Bartow Electric Rates to Increase 3.8% on April 1, 2025, Adding $4.76 to Bills

Bartow residents will see an average increase of $4.76 on their monthly electric bills starting April 1, 2025. This adjustment comes as the city's Electric Department prepares to implement new rates following a comprehensive study by Leidos Engineering.

The rate increase, approximately 3.8% overall when factoring in the power cost adjustment (PCA), aims to ensure the city can continue providing reliable utility services. The base rate will increase by about 8%.

Understanding Bartow's Electric Rate Adjustments

Bartow's Electric Department commissioned Leidos Engineering to conduct a rate study. This study analyzed electrical load data and customer information from 2021 to the present. It also considered the City’s Annual Financial Statements, projected load forecasts, operating budgets for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, and projected capital costs for vehicle replacements, system upgrades, and personnel.

Why Rates Are Changing: The Study's Findings

The Leidos Engineering study found that existing rates are insufficient to meet projected revenue needs from 2025 through 2032. This shortfall necessitates the upcoming rate adjustments.

Impact on Your Electric Bill

For a typical customer using 1000 kilowatt-hours (KWH) per month, the new rates will translate to an average increase of $4.76 on their monthly electric bill. This change will take effect on April 1, 2025.

Bartow's Standing Among Florida Utilities

In September 2024, Bartow’s rate for 1000 KWH was $112.38, placing it as the 10th lowest among 37 utilities in Florida. With the new rate of $117.11 for 1000 KWH, Bartow will move to the 13th lowest position in the state. The power cost adjustment (PCA) influences these figures. PCA is determined monthly to recover the varying cost of fuel and transmission services for power purchased from Florida Power & Light.

Residents can anticipate these changes to their electric bills next spring.