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Legislature Considers Bill To Tighten Utility Regulation

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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) —  Several proposed bills, limiting the panel that sets electric rates in Florida, are heading towards passage in the Legislature.

But some say they're not enough to end what they call the panel's too-cozy relationship with big power companies.

Several proposals headed toward passage stem from controversies involving Duke Energy. Among them are limiting deposits for service and prohibiting power companies from changing billing cycles to push customers into higher rate categories.

Term limits would also be set for the five appointees on the Public Service Commission.

Advocates of stronger reforms, including electing the PSC members, say the changes in the bills are just cosmetic. But backers of the bills say stronger changes need to wait for more deliberation and coming changes in federal energy regulations.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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