GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – Green Cove Springs council members shot down the controversial rate hike that would have had residents and businesses paying more for their electric bills.
City officials proposed the change that would have led to a 20% increase in electric rates by the end of the year.
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Council members even proposed a different rate hike schedule that would have seen a 10% increase this year, 6% next year and another 6% in 2027.
That measure wasn’t approved either.
City officials explained that prior to 2024, the city had not raised electric rates for nearly nine years. As costs have risen, the city’s electric rates have remained stagnant, creating a financial shortfall.
The rejected proposal currently on the table includes a 14% increase set to take effect in June, followed by a 6% increase in October, and a potential 2% increase next year.
The city held a public hearing, where residents voiced their opinions on the proposed rate hike.
During the contentious city council meeting, many attendees expressed their frustration.
“Please do not put this on my back,” one resident said.
Mayor Steven Kelley addressed some of the concerns.
“There’s a lot of different elements that got us to this point,” he said.
If approved, the increase would go into effect on June 1.
Visit www.greencovesprings.com for more information.
