Duke Energy 30-Year Franchise Agreement Renewal

Spoke on behalf of Duke Energy in support of renewing the franchise agreement and highlighting partnership benefits.

Expressed support for renewing the Duke Energy agreement, noting that municipalization would be too costly and complex.

Raised concerns about poor customer service from Duke Energy regarding damaged property and slow response times.

Voiced support for establishing a municipal utility to keep profits local and provide democratic control.

Argued that a municipal utility could save residents millions in rate reductions compared to Duke's profit-driven model.

Expressed frustration with rising electric bills and urged council to help struggling residents.

Supported public power and questioned why the city is not pursuing the savings shown in the feasibility study.

Shared negative experiences with Duke Energy in multiple states and supported a public utility.

Praised the feasibility study and appraisal findings, urging council not to lock residents into a 30-year contract.

Urged the city to negotiate a better deal or follow Winter Park's example in establishing municipal power.

Praised the council for initiating the feasibility study but questioned the sudden pivot back to Duke.

Asked the council to take a step back, conduct public education on the appraisal results, and avoid a 30-year commitment.

Raised concerns about beach transformer maintenance and above-ground power lines in downtown Clearwater.

Shared negative experience with municipalization efforts in Colorado and questioned the savings projected from buying only the distribution system.

Urged caution before committing the city to another 30-year agreement without fully exploring feasibility study findings.

Detailed ongoing unaddressed damage to her roof caused by an aging utility pole and lack of response from claims handlers.

Praised Duke Energy's weatherization programs in North Greenwood that reduced bills for low-income residents.

Shared past experience with failed municipalization efforts in Belleair and highlighted staffing and union challenges.

Expressed appreciation for Duke Energy's ongoing support of local business and entrepreneurial programs through Amplify Clearwater.

Argued that Duke is the most expensive utility in Florida and cited Winter Park as a successful municipal example.

Spoke in favor of public power and lower rates for the middle class.

Urged the council to consider long-term climate resilience, sea level rise, and renewable energy investments before signing a 30-year deal.