Krystal Pate, a mother of five living in South Tampa, is facing the challenge of rising electricity bills that are putting a strain on her family’s finances. With a faulty air conditioning unit and a three-bedroom apartment to power, Pate’s bills often exceed $300 a month, with one bill reaching as high as $455.
The spike in energy costs in Florida has been attributed to the volatility of natural gas prices, which have more than doubled from 2020 to 2022. This increase has been exacerbated by factors such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, abnormally high temperatures, and increased worldwide economic activity following the pandemic.
Both Tampa Electric and Duke Energy, the leading energy providers in the region, have filed requests to raise their customers’ base rates, citing a desire to pay out a higher rate of return to their shareholders. Clean-energy advocates argue that Florida’s reliance on natural gas makes the state vulnerable to fuel price fluctuations and that more investment in renewable energy sources could provide stability in the long run.
For families like Pate’s, the rising utility costs are adding to existing financial struggles. Organizations like the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay have seen a significant increase in requests for assistance with electricity and other utility bills, highlighting the broader challenges faced by low-income communities in the region.
Despite the hardships, Pate remains grateful for what she has and tries to stay positive in the face of mounting bills. As she continues to search for a solution to her financial challenges, she finds strength in the love and support of her children and the reminder that there are others facing even greater hardships.