Fla. Power & Light rates going up for nuke plants

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - The typical monthly bill for Florida Power & Light Co.'s residential customers will increase by at least $2.59 in January.

The state Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved the $246 million annual rate hike. It will pass on costs associated with expanding two nuclear power plants that have become operational.

The increase more than offsets a $1.69 monthly decrease the commission approved on Monday for nuclear projects that have not yet been completed. That reduction also goes into effect in January.

The figures are for a customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours in a month.

The commission also is considering an FPL proposal to increase its base rates by $4.10 in January and $1.74 in June.

FPL serves 4.5 million customers in South Florida and along the state's east coast.