FPL Okeechobee Power Plant Gets Backing

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) - With a decision expected in early January, the state Public Service Commission's staff has recommended that the commission give a key approval to a proposed Florida Power & Light plant in Okeechobee County.

FPL contends that the nearly $1.2 billion project is the best way to meet demands for additional power generation starting in 2019.
But the state Office of Public Counsel, which represents consumers, and other critics have argued, in part, that FPL hasn't proven a need for the project.

The Public Service Commission is scheduled to meet January 5th to consider whether to grant what is known as a "determination of need" for the natural-gas plant --- a key regulatory step for such projects.

The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.