FPL Gets More Leeway In Big Power Deals

MIAMI (CBSMiami/NSF) -- Florida Power & Light will have more flexibility in  negotiating electricity rates with some large commercial and industrial customers thanks to a proposal approved by state regulators on Tuesday.

The company said the move will help with economic development.

The Florida Public Service Commission said it had earlier approved similar plans for Gulf Power Co., Tampa Electric Co. and Duke Energy Florida.

"New and existing industrial investment is critical for Florida's economic development, and all FPL customers benefit when a large-volume customer joins or stays on a utility's system," Public Service Commission Chairman Art Graham said in a prepared statement.

The plan will require companies to meet certain criteria, including showing that they could find lower-cost electric service elsewhere.

A commission staff recommendation said an example of the type of customer that could qualify for negotiated discounts would be a large data center.

"The News Service of Florida contributed to this report."