Hispanic Families Need Protection From Soaring Florida Energy Costs | Opinion

David Santiago is the Florida strategic director for The LIBRE Initiative-Florida, a state-level branch of a national organization that advocates for Hispanic-Americans.

Every Floridian knows the strain of higher prices. Electricity costs in particular have surged in recent years, leaving Floridians facing higher bills that squeeze already tight household budgets.

Hispanic families, who make up a growing share of Florida’s workforce and economy, feel these rising costs even more. Nearly 9 in 10 Hispanics say utility prices are too high, and they’re right. The cost of energy touches everything – from manufacturing and agriculture to transportation. When energy prices climb, the cost of living also climbs.

To make matters worse, another potential 23% rate increase is on the horizon for nearly 12 million Floridians. State regulators are weighing proposals in what could become the largest utility rate hike in U.S. history.

Depending on the outcome, Florida families could soon pay as much as $600 more each year for electricity compared to just five years ago. For seniors and working families, that could mean choosing between groceries, gas, or keeping the lights on. Small businesses would face higher costs too, limiting their ability to grow and hire.

The deeper problem is that Florida’s energy market lacks real competition. Families are stuck with government-approved monopolies that decide how much they pay, with few options to seek better service or lower rates. Instead of debating how much a monopoly can raise prices, policymakers should be asking why Florida families don’t have better choices in the first place. There is a better way, if we modernize our approach.

Florida, and America as a whole, have abundant energy resources. We have the technology, the workforce and the opportunity to provide affordable, reliable energy for everyone. But outdated regulations and government red tape are holding us back.

Across the country, critical energy projects face years of delay because of a broken permitting process. The median federal environmental review now takes nearly three years. We must modernize our permitting system. With an updated system we can strengthen the electric grid, build new delivery systems and expand energy exports that create prosperity here at home and support for allies abroad.

Hispanics stand to benefit directly. In 2023, over 32% of new energy jobs in the U.S. were filled by Hispanics. Expanding America’s energy production means more opportunity, more good-paying jobs, and more stability for families.

The LIBRE Initiative-Florida supports reforms that put people before bureaucracy. Strengthening the power grid will ensure round-the-clock reliability, while new infrastructure can move energy efficiently to homes and businesses. Streamlining the permitting process will ensure innovation and investment aren’t trapped in government bottlenecks.

Nearly 8 in 10 Hispanics say that our nation must produce more of its own gas and oil, invest more in advanced options like nuclear, and open more pathways into good-paying jobs. Families don’t want red tape. They want affordable energy and opportunity.

Rising energy costs are a daily reality for Florida families, lawmakers and regulators should remember what’s at stake. Affordable, reliable energy isn’t just an economic issue. It’s about protecting the freedom of families to build their future. It’s time to unleash America’s energy potential and bring down costs for every Floridian.

Orginally posted The Palm Beach Post.