Op-ed: Rising Energy Costs Are A Burden For Florida Families

David Santiago is the Florida Strategic Director for The LIBRE Initiative-Florida.

Opening the monthly electricity bill has become a moment of stress for many Florida families.

Energy costs across the state continue to climb. For households already navigating rising prices on groceries, housing, and health care, higher utility bills mean stretching family budgets even further. For working families in Florida’s Latino communities, the rising cost of electricity is a real challenge.

To make matters worse, Florida regulators have approved multiple electricity rate increases. Those increases will be passed on to families in higher monthly electric bills through the end of the decade. The pressure on household budgets is unlikely to ease anytime soon.

At The LIBRE Initiative-Florida, we hear every day from families and small business owners who are concerned about rising household expenses. Parents talk about adjusting their budgets month to month. Small business owners describe higher operating costs that make it harder to invest in growth or hire new workers. For Florida to continue to grow, energy affordability is critical. Energy affordability and reliability must be a priority for policymakers so our state can continue to thrive.

Florida households consume more electricity than the national average. Our state’s climate is known for heat and humidity. Air conditioning is a necessity, not a luxury. During the long summer months, keeping homes cool quickly drives up energy use and monthly bills. For seniors on fixed incomes and young families just starting out, these seasonal spikes can be especially difficult to manage.

Utility companies point to several reasons for rate increases. Infrastructure upgrades, efforts to strengthen the electric grid against hurricanes, and the demands of Florida’s rapid population growth all require investment. Reliable energy infrastructure is essential, and strengthening the grid helps ensure families have power when they need it most.

But these improvements should not come at the expense of affordability.

Since 2021, the average electricity bill for Florida households has increased significantly, adding hundreds of dollars in additional annual costs for many families. For households living paycheck to paycheck, those extra costs can force difficult choices about what to prioritize each month. Some families delay home repairs. Others cut back on savings or postpone important purchases. Over time, these tradeoffs can limit economic opportunity and financial stability.

Originally published on the Orlando Sentinel.