can pay upfront, take a loan with a monthly payment, or choose a lease or prepaid lease. Each one changes what you save. See ways to pay for solar in Florida.

One caution: rate increase headlines bring out pushy sales reps. Anyone promising a “free” system or “no more electric bill” is a red flag. Learn how to spot a solar scam before you sign anything.

Ready to protect your budget before January?

Don’t let a higher bill be the first surprise of 2027. Solar Near Me compares offers from several licensed installers, so you can see real prices for your home side by side, with no pressure and no obligation.

Get your free solar estimate and find out what your bill could look like next year.