Senate committee recommends two nominees to Florida Public Service Commission amid data-center and rate questions

The Senate committee voted to forward two nominees to the Florida Public Service Commission: Anna Ortega and Bobby Payne. Both were recommended favorably after separate appearances that focused largely on utility regulation, data-center impacts and rate-setting.

Anna Ortega described a career at the commission and told senators she would avoid prejudging active dockets. On the subject of large data centers, Ortega said the commission must carefully identify cost and cost causation so that customers pay the costs they cause and cited existing tariff models and customer protections as tools to manage risk. "These large users are much different than other large users that we have currently seen, and they do require really thoughtful legislation, very thoughtful regulation," Ortega said.

Senators asked how the PSC should ensure that utilities do not shift costs for massive new loads to retail ratepayers and whether legislative action is needed. Ortega replied that some costs are determined in negotiations between utilities and large customers and that the commission looks to cost-causation principles and transparency to protect customers.

Bobby Payne, the other nominee, outlined energy-sector experience and pledged to balance utility investment needs with consumer protection. In response to a question about return on equity, Payne said he would work to ensure returns align with national standards and that the commission should take steps to address affordability concerns. "I'll do my best to make sure we find the balance between utilities and consumer protections," he said.

Both nominations were recommended to the full Senate by voice or roll-call votes recorded by the committee. Supporters cited nominees' technical expertise and experience; senators said they would continue to monitor rate decisions and large-customer arrangements.

Motion and votes: Vice Chair Bernard moved to recommend Ortega; the committee recorded unanimous support and forwarded the nomination. Sen. Avila moved to recommend Payne; the committee forwarded that nomination as well.